Sliding Vehicle Assist Handle for Multipurpose Headliner Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle assist handles are fixedly mounted on the headliner, limiting their use to a single function and reducing space utilization when not in use, especially during activities like camping where additional functionalities are needed.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle assist handle design that allows the handle to be slidably fitted into a guide block on the headliner, enabling separation from the headliner for multiple uses, and accommodating additional components like a sunglass case or storage rack, with a guide mechanism to ensure stability and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the assist handle is fixedly mounted on the headliner, then the handle provides stable support for the occupant, but the space utilization is reduced when the handle is not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The assist handle is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to slide along the headliner surface. The guide groove mechanism enables the handle to transition between a retracted position (when not in use) and an extended position (when needed for support), transforming a static structure into a dynamic one that adapts to different usage states
Solution Approach 2:
The handle assembly is divided into separate components: the handle body, the support bracket, and the guide block mounted on the headliner. This segmentation allows the handle to be independently movable while maintaining a stable mounting point, enabling both stability during use and space efficiency when retracted
2Device complexity
If the assist handle is fixedly mounted on the headliner, then the handle structure is simple, but the handle cannot be used for multiple purposes when not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The assist handle is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a support handle for occupant stability and as a mounting base for additional accessories like storage boxes or camping equipment. The guide block structure provides a universal interface that can accommodate various attachments, transforming a single-function handle into a multi-purpose system
Solution Approach 2:
The handle assembly incorporates a nested structure where the support bracket fits within the guide block, and additional accessories can be nested or attached to the handle body. This nesting approach allows multiple functions to be integrated into a compact form that doesn't increase overall complexity
3Reliability
If the handle body is mounted parallel to the headliner surface, then the handle can withstand occupant weight safely, but the sliding mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The complex sliding mechanism is extracted and isolated into a separate guide block component that is mounted on the headliner. This guide block contains the guide groove and positioning features, separating the complexity from the handle body itself. The handle simply needs to engage with the guide block, reducing its own complexity while maintaining weight-bearing capability through the parallel mounting orientation
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle assist handle is formed so that a guide block is mounted on a surface of a headliner on which the assist handle is mounted and which is fixedly fitted into or separated from the guide block in a sliding manner to be used for other purposes by separating the assist handle from the surface of the headliner. The vehicle assist handle may be pushed in a direction parallel to the surface of the headliner to be assembled or separated when slidably guided to the guide block. The guide block can support a weight of an occupant applied to the assist handle. The vehicle assist handle can be used safely and conveniently. In addition, as a sunglass case, a storage case, or a rack may be fixedly coupled to the guide block in the sliding manner.