Adjustable Stabiliser Device for Vehicle Rescue Operations

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current stabilization systems for vehicles after accidents require multiple wedges or shims of different sizes, which are cumbersome to position and adjust, and often require re-stabilization when the vehicle is partially or completely overturned, hindering efficient rescue operations.

Innovation Solution

A stabilizer device with height adjustment means, including an exteriorly-threaded elongated rod and locking mechanisms, allows for precise positioning and automatic re-stabilization without the need for multiple wedges, featuring a ball joint for angular adjustment and elastic means for secure locking, along with a pusher element for increased bearing and clamping surface.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple wedges or shims of different sizes are used to stabilize the vehicle, then the vehicle can be immobilized in various positions, but the device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to the need to handle and position multiple different components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to stabilize vehicle in various positionsVSAvoidnumber of different wedges or shims
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The stabilizer device incorporates an adjustable support surface that can be positioned at multiple heights and angles, allowing a single device to perform the function previously requiring multiple different-sized wedges or shims. The support surface can be adjusted to contact the vehicle body at different positions and orientations, providing universal applicability for stabilizing vehicles in various accident positions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The stabilizer device features adjustable and movable components, including a support surface that can be repositioned and angled dynamically to adapt to different vehicle positions and rescue scenarios. This dynamic adjustability replaces the static, fixed-size wedges with a flexible system that can accommodate various stabilization needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple wedges or shims of different sizes are used, then various vehicle heights can be accommodated, but the ease of operation worsens due to the need for operators to manually position and adjust each component

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccommodation of various vehicle heightsVSAvoidmanual positioning and adjustment
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The stabilizer device incorporates adjustable and movable components, including a support surface that can be repositioned and angled dynamically to adapt to different vehicle positions and rescue scenarios. This dynamic adjustability replaces the static, fixed-size wedges with a flexible system that can accommodate various stabilization needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If the vehicle is partially or completely overturned and stabilizer devices are used, then the vehicle can be immobilized, but the need for re-stabilization increases when the vehicle position changes, worsening the time efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevehicle immobilizationVSAvoidfrequency of re-stabilization
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The stabilizer device features adjustable and movable components, including a support surface that can be repositioned and angled dynamically to adapt to different vehicle positions and rescue scenarios. This dynamic adjustability replaces the static, fixed-size wedges with a flexible system that can accommodate various stabilization needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Reliability

If struts are used that protrude from the vehicle area, then the vehicle can be stabilized, but the ease of operation worsens by hindering rescue manoeuvres

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevehicle stabilizationVSAvoidrescue manoeuvres
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The stabilizer device is designed with a compact structure where the support surface can be positioned close to the vehicle body without requiring long protruding struts. The device segments the stabilization function into a localized application point, reducing the spatial intrusion into the rescue zone while maintaining effective stabilization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

Facilitates efficient and secure immobilization of vehicles in various positions, reducing the need for frequent re-stabilization and enhancing rescue operations by allowing automatic adjustment to new vehicle heights and providing a stable platform for occupant removal.

Implementation Method 1

a cylinder-piston assembly (204, 205) arranged inside said elongated body (2), said cylinder-piston assembly (204, 205) being adapted to extend said stabiliser device (1) to a predetermined height

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydraulic pressure: Hydraulic Press

Implementation Method 2

the height adjustment means have an exteriorly-threaded elongated rod which is superiorly connected to the support region, wherein said rod can be coupled to a threaded orifice on a, preferably flat, portion affixed to the piston

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThreaded fastening: Screw

Implementation Method 3

the elongated rod and the support region may be joined together by means of a ball joint. In this way, the support region can be positioned angularly in the most appropriate manner when in contact with the vehicle body

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBall joint rotation: Ball

Implementation Method 4

the locking means include elastic means for rotating the rotary retainer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 5

a gripping portion, preferably fixed on the aforementioned flat end at the top of the piston which can be resiliently coupled to a rotary retainer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectResilient coupling: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2786784B1Stabilisation system for supporting a vehicle or the like during accident rescue operations
Publication Date: 2021.11.10 BORDERIA GOMAR JOSEP RAIMON
  • EP2786784B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2786784B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2786784B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Stabiliser device (1) for supporting a vehicle or the like, in particular for accident rescue operations, which comprises an internally hollow elongated body, including a cylinder on the inside coupled to an axially extendible piston through the elongated body that is connected to at least one support region intended to be in contact with a region or surface of the vehicle to be supported, wherein height adjustment means are provided for adjusting the height between at least said support region and the movable piston. Additionally, said stabiliser device also comprises locking means for securing the position of the piston relative to the cylinder, and a number of positioning means to properly position the piston relative to the elongated body.