Description:FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to flush doorhandles for automotive vehicles. In particular, the present invention relates to a robotic fixture for durability testing of flush doorhandles for automotive vehicles. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method for ensuring Real World User/Usage Profile (RWUP) conditions by using a robotic fixture for conducting the durability/endurance test of the flush doorhandles for automotive vehicles.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The door slam test is one of the important durability tests for door and other door related components design and development.

Normally, the test conducted at laboratories shall be as close as possible to Real World User/Usage Profile (RWUP) conditions, when the customer operates vehicle doors on the field with variety of applications demanding Repeatability and Reproducibility (R & R) of the intended function thereof.

The conventional door slam endurance testing method at testing laboratories uses pneumatic actuators for operating the doors and handles of the automotive vehicles by using belts and/or ropes as end effectors or actuators.

However, this method is not effective for some of the doorhandle configurations, e.g. the latest flush doorhandles introduced in the applicant recently launched SUV models. These doorhandles are completely flush with the outer door panel, thus restrict the access to the available conventional end effectors for conducting the door-slam durability/endurance test thereon.

In the conventional method, the handle is made in two ways, first as a manual flush doorhandle which operates by manually pushing the handle, and second being an electric handle, which operates on Passive Keyless Entry (PKE) or Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) as well as by manual push thereon.

Therefore, there is an existing need to overcome the difficulties experienced with such method for the conventional door slam durability/endurance test and to ensure that the RWUP conditions are suitably met.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is devised to overcome the aforesaid difficulty with the conventional door slam durability/endurance test method as well as to ensure meeting the Real World User/Usage Profile (RWUP) conditions.

In accordance with the present invention, an improved method is developed to utilize a robotic fixture for this door-slam durability/endurance test. According to the RWUP conditions, the customer opens the flush doorhandle either manually (by pushing the doorhandle at the end thereof to open or close based on the current position) or with a RKE (unlocking the vehicle by using a remote key to open the doorhandle and to close it by a locking command on the remote key) or with a PKE (by holding the remote key near the driver’s flush doorhandle and pressing it, the doorhandle opens) and then opens the door by using the flush doorhandle which is popped out of the outer door panel.

This improved method using a robotic fixture overcomes the difficulties experienced during the door-slam durability/endurance test conducted by the conventional method discussed above.
The methodology of this improved test is developed based on the RWUP conditions and the new configuration of the flush doorhandle discussed above, which is a first such configuration in this automotive vehicle segment.

It is vital to ensure the endurance and functionality of this flush doorhandle over the entire lifetime thereof. This is also a challenging task because of the conventional door slam testing method conducted in test labs being unsuitable for such flush doorhandles. This method using robotic fixture/s is developed for both manual (non-electric) flush doorhandles and electric flush doorhandles. This robotic fixture has three arms through which it performs the opening and closing of flush doorhandles and then the respective doors of automotive vehicles.

The first arm of this robotic fixture is used to push open/close the flush doorhandle. A position sensor is attached to this first arm to ensure the open/close condition of doorhandle. The second arm opens the door till the first check arm position using the doorhandle. Finally, the third arm pulls the door to its fully open condition and then closes the door by pushing on the outer panel near the latch region thereof.

There is a pair of robot fixture, one each on either side of the automotive vehicle, i.e. on LHS and RHS respectively, Since the functioning schemes of the manual (non-electric) flush doorhandles and PKE electric flush doorhandles are different, the inventors have developed two different robot programs. The first robot program is to integrate both these robot fixtures, which is a unique feature for this operation. The safety of the test components is also ensured because the programming logics are configured in a closed loop and the test is stopped automatically in the event of the occurrence of any abnormalities during the opening and closing of flush doorhandles and doors fitted therewith.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

Some of the objects of the present invention - satisfied by at least one embodiment of the present invention - are as follows:

An object of the present invention is to develop a method for conducting the door slam durability/endurance test for the flush doorhandles in automotive vehicles.

Another object of the present invention is to develop a test method for testing the door slam durability/endurance for the flush doorhandles in automotive vehicles by using robot programming and new end effectors.

Still another object of the present invention is to develop a robotic fixture for conducting a durability/endurance test on flush doorhandles in automotive vehicles.

Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a robotic fixture for conducting a durability/endurance test on flush doorhandles in automotive vehicles which ensures the Real World User Profile and functional logics during testing.

