Vehicle Handle Security Device with Unidirectional Damper
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing door handles with inertial security devices for vehicles fail to consistently prevent accidental door opening during impacts due to synchronization issues between the pendulum's movement and the lever action, often resulting in the pendulum returning to its normal position prematurely.
Innovation Solution
A handle with a unidirectional damper mechanically connected to the pendulum, which retains the locking member in the locking position during impacts and automatically unlocks after the impact by dampening oscillations, ensuring the door remains locked until the threat passes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a pendulum with inertial mass is used to lock the handle during impact, then the door is protected from accidental opening, but the pendulum may return to normal position prematurely due to sudden acceleration changes or bouncing
Solution Approach 1:
A damper is introduced as an intermediary element between the pendulum and the frame. This damper maintains the pendulum in its oscillating state longer by counteracting the effects of sudden acceleration changes and bouncing, ensuring the locking member remains engaged with the stop piece throughout the entire impact duration.
Solution Approach 2:
The damper provides beforehand cushioning by opposing the motion of the pendulum during impact. It absorbs and dissipates the energy from sudden acceleration changes and bouncing, preventing the pendulum from returning to its normal position prematurely and ensuring continuous locking protection.
2Speed
If the locking member is designed to engage instantly during impact, then rapid door protection is achieved, but the mechanism may be hampered by damping forces during compression
Solution Approach 1:
The damper is designed with unidirectional characteristics, providing damping force only in the expansion direction while allowing free compression. This asymmetry enables the locking member to engage instantly during impact without resistance, while the damper activates only afterward to maintain the locking position by opposing the spring's return force.
3Ease of manufacture
If the damper acts in the same direction as the elastic means, then the known handle design can be easily adapted, but the locking member may be retained too strongly preventing automatic unlocking
Solution Approach 1:
The damper is designed with unidirectional characteristics, providing damping force only in the expansion direction while allowing free compression. This asymmetry enables the locking member to engage instantly during impact without resistance, while the damper activates only afterward to maintain the locking position by opposing the spring's return force.
Solution Approach 2:
The damper's unidirectional force characteristic creates a dynamic system where the locking behavior changes based on the direction of motion. During impact (compression), the locking engages freely; during the return phase (expansion), the damper provides controlled resistance that maintains locking until the impact subsides, then allows automatic unlocking.
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 handle effectively prevents accidental door opening during vehicle impacts by maintaining the locking position until the impact subsides, ensuring safety and reliable operation.
Implementation Method 1
a damper (23) suitable for dampening the oscillations of said pendulum
Implementation Method 2
the damper is preferably unidirectional, so that the locking member is not hampered by the damper during its compression
Implementation Method 3
an inertial mass (18) which preferably has a flat shape and is arranged close to the centre of frame (1)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
Handle comprising a lever (5) which can rotate in a frame (1) to be fixed to the door (2) of a vehicle and which is mechanically connected to a locking member comprising a pendulum (16) which is provided with an inertial mass (18) and is pivoted to the frame (1) or to a body integral therewith, so that an oscillation of the pendulum (16) can prevent the complete rotation of the lever (5), characterized in that the pendulum (16) is mechanically connected to a damper (23) suitable for dampening oscillations of the pendulum (16).