Inflatable Air Wedge Tool Channel for Vehicle Door Unlocking
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a method to unlock vehicles without damaging them, particularly for emergency situations where keyless entry is required without the use of expensive master keys or tools that may damage vehicle components.
Innovation Solution
An inflatable air wedge with a tool channel is inserted between a vehicle door and body, allowing for the introduction of an unlocking tool to manipulate the door locking linkage, providing a lightweight, durable, and versatile solution for unlocking vehicles without damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a Slim Jim tool is used to unlock the vehicle door, then the door can be unlocked from outside, but the vehicle components may be damaged and door airbags may prematurely explode
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an inflatable wedge as an intermediary tool that creates a controlled gap between the door and body without directly manipulating internal linkages. This mediator allows the unlocking tool to be inserted through a controlled path rather than forcing it through the window, thereby preventing damage to weather stripping and other vehicle components while still enabling door unlocking
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the direct mechanical manipulation method (Slim Jim) with a pneumatic system (inflatable wedge). Instead of mechanically forcing the unlocking tool through the window and directly engaging linkages, the pneumatic wedge creates space and guides the tool through a controlled path, substituting direct mechanical force with controlled pneumatic expansion
2Ease of operation
If vehicle windows are broken to enable unlocking from inside, then the door can be unlocked, but the window must be replaced at considerable expense and legal action may result
Solution Approach 1:
The inflatable wedge serves as a mediator that creates the necessary access gap without destroying the window. Instead of breaking the window to reach the interior, the wedge is inserted through the closed window and creates space between the door and body, allowing the unlocking tool to pass through without window replacement
Solution Approach 2:
The inflatable wedge provides beforehand cushioning by creating a protected path for the unlocking tool. The wedge material cushions and guides the tool through the gap, preventing direct contact between the tool and vulnerable components like weather stripping, thereby preventing damage before it can occur
3Ease of operation
If a conduit is integrated into the inflatable bladder, then the unlocking tool can be guided through the inflated structure, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the conduit function with the inflatable bladder structure by integrating the conduit directly into the bladder wall. This combination allows the bladder to simultaneously perform its pneumatic expansion function and provide a guided path for the unlocking tool, reducing the need for separate external guiding structures
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated conduit gives the bladder multi-functionality: it serves both as the pneumatic expansion element that creates the gap and as the structural guide for the unlocking tool. This universal design eliminates the need for separate tool guidance mechanisms, offsetting the increased structural complexity with operational simplicity
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 inflatable air wedge effectively unlocks vehicle doors without damaging the vehicle, protecting the weather stripping and allowing for safe and efficient entry in emergency situations.
Implementation Method 1
a pneumatic mechanism in operable communication with the bladder for selectively introducing and releasing air from the bladder
Data Source
AI summary
An inflatable air wedge has a tool channel that is inserted between a vehicle door and a vehicle body for allowing an operator to effectively unlock the vehicle door without damaging the vehicle (door and/or body and/or weather stripping). The inflatable air wedge includes a selectively inflatable bladder capable of being intercalated between the existing vehicle door and the existing vehicle body, a pneumatic mechanism in operable communication with the bladder for selectively introducing and releasing air from the bladder, and a conduit engaged with the bladder. Advantageously, such a conduit is suitably sized and shaped for guiding an existing unlocking tool therethrough while the bladder is at an inflated state and seated between the vehicle door and the vehicle body. Notably, the conduit is spaced from the pneumatic mechanism and manually distended when the unlocking tool is positioned therein.