These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following description, when read with the accompanying figures of drawing, which are however not intended to limit the scope of the present invention in any way.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a robotic fixture for conducting door-slam durability test on flush doorhandles in automotive vehicles, the robotic fixture comprising:

- a pedestal extending upwards from the base thereof; and

- a respective end-effectors fitted on a first arm, a second arm, and a third arm;

- the arms rotatable about a pivot at the top of pedestal for operating the respective end effectors;

wherein each of the plurality of end-effectors is configured differently according to the respective application thereof to simulate the Real World User/usage Profile (RWUP) by means of a controller communicating with a pair of circuits.

Typically, the first circuit comprises a proximity sensor and a mechanical switch disposed inside the vehicle cabin for checking the open or close condition of the door/s of the automotive vehicle.

Typically, the second circuit comprises a proximity sensor disposed on one of the arms fitted with the end-effector for checking the open or close position of the flush doorhandle on the respective door of the automotive vehicle.

Typically, the second and third end-effectors are aligned on the opposite sides of the lever to rotate about the pivot and the first end-effector extends away from the pivot and disposed perpendicular to the mutually opposed end-effectors.

Typically, the first end-effector is configured to ensure the open or close condition of the flush handle of an automotive vehicle; the first end-effector comprises a proximity sensor disposed thereon to check the open or close condition of the flush handle before the opening or closing of the respective door of the automotive vehicle.

Typically, the first arm fitted with the first end-effector is configured to operate in a linear motion while contacting the flush doorhandle of the automotive vehicle; and the second arm as well as the third arm is configured to operate in a circular motion for opening the respective door of the automotive vehicle by pulling the flush doorhandle thereof till the first check arm position.

Typically, the second end-effector fitted on second arm is configured L-shaped and comprises silicon-rubber disposed at the mating region thereof with the flush doorhandle for eliminating any metal-to-metal contact thereof with the second end-effector.

Typically, the third arm operates in a circular motion, the end-effector thereon is configured to pull-open the respective door near the latching region thereof and to push-close the outer panel of the door with the ball-end thereof.

Typically, the robotic fixture is configured for electric flush doorhandles or for non-electric or manual flush doorhandles.

Typically, the robotic fixture is configured for Passive-Keyless Entry (PKE)-controlled electric flush doorhandles.

Typically, the robotic fixture is configured for Remote-Keyless Entry (RKE)-controlled electric flush doorhandles.
Typically, the first end-effector is configured to respectively open or close the driver’s flush doorhandle the automotive vehicle to open or close all flush doorhandles thereof.

Typically, the first end-effector is configured to respectively unlock or lock the respective RKE-controlled electric flush doorhandle.

Typically, a respective robot fitted with a robotic fixture each is deployed on either side of the automotive vehicle before commencing the door-slam durability test on the flush doorhandles thereof.

In accordance with the present invention, there is also provided a method for conducting door-slam durability test on flush doorhandles in automotive vehicles by the robotic fixture, wherein the method comprises the following steps:

- Bringing the robot arm end-effectors of the first robot at home position for conducting the door-slam durability test and controlling the opening or closing the corresponding RHS doors and flush doorhandles thereof;

- Starting the door-slam durability test on flush doorhandles at first step;

- Checking ON/OFF condition of first circuit to confirm the closed position of the door;

- Indicating the door not properly closed when the first circuit is OFF, and stopping the test at last step; or

- Indicating the door properly closed when the first circuit is ON, and proceeding to next step;

- Pushing the driver’s flush doorhandle by the Passive Keyless Entry (PKE) to open all flush doorhandles; and
- Initiating the second robot by the PKE to repeat the preceding method steps in the same manner for testing and controlling the LHS door of the automotive vehicle and flush doorhandles thereof; and simultaneously, proceeding to the next step by moving to circuit; and subsequently,

- Checking ON/OFF condition of second circuit to confirm the open or close position of the flush doorhandles;

- Indicating a closed flush doorhandle when second circuit is OFF, and stopping the test at step; or

- Indicating the flush doorhandle still open, when second circuit is ON; and closing all flush doorhandles by the basic logic of the PKE; and

- Simultaneously, initiating the second robot for repeating the preceding method steps on the flush doorhandles on LHS door.

