Remote Tire Deflation Deployment With Breakaway Tether Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual deployment of spike strips and other vehicular tire deflation devices by law enforcement is cumbersome and exposes personnel to roadway dangers.
Innovation Solution
A remote controlled unit with a tethered tire deflation device that can be deployed and retrieved at a predetermined location, featuring a coupling mechanism with a latch and hitch that breaks away at a predetermined force, and directional lights for navigation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual deployment of spike strips is used, then the tire deflation device can be deployed on the roadway, but law enforcement personnel are exposed to roadway dangers and the process is cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a remote controlled unit as an intermediary device between the operator and the tire deflation device. This unit can be positioned on the roadway and controlled remotely, allowing deployment of the spike strip without personnel needing to physically approach or enter the roadway, thus eliminating exposure to oncoming traffic and other roadway hazards while simplifying the deployment process
2Reliability
If manual placement of spike strips on the roadway is required, then the device can be deployed, but it requires personnel to approach or enter the roadway
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical placement system with a remote controlled mechanical system. The remote controlled unit with wheels and tether mechanism automatically positions and deploys the tire deflation device without requiring manual handling, substituting human physical action with automated mechanical operation controlled from a safe distance
3Adaptability or versatility
If a tethered tire deflation device is used with a coupling mechanism, then the device can be deployed and retrieved, but the coupling mechanism must withstand high forces while allowing controlled release
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by designing a coupling mechanism with a breakaway hitch that transitions from a strong connected state to a released state based on applied force. The hitch is engineered to maintain strong coupling during normal operation and retrieval, but automatically releases when subjected to excessive force (such as when a vehicle runs over the spike strip), allowing the system to adapt to different operational phases without requiring manual intervention
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 efficient deployment of tire deflation devices from a distance, reducing the risk of injury to law enforcement and other personnel by eliminating the need for manual placement on the roadway.
Implementation Method 1
the hitch is configured to break away from the latch when a predetermined amount of force is applied to the hitch
Implementation Method 2
The latch may be configured in various implementations as a magnet, wherein the hitch magnetically couples to the latch
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, devices, and methods comprising a remote controlled unit having a body, wherein the remote controlled unit is in communication with a controller; and at least one tire deflation device coupled to the remote controlled unit by a tether, wherein the remote controlled unit deploys the at least one tire deflation device at a predetermined location.