Flexible Substrate Vehicle Arresting Device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle arresting devices lack a reliable and remote-controlled mechanism to quickly and safely stop a target vehicle without causing significant damage or injury, especially in scenarios where immediate and controlled intervention is necessary.

Innovation Solution

A portable vehicle arresting device with a launcher assembly, pyrotechnic charge, and flexible substrate that can be remotely deployed across the path of a target vehicle, using weighted plugs and straps to entangle the vehicle's wheels, preventing further rotation and bringing it to a controlled stop.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a vehicle arresting device is deployed to stop a fleeing vehicle, then the vehicle can be brought to a controlled stop without serious damage or injury, but the device requires complex setup and deployment mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrolled stop capabilityVSAvoidsetup and deployment mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into separate functional modules: a launcher assembly for deploying the substrate, a substrate component with weighted plugs and straps, and a control system. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall deployment process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The substrate is pre-configured with weighted plugs attached to corners and straps connected to opposing edges before deployment. This preliminary preparation ensures that when the substrate is launched, it automatically assumes the correct configuration for entangling wheels without requiring complex real-time adjustments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If the substrate is launched into the path of a fleeing vehicle, then the vehicle can be stopped abruptly, but the timing and positioning must be precisely controlled to ensure safety and effectiveness

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestopping speedVSAvoidtiming and positioning control
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The control system monitors the deployment process and adjusts the launch timing based on feedback from sensors that detect the approaching vehicle's position and speed. This ensures the substrate is launched at the optimal moment for maximum effectiveness while maintaining safety margins.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The launcher assembly is designed to adjust its aiming angle and launch force dynamically based on the target vehicle's characteristics. The system can adapt to different vehicle types, speeds, and distances, ensuring precise positioning of the substrate in the vehicle's path regardless of varying conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Force

If the substrate wraps around the front wheels to prevent rotation, then the vehicle stops effectively, but the substrate must be strong enough to withstand the forces without breaking

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewheel engagement forceVSAvoidsubstrate tensile strength
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The substrate is constructed from high-strength composite materials that provide both flexibility and tensile strength. The combination of durable fabric with reinforced stitching and integrated straps creates a structure capable of withstanding the extreme forces generated when wrapping around moving wheels without breaking.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The substrate has varying properties in different regions: the central portion is designed to be flexible for wrapping, while the edges with straps and weighted plugs have enhanced strength for anchoring. This local differentiation optimizes the balance between flexibility for engagement and strength for force resistance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

4Object-affected harmful factors

If the device is remotely controlled to launch the substrate, then the operator can stand at a safe location, but the control mechanism adds complexity to the system

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperator safetyVSAvoidcontrol system
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A remote control system serves as an intermediary between the operator and the launcher assembly. This allows the operator to initiate deployment from a safe distance while the control system handles the complex coordination of launching the substrate at the correct time and angle, simplifying the operator's interaction despite the underlying system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 rapid, safe, and controlled stopping of vehicles by deploying a flexible substrate across their path, minimizing damage and injury, with the ability to stop a vehicle in a similar distance to an emergency stop, offering an element of surprise and preventing evasive maneuvers.

Implementation Method 1

the energy source is a pyro-technic charge that has been inserted into a pressure breech that may be ignited by a spring loaded firing pin that activates a percussion cap

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPyrotechnic charge: Combustion

Implementation Method 2

a spring loaded firing pin that activates a percussion cap

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Implementation Method 3

The substrate is caused to wrap around the front wheels, the portion of the substrate between the wheels being pulled tight under the vehicle so that the tension in the substrate prevents further rotation of the wheels

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 4

the tension in the substrate prevents further rotation of the wheels

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTension: Tension

Data Source

PatentEP3357766B1Vehicle arresting device
Publication Date: 2019.07.03 SPENCER ETHAN
  • EP3357766B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3357766B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3357766B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A vehicle arresting device and method is described that includes the use of flexible substrate that is launched into the path of a fleeing vehicle. The arresting device may be remotely controlled in order to provide more safety to the user. The net like substrate is configured to wrap around at least one tire of the fleeing vehicle and bring the vehicle to a stop.