Rotatable Concealing Door Handle for Aerodynamic Drag Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Motor vehicle door handles are prone to being difficult to operate in adverse weather conditions and may not be durable enough to withstand repeated use, and there is a need for enhanced security and aerodynamic design.
Innovation Solution
A rotatable handle concealing assembly that moves between a concealing and revealing position, integrated with a sensor system to authorize access, allowing the door handle to be recessed and aerodynamically optimized, with the door handle being a part of the door body and the concealing assembly rotating about an axis to align or misalign with an aperture for access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the door handle protrudes outward from the exterior of the door, then it is easier for users to grasp and operate, but it increases aerodynamic drag and creates a less smooth exterior surface
Solution Approach 1:
The door handle is designed to dynamically change its position between protruding and recessed states. When not in use, the handle retracts into the door body to maintain a smooth aerodynamic surface. When activated by the sensor detecting a user, the handle protrudes outward to enable grasping. This dynamic positioning resolves the contradiction by providing ease of operation only when needed while minimizing aerodynamic drag during normal vehicle operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor assembly detects the presence of a user in advance and triggers the door handle to protrude before the user attempts to grasp it. This preliminary action ensures the handle is in the correct position for operation, eliminating the need for the user to search for or force the handle, while keeping the handle recessed during normal conditions to reduce aerodynamic drag.
2Loss of energy
If the door handle is flush with the exterior of the door, then it reduces aerodynamic drag and improves exterior smoothness, but it becomes difficult to operate through ice and snow buildup and may lack durability
Solution Approach 1:
The door handle transitions from a static flush design to a dynamic design that can protrude when needed. The sensor assembly detects adverse conditions (ice, snow, or user presence) and activates the handle to protrude, ensuring operability in adverse weather while maintaining the aerodynamic benefits of the recessed position during normal conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional always-protruding mechanical handle with an electronically controlled system. The sensor assembly uses optical or other non-contact detection methods to identify user presence or adverse conditions, then electronically actuates the handle to protrude. This substitution allows for more sophisticated control logic that can optimize both aerodynamic performance and operability in adverse weather.
3Device complexity
If a conventional door handle design is used, then it is simple and durable, but it lacks enhanced security features and aerodynamic optimization
Solution Approach 1:
The door handle assembly is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as the mechanical interface for door opening, acts as an aerodynamic surface when recessed, functions as a sensor mounting platform, and provides a controlled access mechanism for enhanced security. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve security and aerodynamic performance improvements without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The door handle system is segmented into distinct functional components: the sensor assembly, the actuation mechanism, and the handle itself. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while working together as an integrated system, achieving enhanced security and aerodynamic performance through coordinated operation of specialized subsystems.
Data Source
AI summary
An exemplary motor vehicle assembly includes a handle concealing assembly rotatable back and forth between a concealing position that blocks access to a door handle and a revealing position that permits access to the door handle. The door handle is separate from the handle concealing assembly. An exemplary method includes, among other things, rotating a handle concealing assembly back and forth between a concealing position that blocks access to a door handle and a revealing position that permits access to the door handle. The door handle is separate from the handle concealing assembly.