Typically, the method comprises the following steps:

- Bringing the robot arm end-effectors of the first robot at home position for conducting the door-slam durability test and controlling the opening or closing the corresponding RHS doors and flush doorhandles thereof;

- Starting the door-slam durability test on flush doorhandles at first step;

- Checking ON/OFF condition of first circuit to confirm the closed position of the door;

- Indicating the door not properly closed/locked when the first circuit is OFF, and stopping the test at last step; or

- Indicating the door properly closed/locked when the first circuit is ON, and proceeding to next step;

- Unlocking in the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) to open all flush doorhandles; and

- Initiating the second robot by the RKE to repeat the preceding method steps in the same manner for testing and controlling the LHS door of the automotive vehicle and flush doorhandles thereof; and simultaneously, proceeding to the next step by the second circuit; and subsequently,

- Checking ON/OFF condition of second circuit to confirm the open or close position of the flush doorhandles;

- Indicating a closed flush doorhandle when second circuit is OFF, and stopping the test at last step; or

- Indicating the flush doorhandle still open, when second circuit is ON; and locking all flush doorhandles by the RKE; and

- Simultaneously, initiating the second robot for repeating the preceding method steps in the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) to lock all flush doorhandles on the flush doorhandles on RHS door.

Typically, the robots fitted with a robotic fixture reach is integrated with each other and deployed on either side of the automotive vehicle before commencing the door-slam durability test on the flush doorhandles thereof.
Typically, the robots fitted with a robotic fixture each are configured for a standalone operation thereof, depending on the type of the flush doorhandle to be tested for the door-slam durability thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS

The present invention will be briefly described in the following with reference to the accompanying drawings.
Figure 1 shows a conventional method which uses pneumatic actuators for operating doors and handles of automotive vehicles with the help of belts/ropes as end effectors to conduct the endurance/durability test.

Figures 2a-2b show a completely flush doorhandle fitted on the outer door panel for opening/closing of the automotive vehicles doors by an improved method configured in accordance with the present invention to conduct the endurance/durability thereon.

Figure 3 shows a robotic fixture having three arms (each having a unique end-effector) configured in accordance with the present invention for conducting the endurance/durability test on the flush doorhandle of Figures 2a-2b.

Figure 4 shows a schematic arrangement of operation of the robotic fixture of Figure 3 using the first arm thereof to push open/close the flush doorhandle.

Figures 5a-5b show a schematic arrangement of operation of the robotic fixture of Figure 3 using the second arm thereof to push open the door till the check arm position using the flush doorhandle.

Figure 6 shows a schematic arrangement of operation of the robotic fixture of Figure 3 using the third arm thereof to pull the door to fully open condition.

Figure 7 shows a schematic diagram of the method configured in accordance with the present invention for conducting the endurance/durability test on the flush doorhandle of Figure 2.

Figures 8a-8b show the schematics of the circuits for conducting the method of Figure 7 above.
Figure 9 shows a schematic diagram of the method configured in accordance with the present invention for the integration of Robots R1, R2 to conducting the endurance/durability test on RKE-controlled electrically operated flush doorhandles H on both doors FD, RD on either side of the vehicle.

Figure 10 shows a schematic diagram of the method configured in accordance with the present invention for the integration of Robots R1, R2 to conducting the endurance/durability test on PKE-controlled electrically-operated flush doorhandles H on both doors FD, RD on either side of the vehicle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS

In the following, a manually (non-electric) or electrically operated flush doorhandle for vehicles configured in accordance with the present invention will be described in more details with reference to the accompanying drawings without limiting the scope and ambit of the present invention.

Figure 1 shows a conventional method which uses pneumatic actuators A for operating doors and handles H of automotive vehicle V with the help of belts/ropes B1 and B2 as end effectors to conduct endurance/durability test. Here, the existing handle H sightly pops out of the outer door panel D.

Figure 2a shows a completely flush doorhandle 10 configured in accordance with the present invention and fitted on the outer door panel for opening/closing of the automotive vehicle doors D by an improved method also configured in accordance with the present invention to conduct the endurance/durability thereon. The handle 10 is fitted to pivot in and out from a complementary cavity 12 provided on the outer door panel D of the vehicle.

Figure 2b shows the completely flush doorhandle 10 of Figure 2a to pivot in and out from the outer door panel D by means of an L shaped end-effector 20 of the robotic fixture for opening/closing of the automotive vehicle door for conducting the endurance/durability thereon, as elaborated in detail below.

