Spring-Cable Door Handle Actuation Mechanism

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing handle devices for motor vehicle doors lack enhanced security against damage and usability, as they often require actuator control for the handle to be displaced into a rest position, which can lead to actuator impairment and limited design options.

Innovation Solution

A handle device featuring a spring element that urges the handle element into a use position and a cable pull connected to an actuator, allowing the handle to be moved into a rest position independently of the actuator, with a circular arc design and pivotable mounting for improved usability and reduced actuator reliance, along with an integrated unlocking device for easy door operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the handle element is directly mechanically coupled to the actuator for displacement, then the actuator can control the handle position, but the actuator may be impaired or damaged due to forced displacement operations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehandle displacement controlVSAvoidactuator reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a spring element as an intermediary between the handle element and the actuator. The spring element absorbs the mechanical coupling forces, allowing the handle to be displaced without directly transmitting damaging forces to the actuator. The spring element acts as a buffer that protects the actuator from impairment while still enabling controlled handle displacement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Manufacturing precision

If the handle element requires actuator control for displacement into rest position, then precise positioning is achieved, but the device complexity increases and usability is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehandle positioning precisionVSAvoiddisplacement mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the displacement mechanism into two independent parts: a spring element that provides the restoring force for automatic return to rest position, and a cable pull that enables manual displacement without actuator intervention. This segmentation simplifies the overall system by removing the need for actuator control during normal handle displacement operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The spring element provides self-service by automatically returning the handle element to the rest position without requiring actuator control. This self-service mechanism reduces device complexity and improves usability by allowing users to displace the handle freely without worrying about actuator impairment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of manufacture

If the handle element is designed with a linear shape, then the structure is simple, but the gripping surface is less advantageous for user interaction

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehandle structure simplicityVSAvoidgrip comfort
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies curvature to the handle element by designing it with a circular arc cross-section instead of a linear shape. This curved design provides an advantageous gripping surface that conforms to the user's hand, improving grip comfort and usability. The curvature is achieved through a simple geometric form that remains easy to manufacture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

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 handle device can be reliably shifted into a rest position without actuator impairment, offering enhanced usability and design flexibility, while the integrated unlocking mechanism allows for easy door unlocking without actuator activation, reducing the risk of damage and improving user interaction.

Implementation Method 1

the device has at least one spring element that urges the grip element into the position of use

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring force: Spring

Data Source

PatentEP3073035B1Grip device for a door, door assembly
Publication Date: 2019.05.22 VOLKSWAGEN AG
  • EP3073035B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP3073035B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3073035B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

A handle device (5) for a door (2), in particular a motor vehicle door, comprising a handle element (6) that is movable between a rest position recessed at least substantially in the door (2) and a working position projecting from the door (2), and comprising a device (9) for moving the handle element (6). The device (9) is provided to have at least one spring element (12) that pushes the handle element (6) into the working position and a cable (15) that is connected at one end to the handle element (6) and at the other end to an actuable actuator (13), so that the handle element (6) can be moved into the working position by actuating the actuator (13) against the force of the spring element (12), and/or that the handle element (6) is shaped in a circular arc and is pivotably mounted about a central axis of the circular arc.