Motor Vehicle Sliding Panel Handle with Bevel Gear Unlocking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicle bay closure devices are ergonomically and intuitively challenging for locking and unlocking, often requiring significant effort and complex mechanisms, which can lead to aesthetic and assembly issues due to limited dimensions and inconsistent bolt movement.
Innovation Solution
A bay closure device featuring a movable panel with bolts that engage with latches via a handle-actuated bevel gear mechanism, allowing easy unlocking in the direction of the opening movement, with return means to ensure bolts return to the locked position, and a compact frame design that maintains a flush appearance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional locking mechanisms are used with limited gripping surfaces (≤23mm), then the device meets standardization constraints, but the unlocking action becomes difficult and non-ergonomic
Solution Approach 1:
The handle is extended laterally beyond the standard 23mm gripping surface limit, utilizing the lateral dimension rather than being constrained to the vertical dimension. This allows the gripping surface to extend further out, providing better leverage and ergonomics for the unlocking action without violating the spirit of the standardization constraint.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle is designed to move dynamically during the unlocking operation, transitioning from a retracted position to an extended position that provides optimal gripping leverage. This dynamic movement allows the mechanism to adapt to the user's hand position and force application, improving ease of operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If complex transmission means are used to enable unlocking and displacement with the same handle, then both functions can be controlled by one handle, but the assembly becomes complex and requires many parts and adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The handle is designed as a universal control element that performs multiple functions: it controls both the unlocking of the bay and the displacement of the movable panel. By integrating these functions into a single handle mechanism, the design achieves versatility while avoiding the need for separate controls and complex transmission systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The unlocking mechanism and displacement control are merged into a single integrated handle assembly. The handle's movement simultaneously actuates the locking mechanism and initiates panel displacement, reducing the number of separate parts and eliminating the need for complex individual transmission systems for each function.
3Ease of operation
If the handle extends from the frame to provide adequate gripping surface, then ergonomics improve, but the clear window area is reduced and aesthetics are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The handle extension is localized to specific areas of the frame where it is most needed for ergonomic operation, rather than uniformly increasing frame size throughout. This allows the gripping surface to be enhanced in the critical handling zones while preserving the clear window area and aesthetic appearance in the visible portions of the bay.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle mechanism is nested within the frame structure, with the handle extending from the frame in a space-efficient manner. The handle's support structure is integrated into the existing frame geometry, minimizing the additional material required and preserving the clear window area while still providing adequate gripping leverage.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides a simple, ergonomic, and intuitive locking and unlocking mechanism that reduces effort and assembly complexity while maintaining a clear window and aerodynamic appearance, ensuring reliable operation and compliance with normative constraints.
Implementation Method 1
bevel gear means implementing at least one toothed wheel to control the displacement of one of said bolts
Implementation Method 2
return means acting on each of said bolts, and tending to return them to said locking position
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for closing off a bay formed in a body element of a motor vehicle, comprising a stationary part and at least one panel that is movable relative to said stationary part, the sliding of which is guided by two rails supported by said stationary part, said movable panel supporting two bolts able to cooperate with two corresponding strikes, respectively formed in each of said rails, and movable in an unlocking direction perpendicular to the sliding direction of said movable panel, between a locked position in which said bolts are engaged with said strikes, and an unlocked position allowing sliding, in which said bolts are removed from said strikes, characterized in that said movable panel supports a handle for actuating said bolts, movable in an actuating direction parallel to said sliding direction, and angle transmission members implementing at least one toothed wheel to control the movement of one of said bolts.