Figure 3 shows a robotic fixture 100 configured in accordance with the present invention and having three arms (each with a respective unique end-effector 110, 120, 130 provided thereon) for conducting the endurance/durability test on the completely flush doorhandle 10 of Figure 2. The fixture has a pedestal 105 fixed to the base thereof tightened by fasteners 116 on a robot R (Fig. 4). These arms are rotatable about pivot 115 at the top of pedestal 105 for operating the respective end effectors 110, 120, 130 thereof. There is at least one robot R on each side (i.e. LHS and RHS of the automotive vehicle) fitted with one such robot fixture 100 thereon, which is used for testing the doors FD, RD and completely flush doorhandles 10 provided on either side of the automotive vehicle. The respective end effector 110, 120, 130 on these arms has a different configuration according to the application thereof. The first arm end-effector 110 is used to ensure the open or close condition of the flush doorhandles 10, the second arm end-effector 120 is used to open the door till the first check arm position using the flush doorhandle 10, a small door pulling bracket 132 attached to the third arm end-effector 130 is used to pull the door D to its fully open condition. The second and third arm end-effectors 120, 130 are aligned on the opposite sides of a lever 114 and the first arm with its end-effector 110 is disposed substantially perpendicular thereto.

Figure 4 shows a schematic arrangement of the operation of the robotic fixture 100 of Figure 3 using the first arm end-effector 110 to push open/close the flush doorhandle H on the door of the automotive vehicle V. The robotic fixture 100 is fixed on a robot R for the operation thereof. A proximity sensor 112 is fitted on the first arm end-effector 110 to check the position of handle H before opening and closing of door D, based on the steps explained with reference to the schematic method detailed below. Whenever this proximity sensor 112 detects any abnormality, the robot R stops. During this first check, the first arm end-effector 110 operates in a linear motion while contacting the flush doorhandle H.

Figure 5a shows a schematic arrangement of the operation of robotic fixture 100 of Figure 3 using L-shaped second arm end-effector 120 with silicone rubber at its mating region with handle H of door D to pull it open till the first check arm position thereof.

Figure 5b shows another schematic arrangement of the operation of robotic fixture of Figure 3 using the second arm end-effector 120 operating in circular motion to ensure that robot R does not over pull and damage the handle H.

Figure 6a shows a schematic arrangement of operation of robotic fixture 100 of Figure 3 using the third arm end-effector 130 thereof to pull the door to fully open condition near the latching region thereof and closing the door by pushing with ball end thereof on outer door panel D. Third arm end-effector 130 moves in a circular motion while opening and closing with different paths.

Figure 6b shows a schematic arrangement of operation of the robotic fixture 100 of Figure 3 with an optimized feed rate of robot R to ensure that the third arm end-effector 130 gently pushes the door D and slam closes it with a predefined velocity without any damage thereto.

Figure 7 shows a schematic diagram of the method configured in accordance with the present invention for conducting the endurance/durability test on the flush doorhandle of Figure 2. All doors and handles are checked for completely closed conditions before starting the endurance/durability test. The home position H is set at 0 near the rear door (RD) and method starts at 0. Normally, two robots R are used during this test, out of which, robot R1 slams RHS doors (FD and RD) and robot R2 slams LHS doors (FD & RD). For example, the rear doors (RD) are operated first and after completion of door-slam cycle thereon, robots R1, R2 are moved to the front doors (FD) for conducting the same sequence of operation of this method, and the integration of robots R1, R2 or their standalone operation is decided by the type of flush doorhandle H under testing.

These method steps are explained below:

- Robot arm end-effectors 110, 120, 130 at the home position H.

- Test is started at step 0.

- Circuit C1 checks whether the door is in a closed position.

- If circuit C1 is OFF (Red box), i.e. the door is not properly closed (proximity sensor PS or mechanical switch MS is OFF), the test stops at step S6.

- If circuit C1 is ON (Green box), it indicates that the door is properly closed, and the test proceeds to next step S1.

- At the next step S1, first arm end-effector 110 of robotic fixture 100 opens the flush doorhandle H.

- At the next step, circuit C2 checks (by proximity sensor PS or 112 fixed on first arm end-effector 110 of fixture 100), whether the doorhandle H is open or close. Circuits C1, C2 are shown ON (Green box)/OFF (Red box)

- If circuit C2 is ON (Green box), the flush doorhandle H is open and the method proceeds to next step S2 and the door is opened with the second robot arm end-effector 120 by pulling the flush doorhandle H. However, if circuit C2 is OFF (Red box), the test stops at step S6.

- If circuit C2 is ON and the flush doorhandle H is already open at step S2, then at the next step, circuit C1 checks again whether the door is in a closed position.

- If circuit C1 is ON, indicating that the door is already closed, the test stops at step S6.

- If circuit C1 is OFF, at next step S3, bracket 132 attached to third arm end-effector 130 pulls the door till it is fully open and slam closes it at step S4.

- At the next step, circuit C1 checks whether the door is properly closed. If circuit C1 is OFF, ii indicates that the door is not properly closed and test stops at step S6.

