Vehicle Handle Assembly with Cable-Actuated Rail Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle handle assemblies lack adjustable and versatile designs that provide optimal assistance to occupants when entering and exiting the vehicle, particularly in terms of positioning and adjustability.
Innovation Solution
A handle assembly featuring a rail with retention flanges, a latch feature with a retention member and lever, and a cable system that allows the handle to translate between engaged and retracted positions, enabling adjustable positioning and enhanced accessibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the handle is positioned at a fixed upper portion of the pillar, then the structure is simple, but the accessibility and adjustability for occupants are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The handle assembly is designed to be movable along the pillar rather than fixed, allowing it to adjust to different positions. The rail mechanism enables the handle to translate vertically, providing dynamic adaptability while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure through guided linear motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle assembly is divided into separate components including the handle body, rail, retention flanges, and cable mechanism. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each component and facilitates the adjustment function while keeping individual parts simple and manufacturable.
2Ease of operation
If the handle assembly includes multiple components for adjustment, then the adjustability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cable mechanism is designed to be actuated by the user through the handle itself, allowing self-adjustment without requiring additional controls or complex actuation systems. The user pulls the handle to retract the cable, which releases the retention member, enabling position changes through intuitive manual operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable acts as an intermediary element that translates user input on the handle into motion of the retention member. This simple mechanical intermediary provides smooth, controlled adjustment while avoiding the need for complex direct linkage or actuation mechanisms between the handle and retention system.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the retention member is always engaged, then the handle is secure, but the adjustability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The retention member alternates between engaged and disengaged states during normal operation. It remains engaged to secure the handle at a selected position, then is periodically disengaged when the user wants to adjust the position. This periodic engagement/disengagement cycle provides both security during use and adjustability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable mechanism is pre-configured to allow easy disengagement of the retention member before position adjustment. The user simply pulls the handle, which preliminarily retracts the cable and releases the retention member from the aperture, preparing the system for position change without requiring complex disassembly or additional steps.
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 provides greater accessibility and adjustability for vehicle occupants, allowing the handle to be positioned optimally for entry and exit assistance, enhancing user convenience and safety.
Implementation Method 1
A cable is operably coupled to the lever of the latch feature and is configured to translate the retention member between an engaged position and a retracted position
Implementation Method 2
The latch feature includes a retention member that is coupled to a pivot feature
Implementation Method 3
The latch feature also includes a lever
Data Source
AI summary
A handle assembly for a vehicle includes a rail. The rail includes retention flanges that each define a channel. A handle is disposed within the channel and is operably coupled to the rail. The handle includes a body that defines a grasping portion and at least one attachment end. A latch feature is operably coupled to the at least one attachment end of the handle. The latch feature includes a retention member that is coupled to a pivot feature. The latch feature also includes a lever. A cable is operably coupled to the lever of the latch feature and is configured to translate the latch feature between an engaged position and a retracted position.