Vehicle Door Handle with Shutter for Aerodynamic Noise Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle door handles are either unergonomic and conspicuous, leading to aerodynamic noise, or ergonomic but visible, failing to balance aesthetics and functionality.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle door handle design featuring a rotating gripping part and a movable shutter that masks a cavity when not in use, becoming discreet and ergonomic, with optional motorized operation, wireless control, and safety features to prevent accidental opening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If the handle is designed with a flat wall extending in the plane of the opening to be inconspicuous, then the aerodynamic noise is reduced, but the handle becomes unergonomic and difficult to maneuver
Solution Approach 1:
The shutter is designed to move dynamically between two positions: a retracted position during vehicle operation to reduce aerodynamic noise, and an extended position during door opening to provide ergonomic handle access. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by adapting the handle configuration to different operational states.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle is segmented into a fixed gripping portion and a movable shutter portion. The shutter can be independently actuated to provide access to the gripping part without moving the entire handle assembly, allowing the main body to remain flush with the door surface for aerodynamic efficiency while providing ergonomic access when needed.
2Ease of operation
If the handle provides a permanent opening for hand introduction to be ergonomic, then the handle is easy to maneuver, but the handle becomes much more visible and less discreet
Solution Approach 1:
The shutter dynamically adjusts its position based on operational needs. During normal vehicle operation, the shutter remains in the retracted position, providing a flush, discreet appearance. When door opening is required, the shutter extends to reveal the gripping part, providing ergonomic access only when necessary.
Solution Approach 2:
The gripping part is extracted from the main handle body and placed behind the movable shutter. This allows the shutter to selectively cover or expose the gripping portion, providing ergonomic access when needed while maintaining a sleek, concealed appearance during normal operation.
3Ease of operation
If the shutter is made movable to provide access when needed, then the handle becomes ergonomic and easy to operate, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shutter mechanism is designed to be actuated by the user's own gripping action. When the user grasps the gripping part, the force applied naturally drives the shutter forward to the extended position, eliminating the need for separate actuators or complex control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The shutter actuation mechanism is merged with the gripping part itself. The gripping part serves dual functions: providing the gripping surface for the user's hand and simultaneously acting as the actuator that drives the shutter forward when grasped.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to the handle (4) of an opening element (2) of a vehicle, comprising a grip part (12) and a flap (14) mounted in such a way that it moves between a position wherein it fills an opening (22) extending in the continuation of the grip part and enabling said grip part to be handled; and a position wherein it frees up the opening.