- However, if circuit C1 is ON, the method proceeds to next circuit C2, which checks whether the doorhandle H is in open/close condition.

- If circuit C2 is OFF, indicating that the doorhandle H is closed, the test stops at the step S6.

- However, if circuit C2 is ON, it indicates that the doorhandle is still open, at step S5, the first arm end-effector 110 finally closes the doorhandle H.

The basic method steps S2, S3, S4, S6 are stored in the controller, e.g. a programmable logic controller (PLC).

All above method steps S1-S6 are conducted first on any pair of the doors by the robots R1, R2 deployed on either sides of the automotive vehicle, which are subsequently moved to the next/other pair of doors and same sequence of steps is repeated on the front doors FD by the robotic arm of robot R1, R2.
Figure 8a shows the schematics of the first circuit C1 for conducting the method of Figure 7 above. The proximity sensor PS and mechanical switch MS of circuit C1 are located inside the vehicle cabin VC for checking the rear door (RD) and front door (FD) open/close (O/C) condition.

Figure 8b shows the schematics of the second circuit C2 for conducting the method of Figure 7 above. This circuit C2 (proximity sensor PS fixed on first arm RA1 with end-effector 110 of robotic fixture 100) checks the open/close (O/C) position of handle H. If circuit C2 is ON, then door is opened until the first arm end-effector 110 position is checked by second arm end-effector 120 and the third arm end-effector 130 pulls the door until it is fully open, whereafter it slam closes the door by the ball end thereof. Both second arm RA2 with end-effector 120 and third arm RA3 with end-effector 130 move in a circular motion and their paths are configured to prevent damage to the doors.

Figure 9 shows a schematic diagram of the method configured in accordance with the present invention, which involves the integration of Robots R1, R2 deployed on either side of the automotive vehicle for conducting the endurance/durability test on RKE-controlled electrically-operated flush doorhandles H first on the rear doors RD and then are moved to the front doors FD for performing the same sequence of operations of the endurance/durability test. The unlocking of the remote key opens and locking of the remote key closes the doorhandle H. The opened handle H can be closed by different operating method steps and the same should be closely monitored to ensure that the door under testing does not stop or gets damaged during this testing, because the door functioning is the basis criteria of the endurance testing. Apart from the door opening and closing steps, the door slam method is the same as for the manual entry method. The remote key operation is performed by a small cylinder setup which is kept within 1 m proximity of the driver’s door. The ON (Green box) / OFF (Red box) command signal of C2 circuit from Robot 1 is integrated to that of Robot 2 and the basic method is resumed on receiving the ON command and discontinued on receiving the OFF command.

Here, RKE-controlled method steps are explained below:

- Robot arm end-effectors 110, 120, 130 of the robotic fixture 100 of the first robot R1 are at home position RA0 to test and control the RHS door and handles thereof.

- Test is started at step St.

- C1 circuit checks whether the door is in a closed position.

- If C1 circuit is OFF (Red box), i.e. the door is not properly closed (proximity sensor PS or mechanical switch MS is OFF), and the test stops at step Sp.

- If C1 circuit is ON (Green box), it indicates that the door is closed, and the test proceeds to next step P1.

- At the next step P1, RKE unlocks to open all doorhandles H.

- Now, RKE initiates the second robot R2 to carry out the method for testing and control the LHS door and handles thereof by repeating the steps above in the same manner and sequence of operation. Simultaneously, the method proceeds to next step to circuit C2.

- Here, C2 circuit checks, whether the doorhandle H is in open or close.

- If C2 circuit is OFF, it indicates that the doorhandle is closed, and the test stops at the step Sp. However, if C2 circuit is ON, it indicates that the doorhandle is still open, the basic method logic BP is executed by RKE for the door to be locked and to finally close all doorhandles H and initiates robot R2 to conduct durability testing on LHS door handles H in the same manner.

Figure 10 shows a schematic diagram of the method configured in accordance with the present invention, which involves the integration of Robots R1, R2 for conducting the endurance/durability test on PKE-controlled electrically-operated flush doorhandles H first on the rear doors RD and then are moved to the front doors FD for performing the same sequence of operations of the endurance/durability test. Here, the flush doorhandle H of the driver’s door is pushed with the remote key to send open or close signals to PKE antenna assembled inside the door trim and to all doors through ECU for PKE and Mahindra’s Body Function Module (MBFM). The remote key is assembled with the robot fixture 100 to ensure the position thereof within the proximity of one foot near the driver’s door handle H and then the first arm end-effector 110 along with this key pushes the doorhandle H to open all the doors, and the then the same door slam method is used. The ON / OFF command signal of circuit C2 from Robot R1 is integrated with Robot R2. The basic method is resumed when ON command is received and is discontinued on receiving the OFF command.

