Telescoping Grab Handle Assembly for Adjustable Passenger Reach
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing grab handles in vehicle passenger cabins are difficult for passengers of varying heights to reach, especially in larger vehicles with higher roofs and more ground clearance, limiting ease of ingress and egress.
Innovation Solution
A pivotable and telescoping grab handle assembly with a latch mechanism that allows the handle to be deployed, extended, and secured in multiple positions, featuring a pivotable connection, telescoping portions, and a deployment retainer to maintain accessibility for passengers of different heights.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a fixed grab handle is installed above the door opening, then the structure is simple and stable, but passengers of varying heights cannot easily reach it
Solution Approach 1:
The grab handle is designed with dynamic characteristics, allowing it to pivot between a stowed position (flush with the vehicle body) and a deployed position (extended outward). This dynamic movement enables passengers of different heights to access the handle easily when needed, while maintaining a clean appearance when not in use.
Solution Approach 2:
The grab handle assembly is nested within the vehicle body structure when in the stowed position, with the handle portion recessed into the body panel. This nesting approach allows the handle to be integrated into the vehicle design while remaining accessible when deployed.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a telescoping mechanism is added to adjust the grab handle position, then accessibility for different heights is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The telescoping portion is divided into multiple segments (first telescoping portion and second telescoping portion) that can extend and retract independently. This segmentation allows for controlled adjustment in discrete steps, simplifying the overall mechanism compared to a continuous adjustment system.
Solution Approach 2:
The telescoping mechanism incorporates a latch system with detents that provides dynamic locking at specific extension positions. This allows the handle to be easily extended to the needed position and securely held there, while maintaining simplicity through mechanical rather than electronic control.
3Ease of operation
If the grab handle is made pivotable and telescoping, then ease of access is improved, but the reliability of the attachment to the vehicle body may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment portions are designed with reinforcement plates and robust mounting structures that pre-compensate for the stresses and forces generated during pivoting and telescoping operations. This beforehand strengthening ensures reliable attachment while allowing the handle to move freely when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivotable connection between the handle assembly and the vehicle body is designed with controlled movement characteristics, allowing smooth operation while maintaining secure attachment. The dynamic design permits necessary movement for accessibility while preventing excessive or damaging motions.
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly includes a first attachment portion, a second attachment portion, and a handle assembly pivotably attached to the first attachment portion and the second attachment portion. The handle assembly is pivotable between a stowed position and a deployed position.The handle assembly includes a first telescoping portion pivotably attached to the first attachment portion and a second telescoping portion pivotably attached to the second attachment portion, and a grab portion attached to the first telescoping portion and the second telescoping portion. The first telescoping portion and the second telescoping portion are configured to move the grab portion between a retracted position and at least one extended position.