Vehicle Door Coupling Device for Handle-Free Mechanical Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle door opening systems face issues with wind resistance, aesthetic impact, and security concerns, particularly when electrical mechanisms fail, as they require door handles that can compromise vehicle appearance and allow unauthorized access.
Innovation Solution
A coupling device that establishes a mechanical operative connection between an actuating unit and a vehicle's opening mechanism, allowing for both secure operation and emergency access without external handles, by transitioning between coupled and decoupled states, utilizing a coupling unit that can be mechanically or electromechanically controlled.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a protruding door handle is used for mechanical opening, then ease of operation is improved, but vehicle aesthetics and wind resistance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the mechanical opening function from the traditional protruding door handle and relocates it inside the vehicle through the coupling device. The actuating unit with actuating element is positioned inside the vehicle, and only the coupling element extends through the closing element, eliminating the need for external protruding handles while preserving mechanical opening capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling device acts as an intermediary mechanism between the internal actuating unit and the opening mechanism. It transmits the actuating force from the internally positioned actuating element to the opening mechanism through the coupling element, enabling mechanical operation without external handles.
2Ease of operation
If a protruding door handle is used for mechanical opening, then ease of operation is improved, but wind resistance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical opening function is extracted from the external door handle and relocated inside the vehicle. The actuating unit is positioned inside the vehicle interior, and the coupling element passes through the closing element without requiring a protruding external handle, thereby eliminating wind resistance associated with external handles.
3Reliability
If the coupling unit is in decoupling state to prevent unauthorized access, then security is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates in emergency situations
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling unit dynamically transitions between coupled and decoupled states based on operational needs. In normal conditions, it remains decoupled for security. In emergencies, the actuating element can be manually actuated to engage the coupling element, establishing the coupled state and enabling mechanical opening even when the electrical opening mechanism is non-functional.
Solution Approach 2:
The system prepares for emergency situations by maintaining the mechanical coupling capability as a backup. The coupling device is pre-configured to allow manual engagement through the actuating element, providing a fallback opening method before electrical systems fail completely.
4Shape
If an electrical opening mechanism is used without handles, then vehicle aesthetics and wind resistance are improved, but reliability deteriorates in case of electrical failure
Solution Approach 1:
The opening system achieves multi-functionality by combining both electrical and mechanical opening capabilities. The electrical opening mechanism handles normal operation, while the mechanical coupling device serves as a backup for emergency situations, ensuring the system can perform its function regardless of electrical system status.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling device serves as a mechanical intermediary that bridges the actuating element and the opening mechanism, providing a reliable mechanical transmission path that operates independently of the electrical system, thus ensuring opening capability during electrical failures.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a coupling device (1) for creating an operative connection between an actuating unit (100) for actuating an opening mechanism (200) for opening a locking part (3) for a vehicle (4) and the opening mechanism (200), comprising a coupling unit (10). The invention further relates to a locking part (3) and a method (300).