Here, PKE-controlled method steps are explained below:

- Robot arm end-effectors 110, 120, 130 of the first robot R1 are at home position RA0 to test and control RHS door and handles thereof.

- Test is started at step St.

- C1 circuit checks whether the door is in a closed position.

- If circuit C1 is OFF (Red box), it indicates that the door is not properly closed (proximity sensor PS or mechanical switch MS is OFF), and the test stops at step Sp.

- If circuit C1 is ON (Green box), it indicates that the door is closed, and the test proceeds to next step L1, whereupon PKE pulls the driver’s doorhandle, which in turn opens all doorhandles.

- PKE also initiates the second robot R2 to carry out the method for testing and for controlling the LHS door and handles thereof by repeating the steps and the sequence of operations above in the same manner. Simultaneously, the method proceeds to next step to circuit C2.

- Circuit C2 now checks, whether the doorhandle H is open or close.

- If C2 circuit is OFF, it indicates that the doorhandle is closed, and the test stops at the step Sp. However, if C2 circuit is ON, it indicates that the doorhandle is still open, and the basic method logic BP is executed by PKE to finally close all doorhandles H and initiate robot R2 for conducting the durability/endurance test on LHS door handles in the same manner.

The above method sequences in Figures 9-10 are explained by both robot R1, R2 placed on first on the RHS and then on the LHS of the vehicle, for conducting the door-slam test on the flush doorhandles H thereof. However, robot R1 and R2 can also be placed first on respective rear doors RD of the vehicle to conduct the door-slam test on the flush doorhandles H thereof and then moved to the front doors FD for repeating the test in the same manner.

The inventors of the present invention have conducted the door-slam test with Robots R1, R2 and the unique robotic fixture 100 with three arm having end-effectors 110, 120, 130 for the opening or closing of the doorhandle H for one of the recently introduced SUV of the applicant to simulate the Real-world User Profile (RWUP). Although, there were some limitations faced during the implementation of this method, i.e. the second arm end-effector 120 of fixture 100 opening the door till the first check arm position (i.e. an intermediate position of the partly opened door) by using the flush doorhandle H, came in contact with door outer panel D near the doorhandle region due to the minor oscillation of the doors while opening them. As per RWUP conditions, the human hand also contacts the door panel, however, the load involved therein is less than that applied by the robotic fixture 100.

Therefore, the second arm end-effector 120 is covered with a softcore silicone material to eliminate the metal-to-metal contact and the method developed in accordance with the present invention ensures a slow opening of the flush doorhandle H for minimizing any possibility of contact during the dynamic door-operations.

The present invention is also applicable for conducting the door-slam endurance/durability test on the flush doorhandles H operated manually, i.e. non-electrically.

The method and robotic fixture configured in accordance with the present invention not only facilitate in a more precise actuation of the doors and handles of the vehicles deployed therewith but also ensures to simulate the Real-world User Profile (RWUP) conditions with the recently introduced flush doorhandles in the applicant’s latest range of vehicles. The method and robotic fixture developed for conducting the door-slam durability/endurance test is useful for future testing of the flush doorhandle with different logics and method steps therefor.

TECHNICAL ADVANTAGES AND ECONOMIC SIGNIFICANCE

The robotic fixture for conducting door-slam endurance/durability test of flush doorhandles in an automotive vehicle and the method for conducting this test, configured in accordance with the present invention offers the following advantages:

• Capable of simulating the Real World User/Usage Profile (RWUP).

• Enables door-slam durability testing of different types of flush doorhandles.

• Useful for both manual (non-electric) and electrically-operated handles.

• Prevents any damage to the door handle.

• Eliminates metal-to-metal contact during dynamic operation of doors.

• Facilitates more precise actuation of doors and handles during the test.

The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments.

It is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the invention and not as a limitation. The exemplary embodiments described in this specification are intended merely to provide an understanding of various manners in which this embodiment may be used and to further enable the skilled person in the relevant art to practice this invention.

Although, the embodiments presented in this disclosure have been described in terms of its preferred embodiments, the skilled person in the art would readily recognize that these embodiments can be applied with modifications possible within the spirit and scope of the present invention as described in this specification by making innumerable changes, variations, modifications, alterations and/or integrations in terms of materials and method used to configure, manufacture and assemble various constituents, components, subassemblies and assemblies, in terms of their size, shapes, orientations and interrelationships without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention.

