Vehicle Arresting Mechanism With Flexible-Linked Tire Puncture Members
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle arresting devices fail to effectively launch a projectile with alternating rigid spiked members and flexible connectors across a driving surface to deflate vehicle tires, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 10,030,343.
Innovation Solution
A projectile launcher launches a deflation member comprising alternating rigid puncture members and flexible links, which deploy across a driving surface to puncture vehicle tires, using a projectile that draws the deflation member into a linear configuration upon launch.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a flexible net with attached spikes is launched across a road surface, then the device can cover a wide area, but the reliability of tire puncture is reduced due to lack of rigid structure
Solution Approach 1:
The deflation member is segmented into multiple rigid puncture members (spikes) connected by flexible links, creating a modular structure that combines the puncture effectiveness of rigid elements with the adaptability of flexible connections
Solution Approach 2:
The deflation member uses a composite structure combining rigid puncture members (for reliable tire penetration) with flexible links (for adaptability and coverage), creating a hybrid system that achieves both reliability and area coverage
2Reliability
If rigid spiked members are used to puncture tires, then the puncture effectiveness is improved, but the device cannot adapt to surface irregularities
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible links allow the deflation member to dynamically adjust its configuration as it is drawn across the driving surface, enabling adaptation to surface irregularities while maintaining rigid puncture members for effective tire penetration
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible links function as flexible connectors that allow the rigid puncture members to adjust their positions and orientations in response to surface variations, providing adaptability without sacrificing puncture effectiveness
3Reliability
If a deflation member with alternating rigid and flexible components is launched, then both puncture reliability and adaptability are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The deflation member is divided into repeating units of rigid puncture members and flexible links, creating a modular design that achieves complex functionality through simple, repeatable elements
Solution Approach 2:
The alternating structure of rigid and flexible components serves multiple functions simultaneously: rigid members provide puncture capability while flexible links provide adaptability, connection, and energy absorption, reducing the need for separate specialized components
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 solution effectively immobilizes vehicles by deflating tires through puncturing, ensuring traction loss and deceleration by deploying a projectile with rigid quills that split under vehicle weight to pierce tires.
Implementation Method 1
The firing mechanism of the projectile launcher 14 may use explosive charges, compressed gas, linear induction motors, or any other suitable propellant for launching the projectile 12 from the projectile launcher 14.
Implementation Method 2
The firing mechanism of the projectile launcher 14 may use explosive charges, compressed gas, linear induction motors, or any other suitable propellant for launching the projectile 12 from the projectile launcher 14.
Implementation Method 3
Each puncture member 28 is configured to puncture a tire 72
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle arresting apparatus for launching a puncturing device onto a driving surface to puncture a motor vehicle's tires includes a projectile and a projectile launcher configured to launch the projectile. A deflation member is coupled to the projectile. The deflation member comprises a plurality of puncture members and a plurality of flexible links which are coupled together in alternating fashion. Each puncture member is configured to puncture a tire, and each flexible link couples a first end of one of the puncture members to a second end of another of the puncture members.