Lateral Deploying Vehicle Disablement Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle disablement devices for police pursuits are not mobile, require manual deployment, pose safety risks to officers, and are ineffective on uneven surfaces, leading to costly repairs and increased insurance rates due to high-speed chases resulting in property damage and loss of life.
Innovation Solution
A mobile, retractable, lateral deploying device that mounts to a police vehicle, allowing safe deployment of a spike strip from within the vehicle to puncture a fleeing vehicle's tires, featuring a telescoping assembly, pneumatic system, and automatic retraction, enabling multiple deployments without exposing the officer to harm.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a device is thrown by hand across the roadway to deflate tires, then the device can be deployed to disable the vehicle, but the police officer is exposed to harm and the deployment is not mobile
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a police vehicle as an intermediary carrier to deploy the spike strip device. Instead of manual deployment, the device is mounted on and deployed from the police vehicle, which acts as a mediator between the officer and the target vehicle, eliminating the need for the officer to exit the vehicle and reducing exposure to harm.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical deployment system with an automated pneumatic system. The spike strip is deployed using air pressure from a tank through a valve mechanism, substituting the manual throwing action with an automated pneumatic actuation system that can be controlled from within the police vehicle.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a device is deployed on uneven surfaces, then the device can be used on various roadways, but the device sustains damage and requires costly repairs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a telescoping assembly with nested tubes that can extend and retract dynamically. This dynamic structure allows the spike strip to be stored compactly during transport and then extended laterally when needed, adapting to different roadway conditions while protecting the spikes from damage during movement and storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a flexible mounting system where the spike strip can be positioned at various angles relative to the police vehicle. The telescoping assembly allows the device to flex and adapt to uneven surfaces while maintaining functionality, reducing stress and damage from rough terrain.
3Reliability
If the spike strip is extended laterally at a downward angle, then the device can effectively puncture tires, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a nested telescoping assembly where inner tubes are positioned within outer tubes. This nested structure allows the spike strip to be compact during transport and then extend laterally when deployed. The nesting principle enables the complex lateral extension function while maintaining a compact form factor when retracted.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions the spike strip from a linear configuration to a lateral extension configuration by using telescoping tubes that extend perpendicular to the vehicle's direction of travel. This dimensional change allows the spikes to be positioned optimally for tire contact while maintaining structural efficiency.
4Productivity
If the device is designed for rapid deployment, then the pursuit can be stopped quickly, but the deployment timing must be perfect and the vehicle must not be moving
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an automatic trigger system that activates the pneumatic valve when the police vehicle's brakes are applied. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for precise manual timing by the officer, as the system automatically detects braking and initiates spike strip deployment, making the system easier to operate while maintaining rapid response.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses feedback from the vehicle's braking system to trigger deployment. The pneumatic valve is activated in response to the braking action, creating a feedback loop where the officer's natural braking maneuver automatically initiates the spike strip deployment, eliminating the need for separate timing control.
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 disablement of fleeing vehicles from within the police vehicle, reducing the risk to officers and minimizing damage, as the device can be used on various road surfaces and quickly retracted for repeated use, thereby reducing insurance costs and preventing fatalities.
Implementation Method 1
air from the air reservoir to flow through the solenoid valve and air hose to pressurize the telescoping assembly
Implementation Method 2
the large and small constant force springs to automatically retract
Data Source
AI summary
A device when activated, disables a fleeing vehicle from within the operator's vehicle. The device mounts directly to the operator's vehicle. This device is controlled by the operator from within the vehicle by way of a control panel. When deemed necessary, the system is armed using a switch mounted on said panel. This allows for deployment upon activation of said switch. Upon positioning of operator car, the switch is activated, extending spike strip laterally. This places the spike strip under the pursued vehicle, in front of one or more of the tires. The operator applies the brakes of said vehicle, causing the spike strip to travel under the pursued vehicle's tire, disabling the vehicle. Upon traveling under the tire, the operator removes pressure from switch, causing the unit to safely stow itself. The system can then be re-deployed at will.