The numerical values given of various physical parameters, dimensions and quantities are only approximate values and it is envisaged that the values higher or lower than the numerical value assigned to the physical parameters, dimensions and quantities fall within the scope of the disclosure unless there is a statement in the specification to the contrary.

Throughout this specification, the word “comprise”, or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising”, shall be understood to imply including a described element, integer or method step, or group of elements, integers or method steps, however, does not imply excluding any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or method steps.

The use of the expression “a”, “at least” or “at least one” shall imply using one or more elements or ingredients or quantities, as used in the embodiment of the disclosure in order to achieve one or more of the intended objects or results of the present invention.

The description of the exemplary embodiments is intended to be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which are to be considered part of the entire written description. In the description, relative terms such as “lower”, “upper”, “horizontal”, “vertical”, “above”, “below”, “up”, “down”, “top”, and “bottom” as well as derivatives thereof (e.g. “horizontally”, “inwardly”, “outwardly”; “downwardly”, “upwardly” etc.) should be construed to refer to the orientation as then described or as shown in the drawing under discussion.

These relative terms are for convenience of description and do not require that the corresponding apparatus or device be constructed or operated in a particular orientation.

The terms concerning attachments, coupling and the like, such as “connected” and “interconnected”, refer to a relationship, wherein structures are secured or attached to one another either directly or indirectly through intervening structures, as well as both movable or rigid attachments or relationships, unless expressly described otherwise. , Claims:We claim:

1. A robotic fixture for conducting door-slam durability test on flush doorhandles in automotive vehicles, said robotic fixture comprising:

(a) a pedestal (105) extending upwards from the base (116) thereof;

(b) a respective end-effectors (110; 120; 130) fitted on a first arm (RA1), a second arm (RA2), and a third arm (RA3);

(c) said arms rotatable about a pivot (115) at the top of pedestal (105) for operating the respective end effectors (110; 120; 130);

wherein each of said plurality of end-effectors (110; 120; 130) is configured differently according to the respective application thereof to simulate the Real-World User/usage Profile (RWUP) by means of a controller (PLC) communicating with a pair of circuits (C1; C2).

2. The robotic fixture as claimed in claim 1, wherein said circuit (C1) comprises a proximity sensor (PS) and a mechanical switch (MS) disposed inside the vehicle cabin (VC) for checking the open or close (O/C) condition of the door/s of said automotive vehicle.

3. The robotic fixture as claimed in claim 1, wherein said circuit (C2) comprises a proximity sensor (PS) disposed on one of said arms fitted with said end-effector (110) for checking the open or close (O/C) position of said flush doorhandle (H) on the respective door of said automotive vehicle.

4. The robotic fixture as claimed in claim 1, wherein said end-effectors (120; 130) are aligned on the opposite sides of said lever (114) to rotate about said pivot (115) and said end-effector (110) extends away from said pivot (115) and disposed perpendicular to said mutually opposed end-effectors (120; 130).
5. The robotic fixture as claimed in claim 1, wherein said end-effector (110) is configured to ensure the open or close condition of the flush handle (H) of an automotive vehicle; said end-effector (110) comprises a proximity sensor (112) disposed thereon to check the open or close condition of said flush handle (H) before the opening or closing of the respective door of said automotive vehicle.

6. The robotic fixture as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first arm (RA1) fitted with said end-effector (110) is configured to operate in a linear motion while contacting said flush doorhandle (H) of said automotive vehicle; and said second arm (RA2) as well as said third arm (RA3) is configured to operate in a circular motion for opening the respective door of said automotive vehicle by pulling said flush doorhandle (H) thereof till the first check arm position.

7. The robotic fixture as claimed in claim 1, wherein said end-effector (120) fitted on second arm (RA2) is configured L-shaped and comprises silicon-rubber disposed at the mating region thereof with said flush doorhandle (H) for eliminating any metal-to-metal contact thereof with said end-effector (120).

8. The robotic fixture as claimed in claim 1, wherein said third arm (RA3) operates in a circular motion, the end-effector (130) thereon is configured to pull-open the respective door near the latching region thereof and to push-close the outer panel of said door with the ball-end thereof.

9. The robotic fixture as claimed in claim 1, wherein said robotic fixture is configured for electric flush doorhandles as well as for non-electric or manual flush doorhandles.

