Emergency Escape Tool with Solenoid Release and Diamond Tip
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing emergency escape tools for vehicles do not provide a multi-functional solution for breaking windows, cutting seatbelts, and remaining accessible and illuminated while submerged in water, posing a risk to occupants in submerged vehicles.
Innovation Solution
An emergency escape tool with a body member, a hammerhead with a diamond tip for glass breakage, a cutting blade, an immersion sensor, and a solenoid-actuated release mechanism that automatically deploys from a seat-mounted position when submerged, along with buoyancy and illumination for accessibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the emergency escape tool is mounted to the vehicle seat, then it is securely positioned for convenient access, but it becomes inaccessible when the vehicle is submerged in water
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system transitions from a static fixed state to a dynamic releasable state through the solenoid-actuated discharge member. When water immersion is detected, the solenoid activates to release the discharge member from its engaged position, automatically detaching the tool from the seat mount. This dynamic response ensures the tool becomes accessible when needed most during submersion events.
Solution Approach 2:
The discharge member acts as an intermediary mechanism between the seat mount and the tool body. It provides a controlled release interface that can be activated by the solenoid in response to water detection, mediating the transition from a secured mounted state to an accessible floating state without requiring manual intervention from trapped occupants.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the tool remains mounted to the seat during submersion, then it maintains its mounting position, but occupants cannot access it when trapped in submerged vehicles
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically detecting water immersion through the immersion sensor and triggering the solenoid to release the discharge member. This self-activating mechanism eliminates the need for occupants to manually locate and operate the tool during submersion, allowing the system to serve itself in detecting the emergency condition and initiating the release sequence.
3Strength
If a diamond tip is used for glass breakage, then glass breaking effectiveness is enhanced, but the tool becomes heavier and more expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The diamond material is applied locally only to the tip of the hammerhead portion rather than the entire tool body. This concentrated application provides the necessary hardness and effectiveness for breaking tempered glass while minimizing the overall weight increase and cost burden that would result from using diamond throughout the entire tool structure.
4Productivity
If the blade is exposed for cutting seatbelts, then cutting effectiveness is improved, but the risk of inadvertent contact and injury increases
Solution Approach 1:
The slot is pre-configured to guide the seatbelt into the correct position for cutting before the actual cutting action occurs. This preliminary positioning ensures that when occupants need to cut their seatbelts, the belt is already aligned with the blade through the slot, improving cutting effectiveness while the slot's geometric constraints prevent accidental contact with the blade.
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
Enables safe and effective escape by breaking windows, cutting seatbelts, and providing flotation and illumination, ensuring the tool is accessible and usable even when the vehicle is submerged, enhancing occupant safety in emergency situations.
Implementation Method 1
a hammerhead portion coupled to the upper end of the body member and having a conical shape and that includes a diamond tip extending away from the upper end that is operable to break the glass window of the automobile
Implementation Method 2
An immersion sensor is coupled to the body member and operable to detect immersion in water
Implementation Method 3
A discharge member is associated with the body member is operable to release the body member away from a mounting portion if immersion in water is detected
Data Source
AI summary
An emergency escape tool for quick escape from a crashed automobile includes a body member defining an interior area. The walls of the body member define a slot and a blade is mounted therein, the blade being capable of severing a seatbelt of the automobile. The emergency escape tool includes a hammerhead portion coupled to the upper end of the body member and having a conical shape and a tip extending away from the upper end that is operable to break the glass window of the automobile. An immersion sensor is coupled to the body member and operable to detect immersion in water. The body member may be coupled to a seat of the automobile. A discharge member is associated with the body member and is operable to release the body member away from a mounting portion if immersion in water is detected.