A lock assembly has an actuator that is moveable between first and second positions and a locking structure that is coupled to the actuator. The locking structure is positioned to engage a portion of a lock when the actuator is in the first position to prevent movement of the actuator to the second position. A latch assembly is preferably coupled to the actuator and includes a latch that is moveable between engaged and disengaged positions. Moving the actuator from the first position to the second position moves the latch to the engaged position, and moving the actuator from the first position to a third position moves the latch to a disengaged position.

Systems and methods are provided for preventing the unintentional operation of a flush mounted handle assembly for a power slide door of a vehicle. A dual-directional handle base may be provided, pivotally coupled to a case fixed in a recess of a power slide door of a vehicle. The handle base may have a first end and a second opposing end. The first and seconds ends may be configured for a selective pivotal movement in opposite directions about a pivot axis. A bell crank may be provided, coupled to the case, and configured to rotate upon engagement with the handle base in order to actuate a switch assembly sending a signal to an ECU. Methods may include determining, at the ECU, that the signal was not transmitted as a result of a vehicle impact. After such determination, the method includes activating operation of the power slide door.

A self-centering handle assembly is provided for a vehicle door. The handle assembly includes a pivoting handle base coupled to the vehicle door at a pivot axis, and includes a front face having a first and second opposing ends. The first and seconds ends are configured for a selective pivotal movement in opposite directions about the pivot axis. First and second drive arms are provided extending a distance from a rear portion of the handle base and configured for coordinated movement with the respective first and second ends of the handle base. A bell crank is provided, coupled to the handle assembly, and configured to rotate about a second pivot axis. Rotation of the bell crank is driven by movement of the first and second drive arms. A biasing member is in contact with the bell crank and urges the bell crank to a return to a self-centering, rest position.

A lever-lock release system is configured to releasably couple two objects together, for example a parachute and a payload. The lever-lock release system may comprise a first lever and a second lever, each rotatably coupled to a rigid base. When activated, the levers cascadingly rotate to release a first object and a second object. With these systems and related methods, various failure modes may be eliminated, such as undesired premature deployment of recovery parachutes during aerial delivery.

An example door handle system, includes a handle, an actuation lever, a first spring, and an unlocking lever. The handle includes a first mounting section and a second mounting section. The first mounting section is opposite the second mounting section. The actuation lever is pivotably connected to the first mounting section. The first spring is engaged with the actuation lever and the first mounting section to urge the handle to pivot in a first rotational direction relative to the actuation lever. The unlocking lever is pivotably connected to the second mounting section.

A latch having a support bracket having a guide slot formed in a bottom surface. A linkage at least partially received within the guide slot and a handle coupled to the linkage transitionable between an open position and a closed position. A pin releasably coupled to the linkage such that when the handle is in the closed position the pin is coupled to the linkage and in the open position the pin is removable from the linkage. As the handle transitions from the open position to the closed position, the linkage moves within the guide slot.

A piezoelectric energy harvester system for collecting kinetic energy is provided, wherein the kinetic energy is converted into electrical energy, and wherein at least a portion of the converted electrical energy is utilized to operate a load. The system comprises an energy input portion and an energy harvesting portion. The energy input portion includes an input member configured to be actionable by an outside force. The energy harvesting portion includes a capture member, a sprocket portion, and a piezoelectric energy harvester. The capture member is adapted for receiving mechanical input from the input member. The sprocket portion is disposed for movement with the capture member. The sprocket portion includes at least one radially disposed sprocket actuator configured for making contact with and exciting the piezoelectric energy harvester. The piezoelectric energy harvester is excited by the contact to produce the kinetic energy.

An inside door handle structure according to technology of the present disclosure includes: an opening recess formed in a recessed shape in an armrest of a door trim at a side door of a vehicle, the opening recess opening toward a vehicle upper side, and a part of the armrest acting as a door gripping section when fingers are inserted into the opening recess in a case in which the side door is opened or closed; and an inside door handle provided in the door trim at the vehicle upper side of the opening recess, an end section of the inside door handle at a vehicle front side being configured as a rotational fulcrum, and the inside door handle releasing a door lock of the side door.

A drawer release is described. The drawer release includes a handle portion pivotally or rotatably engaged to a fixed portion, and the fixed portion is attached to or connected to a drawer. The handle portion includes at least one engaging member that engages a lever or actuator of a drawer-slide of the drawer to open or release the drawer. The drawer release provides for the one-handed opening of the drawer.

A handle for doors of motor vehicles includes an outer portion that can be grasped by a user, and an inwardly-extending plunger or hook that operably interconnects the handle to the door latch via a bell crank (that is part of the handle base or chassis depending on the type of handle architecture used). The plunger is made of a ductile material such as metal, and includes a crumple zone that causes the plunger to deform axially and/or bend sidewardly in the event an axial and/or a bending impact load.