Variable Pitch Cam Door Handle Arrangement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing door handle arrangements for vehicles lack efficient mechanisms for safely guiding the handle between use and non-use positions, particularly when frozen or in end positions, and do not provide adequate force optimization during adjustment.
Innovation Solution
A door handle arrangement featuring a carrier element and handle element with an adjusting mechanism that includes a lever and cam carrier with variable cam pitch, allowing for force-optimized adjustment through different cam portions, ensuring the handle can be easily released from frozen states and securely fixed in the use position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional cam mechanism is used for adjusting the handle element, then the structure is simple, but the adjustment force is not optimized and the handle cannot be reliably released from frozen states
Solution Approach 1:
The cam mechanism is segmented into multiple cam portions (first cam portion with smaller pitch, second cam portion with larger pitch, third cam portion with constant pitch) that perform different functions. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized for specific tasks such as releasing frozen handles, extending the handle, and maintaining position, thereby improving reliability while keeping the overall structure manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the cam are given different local qualities through variable pitch design. The first cam portion has a smaller pitch for high force application to release frozen handles, the second cam portion has a larger pitch for smooth extension, and the third cam portion has constant pitch for stable positioning. This local differentiation optimizes performance for each operational phase.
2Force
If a variable cam pitch mechanism is used to apply high forces for releasing frozen handles, then the reliability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cam pitch parameter is changed across different portions of the cam mechanism. The variable pitch design allows the cam to provide high forces when needed (smaller pitch in first cam portion) and smoother operation when extending (larger pitch in second cam portion). This parameter variation achieves force optimization without requiring multiple separate mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam mechanism transitions from static to dynamic characteristics through its variable pitch design. The pitch changes continuously or in steps along the cam profile, allowing the mechanical advantage to vary dynamically during the adjustment cycle. This enables the system to adapt its force characteristics to the instantaneous operational requirements.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the handle element is securely fixed in the use position, then the stability improves, but the mechanism complexity increases due to additional locking features
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is merged with the cam mechanism itself rather than being a separate system. The third cam portion with constant pitch directly provides the locking action by maintaining a fixed geometric relationship between the cam and the lever. This integration achieves stable positioning without adding independent locking components.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam mechanism serves multiple functions including force application, extension control, and self-locking. The variable pitch design inherently provides the locking capability in the third cam portion, allowing the mechanism to maintain the handle in the use position without requiring external locking devices. The geometry of the cam itself provides the stabilizing function.
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 enables robust, low-noise, and secure operation of the door handle by applying high forces initially to release frozen handles and maintaining the handle in a fixed, secure position with minimal play, enhancing user experience and mechanical stability.
Implementation Method 1
the adjusting mechanism comprises at least one lever and a cam carrier having at least one main cam for the controlled movement of the handle element between the non-use position and the use position
Implementation Method 2
the adjusting mechanism comprises at least one lever and a cam carrier having at least one main cam
Data Source
AI summary
A door handle arrangement may have a carrier element, a handle element, which is movably arranged on the carrier element between a non-use position and a use position, and an adjusting mechanism for adjusting the handle element relative to the carrier element. The adjusting mechanism may have at least one lever and a cam carrier having at least one main cam for the controlled movement of the handle element between the non-use position and the use position. The main cam may interact with a cam counter surface arranged on the lever and may have a variable curve shape.