Vehicle Door Emergency Access Device with Rotary Deployment Arm

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing emergency access devices for vehicles without a mechanical connection between the handle and lock require a mechanical means for emergency access, which complicates operation and increases bulk and cost, especially in scenarios like accidents or electrical faults.

Innovation Solution

An emergency access device with a deployment arm, graspable pull rod, elastic member, retention needle, electric ejector, and mechanical ejector that allows for manual opening of vehicle doors in emergencies, utilizing a compact design with minimal parts to provide both accident and electrical fault scenarios functionality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a mechanical connection is provided between the handle and lock for emergency access, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveemergency access reliabilityVSAvoidmechanical connection complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The emergency access device is segmented into distinct functional components: a deployment arm for mechanical connection, a retention needle for positioning, and electric/mechanical ejectors for deployment. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining overall system reliability for emergency access.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanical connection components (deployment arm, retention needle, ejectors) are extracted as a separate emergency access device from the main handle assembly. This extraction allows the emergency mechanism to be independently designed and optimized for reliability without complicating the normal electric access operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If a mechanical means is added for emergency access, then operational security is improved, but bulk increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational securityVSAvoidemergency device bulk

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The deployment arm is designed to nest within the handle body when retracted, and the retention needle is housed within the deployment arm structure. The electric and mechanical ejectors are integrated into the same space. This nesting arrangement minimizes the volume occupied by the emergency access device while maintaining all necessary mechanical components for operational security.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Reliability

If multiple components are used for emergency access, then reliability is improved, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveemergency access reliabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The deployment arm serves multiple functions: it provides the mechanical connection to the lock, acts as a structural support for the retention needle, and serves as the moving element for both electric and mechanical deployment methods. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of separate components needed, thereby lowering manufacturing costs while maintaining reliability through the dual deployment options.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Shape

If the emergency device is concealed during normal operation, then aesthetics are improved, but ease of operation in emergency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconcealed designVSAvoidemergency triggering

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The deployment arm is pre-positioned in a retracted state within the handle body during normal operation, maintaining aesthetics. However, the mechanical ejector is designed with a trigger that can quickly deploy the arm in an emergency. The preliminary positioning of components allows for rapid deployment without requiring complex manipulation during the emergency situation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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

Enables intuitive and reliable emergency access with reduced bulk and cost, ensuring operational security by maintaining a compact and concealed design while providing a straightforward triggering mechanism without visible interfaces, thus minimizing exposure to environmental factors.

Implementation Method 1

an elastic member that urges the deployment arm toward its deployed position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic force: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the electric ejector having an electric actuator designed to move the retention needle from its blocking position to its releasing position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic actuation: Electromagnet

Data Source

PatentUS12129691B2Emergency access device for a vehicle opening panel with rotary deployment arm

Publication Date: 2024.10.29 VITESCO TECHNOLOGIES GMBH

AI summary

Emergency access device for a vehicle opening leaf, having: a deployment arm that rotates between a first, retracted angular position and a second, deployed angular position; a graspable pull rod that is connected to a lock actuator and that has an end protruding from the deployment arm, the graspable pull rod being movable between a position attached to the deployment arm and a position detached from the deployment arm; a retention needle; an electric ejector; a mechanical ejector designed to release the deployment arm from its retracted position, the mechanical ejector having a trigger designed to move the retention needle from its blocking position to its releasing position.