Vehicle Panel Handle Counterweight Axis Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle panel handles face challenges in preventing unwanted panel opening during car accidents, especially when heavy, as counterweights used for safety can be inefficient due to inertia and deformation, leading to potential ejection hazards.
Innovation Solution
The vehicle panel handle design features first, second, and third rotation axes disposed sensibly parallel to each other, with a counterweight that rotates around a third axis to block the latch lever's rotation during impacts, ensuring the panel remains closed by staying fixed relative to the handle and latch lever, thus preventing unwanted opening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If a heavy counterweight is used to balance a heavy handle, then the handle can be properly balanced, but the counterweight becomes inefficient during car accidents due to inertia and deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the spatial arrangement by positioning the third rotation axis away from the area underneath the handle lever, creating a triangular configuration with the first and second axes. This dimensional repositioning allows the counterweight to rotate in a different plane and trajectory, enabling it to effectively block the latch lever during accidents without being constrained by the traditional location under the handle lever.
Solution Approach 2:
The counterweight is pre-configured in a position where it can rapidly rotate to block the latch lever during an accident. The third rotation axis is positioned to allow the counterweight to swing into a blocking position that prevents latch lever rotation, acting preemptively to secure the panel before deformation or inertia can compromise safety.
2Reliability
If the counterweight is placed under the handle lever, then it can effectively block the latch lever, but it causes a pushing effect on the handle during barrier impact
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the third rotation axis from the traditional location under the handle lever and repositions it to a separate location. This separation removes the counterweight from the direct impact path during barrier collisions, eliminating the harmful pushing effect on the handle while preserving the counterweight's ability to block the latch lever through its rotational motion around the repositioned axis.
Solution Approach 2:
By repositioning the third rotation axis to a location away from under the handle lever, the counterweight operates in a different spatial dimension and trajectory. This allows the counterweight to perform its blocking function without interfering with the handle's structural integrity during frontal impacts, as the counterweight's rotation path no longer creates a pushing effect on the handle.
3Volume of moving object
If the rotation axes are arranged in a traditional configuration, then the handle structure is compact, but the bracket supporting the rotation axes rotates enforced by barrier impact, reducing counterweight efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The invention arranges the three rotation axes in a triangular configuration rather than stacking them vertically or horizontally in a compact linear fashion. By positioning the third axis away from under the handle lever, the counterweight rotates in a different plane that is less susceptible to bracket rotation during barrier impacts, maintaining effectiveness despite the slightly increased spatial footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies different spatial characteristics to different parts of the rotation axis system. The first and second axes remain relatively close to maintain compactness for the handle and latch mechanisms, while the third axis is positioned away to provide the counterweight with an independent rotation path that resists bracket rotation during impacts, creating localized optimization in different areas of the system.
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
This configuration enhances safety during car accidents by effectively preventing panel opening, even with heavy handles, without altering the handle's exterior appearance or design, and allows for various handle shapes and designs, ensuring user safety inside the vehicle.
Implementation Method 1
the counterweight, due to its inertia, tends to stay in its position and will cause a pushing effect onto the handle that could be the cause of the panel opening
Data Source
Figure 1~3
AI summary
The invention relates to a vehicle panel handle for opening a panel of an automotive vehicle comprising : - a handle lever (1) configured to rotate around a first rotation axis (3) between a resting position wherein the panel is closed and an opening position wherein the panel is open, - a latch lever (5) configured to rotate around a second rotation axis (7) and to cooperate with the handle lever (1) for opening the panel when the handle lever (1) rotates around the first rotation axis (3) for reaching the opening position, - a counter weight (9) configured for preventing the unwilling rotation of the handle lever (1), the counter weight (9) having an elongated shape and configured to rotate around a third rotation axis (11) between an unblocking position wherein the latch lever (5) is not prevented from rotating and a blocking position wherein the latch lever (5) is preventing from rotating, wherein the second rotation axis (7) is disposed between the first rotation axis (3) and the third rotation axis (11).