Vehicle Rear Window Breaking Device with Independent Pin

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solutions for breaking the rear window of a vehicle are limited by their integration with the roll bar, restricting design freedom and requiring a minimum distance between the roll bar and the rear window, with built-in pins that are not independent and have limited use cases.

Innovation Solution

A device with an actuation system housed within the vehicle's rear window space, featuring a closure element with a pin for breaking the window, where the actuation system and closure element move together but independently of the roll bar, using mechanical, hydraulic, magnetic, pneumatic, or pyrotechnic actuation, and coupled with an elastic element, allowing for multiple pins and constraining means to ensure effective window breaking.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the pin is integrated with the roll bar, then the breaking function is achieved, but the design freedom and installation flexibility are restricted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverear window breaking functionVSAvoiddesign freedom and installation flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the breaking device into separate components: the pin is integrated with the closure element rather than the roll bar, allowing independent positioning and installation of the breaking function relative to the roll bar structure. This segmentation enables the pin to be positioned optimally for window breaking while the roll bar maintains its structural integrity and design freedom.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The pin function is extracted from the roll bar and placed on the closure element, which is a separate component that interacts with the roll bar during deployment. This extraction allows the breaking function to be achieved without constraining the roll bar design, enabling greater versatility in vehicle integration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If the pin is built in the roll bar, then the breaking function is provided, but a minimum distance between roll bar and rear window is required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverear window breaking functionVSAvoidminimum distance between roll bar and rear window
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The closure element acts as an intermediary between the roll bar and the rear window. During deployment, the closure element is propelled by the roll bar to carry the pin forward, allowing the pin to reach the window even when the roll bar itself cannot approach close enough. This intermediary mechanism eliminates the need for a minimum distance constraint between the roll bar and window.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If the pin is integrated with the roll bar, then the breaking function works, but the solution has limited use cases and strong installation restraints

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverear window breaking functionVSAvoiduse cases and installation options
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The closure element is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides the breaking pin function, acts as a connector between the roll bar and window, and can be integrated with various vehicle trim configurations. This multi-functionality allows the same basic mechanism to be adapted to different vehicle types, window configurations, and installation scenarios, greatly expanding versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 independent operation of the breaking pin from the roll bar, providing enhanced design flexibility and effective rear window breaking without the need for a roll bar, with improved installation and reduced restraints, ensuring reliable window breaking during collisions.

Implementation Method 1

an actuation system, after its activation, striking said closure element, making it moving, along with said at least one pin, toward said rear window

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPyrotechnic: Explosion

Implementation Method 2

at least one breaking pin is coupled with said closure element by the interposition of an elastic element, preferably a spring

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2346720B1Device for breaking rear window of a vehicle
Publication Date: 2015.08.12 MASERATI
  • EP2346720B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2346720B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2346720B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a device for breaking rear window (1) of a vehicle, said device being comprising an actuation system (3), normally housed in a sleeping or rest position within a space which is inner with respect to said vehicle rear window (1), and that can be actuated, following a collision or accident involving said vehicle, a closure element (4) for said space housing said actuation system (3), provided between the latter and the rear window (1), said closure element (4) having a pin (5) for breaking the rear window (1), said actuation system (3), after its activation, striking said closure element (4), making it moving, along with said at least one pin (5), toward said rear window (1), said actuation system (3) and said closure element (4) travelling with the same speed until the end of the stroke of the actuation system (3), said stroke ending before the actuation system contacts the rear window (1), said closure element (4), along with said at least one pin (5), further prosecuting its stroke until striking the rear window (1), breaking the same.