Vehicle Handle Cap Sliding Guide and Snap-Fastening Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing handle caps for vehicles are bulky, unreliable, and difficult to assemble due to the need for a bistable spring, and they cannot be used when the handle is not level with the door surface, especially when partially inserted in a seat, limiting their application and aesthetic/aerodynamic design flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A handle cap with guide and fastening means featuring cursors and grooves for external mounting along a curved direction, allowing partial recessed use and snap-fastening for easy attachment and detachment, along with additional gaskets for improved sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a bistable spring is used to control the sliding movement of the cap, then the cap can move between closed and open positions, but the mechanism becomes bulky, unreliable, and difficult to assemble
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the bistable spring from the mechanism entirely, replacing it with a simple sliding guide structure. The cap's movement is controlled by geometric constraints and friction rather than an active spring mechanism, eliminating the complexity and reliability issues associated with the spring while maintaining the bidirectional sliding capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The cap's own weight and the friction between the cap and the guide surface provide the necessary control for sliding movement. The system uses passive mechanical properties of the components themselves rather than requiring an external spring mechanism, making the system simpler and more reliable.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the cap is designed for sliding movement parallel to the door surface, then the cap can cover the auxiliary body, but the design cannot be applied when the handle is partially inserted in the door surface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the sliding direction from strictly parallel to the door surface to an angled direction that accommodates handles at various positions. The guide structure allows the cap to slide along a path that is not constrained to be parallel with the door surface, enabling the mechanism to work with handles that are partially recessed or protruding.
Solution Approach 2:
The sliding guide is designed to adapt to different handle positions and angles. The guide structure can accommodate variations in handle placement while maintaining proper cap coverage, making the system dynamic rather than fixed in its geometric requirements.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If additional gaskets are added around the lever appendix, then the seal of the handle is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gasket is integrated into the cap structure itself rather than being a separate component. The cap includes a built-in gasket that seals against the door surface or frame, combining the sealing function with the existing cap component and eliminating the need for additional separate gaskets around the lever appendix.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~7
AI summary
Cap (7) for handles which comprise a frame (1) suitable for being fixed to the outer surface of a vehicle door, which frame (1) is provided with a fulcrum around which a lever (3) suitable for being pulled for opening said door can rotate, as well as with an auxiliary body (6) which can include a lock for locking or unlocking said door, said cap (7) being provided with guide (8, 9) and fastening (12, 13, 16, 17) means for the coupling with complementary guide (10, 11) and fastening (14, 15) means of the auxiliary body (6). The present invention also relates to a handle comprising said cap.