Expandable Exhaust Plug for Stealth Vehicle Disable

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for disabling vehicles are often dangerous, visible, and require modifications to the exhaust system, posing risks to officers and bystanders, and may not effectively prevent vehicle operation during chases.

Innovation Solution

An expandable plug apparatus is inserted into the vehicle's exhaust pipe, secured with a rotational mechanism that radially expands to seal against the pipe walls, featuring a pressure relief valve for safe removal, without altering the exhaust system or causing damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If an exhaust plug is manually inserted and secured into the exhaust pipe, then the vehicle is disabled effectively, but the device may be easily removed and is clearly visible from the rear

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevehicle disabling effectivenessVSAvoiddevice visibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The expandable plug is nested within the exhaust pipe, with the expandable body collapsing into a compact form that fits inside the pipe when not in use. When activated, it expands radially to fill the pipe interior, making it invisible from the exterior while maintaining reliable vehicle disabling functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The plug transitions from a static, visible external device to a dynamic internal device that expands and contracts. The expandable body can be collapsed into a compact state for insertion and storage, then expanded radially when needed to seal the exhaust pipe, providing both stealth and effectiveness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If adhesive material is used to block the tailpipe, then the vehicle is disabled, but the tailpipe may be damaged by adhesive fusing or impact

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevehicle disabling effectivenessVSAvoidexhaust system damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The expandable plug acts as an intermediary between the disabling function and the exhaust pipe, providing a mechanical seal through radial expansion rather than chemical adhesion. This eliminates the need for adhesive materials that could fuse to or damage the tailpipe, while still achieving reliable vehicle disabling

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the chemical adhesion mechanism with a mechanical expansion mechanism. Instead of using adhesive material that bonds to the pipe, the plug uses radial expansion against the pipe walls to create a seal, eliminating chemical damage risks while maintaining disabling effectiveness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If the plug is secured tightly to prevent removal, then the vehicle cannot be easily disabled, but pressure builds up within the exhaust system creating safety hazards

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice securityVSAvoidexhaust pressure buildup

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The pressure relief valve extracts the harmful effect of pressure buildup by providing a controlled release path. While the plug remains securely sealed against the exhaust pipe walls to prevent easy removal, the valve selectively releases excess pressure to eliminate safety hazards, balancing security with safety

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 apparatus effectively disables vehicles by blocking exhaust flow, preventing engine operation without being easily removable, ensuring safety and stealth, and maintaining the exhaust system's integrity.

Implementation Method 1

rotating the shaft of the apparatus to radially expand the head of the apparatus and secure it within a tailpipe

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadial expansion: Deformation

Implementation Method 2

An axial bore through the shaft is fitted at a terminal end with a pressure release valve to selectively release pressure

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure release: Depressurisation

Data Source

PatentUS9290154B2Apparatus and method for disabling a vehicle

Publication Date: 2016.03.22 BERG GARY S

AI summary

An apparatus for disabling a motor vehicle comprises an expandable head adapted to be inserted and secured into the exhaust pipe of an automobile, motorcycle, go-kart, scooter, boat, tractor or other vehicle having an internal combustion engine. A shaft of the apparatus may be configured to engage with a tool, e.g., a socket wrench, torque wrench, drill driver, or other tool, which may impart a rotational force on the shaft to radially expand a head of the apparatus and secure it within a tailpipe of a vehicle, such that buildup of pressure within the vehicle exhaust system does not expel the apparatus from the pipe. An axial bore through the shaft may be fitted at a terminal end with a pressure release valve to selectively release pressure, e.g., before removing the device, or to allow operation of the vehicle while the apparatus is secured within the tailpipe.