Blast-Resistant Escape Window with Releasable Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current armored combat ground vehicles lack a reliable and blast-resistant secondary exit mechanism for emergency situations, particularly in the event of a primary exit being obstructed by explosive blasts.
Innovation Solution
A blast-resistant escape window system featuring a multi-layer laminated transparent armor window housed within a steel casing, secured by dual releasable locking mechanisms that allow the window cassette to be pushed out of the windscreen frame for emergency egress, utilizing a multi-section metal casing and locking mechanisms with metal shafts and levers to disengage catches and enable exit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a transparent armor window is installed in the windscreen to provide visual access, then the commander and driver can observe activities in the field of view, but the window creates a potential vulnerability to explosive blasts and blocks emergency egress routes
Solution Approach 1:
The window is designed with releasable locking mechanisms that allow it to transition from a fixed protective state during normal operation to a movable egress state during emergencies. The window can be pushed out of the windscreen frame when the locking mechanisms are released, transforming from a static barrier to a dynamic escape route.
Solution Approach 2:
The transparent armor window serves multiple functions: it provides protective visual access during normal operation and serves as an emergency egress route when activated. The same structure that protects the crew during combat also becomes their escape path when needed.
2Strength
If the window is made blast-resistant with multi-layer lamination and steel casing, then the window can resist explosive forces, but the complexity of the locking mechanism increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking system is divided into two separate locking mechanisms positioned at opposite sides of the windscreen frame. Each mechanism independently secures the window, and both must be released for egress. This segmentation distributes the complexity across multiple simpler units rather than one complex centralized lock.
Solution Approach 2:
The steel casing with reinforced corners provides localized strengthening at critical stress points where explosive forces would concentrate. The multi-layer lamination is applied specifically to the window pane itself, while the casing provides structural support at the perimeter, creating a graduated defense system.
3Reliability
If the window cassette is secured with dual locking mechanisms for blast resistance, then the window remains firmly locked during combat, but the time required to release and push the window out during emergencies increases
Solution Approach 1:
The window egress system is designed to be self-actuating. When the locking mechanisms are released, the window can be pushed out using the force applied by personnel inside the vehicle. The design leverages the natural force available from the occupants themselves rather than requiring external assistance or complex automated ejection systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanisms are designed to be quickly released and the window pre-positioned for egress. The releasable locks allow for rapid disengagement, and the window's position and orientation are预先 prepared to facilitate immediate push-out action when emergencies occur.
4Ease of operation
If the through-opening is sized to allow egress of personnel by crawling through, then personnel can exit the vehicle in emergency situations, but the opening cannot provide adequate structural support during blasts
Solution Approach 1:
The windscreen frame maintains its full structural integrity and size during normal operation, providing adequate blast support. When egress is needed, the window cassette is removed from the frame, dynamically transforming the opening from a small window aperture to a large personnel egress route while the frame itself remains intact and structurally sound.
Data Source
AI summary
A blast-resistant escape window for an armored combat ground vehicle has a cassette which fits within, and closes, a though-opening in a frame of a windscreen. Two releasable lever-operated locking mechanisms for releasably locking the cassette in the through-opening are mounted on the windscreen at opposite sides of the through-opening. The cassette can to be pushed out of the through-opening when the locking mechanisms have been operated to release the cassette from being locked to the windscreen, thereby providing an alternative exit for personnel in the vehicle.