10. The robotic fixture as claimed in claim 9, wherein said robotic fixture is configured for Passive-Keyless Entry (PKE)-controlled electric flush doorhandles.
11. The robotic fixture as claimed in claim 9, wherein said robotic fixture is configured for Remote-Keyless Entry (RKE)-controlled electric flush doorhandles.

12. The robotic fixture as claimed in claim 10, wherein said end-effector (110) is configured to respectively open or close the driver’s flush doorhandle said automotive vehicle to open or close all flush doorhandles thereof.

13. The robotic fixture as claimed in claim 11, wherein said end-effector (110) is configured to respectively unlock or lock said respective RKE-controlled electric flush doorhandle.

14. The robotic fixture as claimed in claim 1, wherein a respective robot (R1; R2) fitted with a robotic fixture each is deployed on either side of said automotive vehicle before commencing the door-slam durability test on the flush doorhandles (H) thereof.

15. A method for conducting door-slam durability test on flush doorhandles in automotive vehicles by the robotic fixture as claimed in claim 10, wherein said method comprises the following steps:

(i) Bringing said robot arm end-effectors (110; 120; 130) of said first robot (R1) at home position (RA0) for conducting the door-slam durability test and controlling the opening or closing the corresponding RHS doors and flush doorhandles (H) thereof;
(ii) Starting the door-slam durability test on flush doorhandles at step (St);
(iii) Checking ON/OFF condition of circuit (C1) to confirm the closed position of said door;
(iv) Indicating the door not properly closed when said circuit (C1) is OFF, and stopping said test at step (Sp); or
(v) Indicating the door properly closed when said circuit (C1) is ON, and proceeding to next step (L1);
(vi) Pushing (L1) the driver’s flush doorhandle (H) by the Passive Keyless Entry (PKE) to open all flush doorhandles (H);
(vii) initiating said second robot (R2) by said PKE to repeat the preceding method steps (iii) to (vi) in the same manner for testing and controlling the LHS door of said automotive vehicle and flush doorhandles (H) thereof; and simultaneously, proceeding to the next step by moving to circuit (C2); and subsequently,
(viii) Checking ON/OFF condition of circuit (C2) to confirm the open or close position of said flush doorhandles (H);
(ix) Indicating a closed flush doorhandle (H) when circuit (C2) is OFF, and stopping said test at step (Sp); or
(x) Indicating said flush doorhandle (H) still open, when circuit (C2) is ON; and closing (L2) all flush doorhandles (H) by the basic logic (BP) of said PKE; and
(xi) Simultaneously, initiating said second robot (R2) for repeating the preceding steps (viii) to (x) on said flush doorhandles (H) on LHS door.

16. The method for conducting door-slam durability test on flush doorhandles in automotive vehicles by the robotic fixture as claimed in claim 11, wherein said method comprises the following steps:

(I) Bringing said robot arm end-effectors (110; 120; 130) of said first robot (R1) at home position (RA0) for conducting the door-slam durability test and controlling the opening or closing the corresponding RHS doors and flush doorhandles (H) thereof;
(II) Starting the door-slam durability test on flush doorhandles at step (St);
(III) Checking ON/OFF condition of circuit (C1) to confirm the closed position of said door;
(IV) Indicating the door not properly closed/locked when said circuit (C1) is OFF, and stopping said test at step (Sp); or
(V) Indicating the door properly closed/locked when said circuit (C1) is ON, and proceeding to next step (P1);
(VI) Unlocking (P1) in said Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) to open all flush doorhandles (H); and
(VII) initiating said second robot (R2) by said RKE to repeat the preceding method steps (III) to (VI) in the same manner for testing and controlling the LHS door of said automotive vehicle and flush doorhandles (H) thereof; and simultaneously, proceeding to the next step (P2) by said circuit (C2); and subsequently,
(VIII) checking ON/OFF condition of circuit (C2) to confirm the open or close position of said flush doorhandles (H);
(IX) Indicating a closed flush doorhandle (H) when circuit (C2) is OFF, and stopping said test at step (Sp); or
(X) Indicating said flush doorhandle (H) still open, when circuit (C2) is ON; and locking all flush doorhandles (H) by said RKE; and
(XI) simultaneously, initiating said second robot (R2) for repeating the preceding method steps (III) to (V) and then method steps (VII) to (X) in said Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) to lock all flush doorhandles (H) on said flush doorhandles (H) on RHS door.

Dated this 07th day of July 2022.

Digitally / e-Signed.

(SANJAY KESHARWANI)
APPLICANT’S PATENT AGENT
REGN. NO. IN/PA-2043.