Automatic SCBA Mounting Bracket for Hands-Free Locking
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing SCBA holders in vehicles require manual intervention for securing self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) equipment, which is not efficient or convenient, and lack adjustability for different sizes and mounting locations.
Innovation Solution
An automatic locking mounting bracket assembly with a clamping arrangement, guide, and support structure that automatically secures and releases SCBA equipment using a spring-loaded mechanism, allowing for vertical adjustment and easy release from various locations within the vehicle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual intervention is used to secure SCBA to holders, then the securing process can be controlled, but the operation becomes time-consuming and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The SCBA tank itself activates the locking mechanism by being inserted into the holder. The tank's movement against the actuator plate automatically triggers the clamp to close and engage the latching mechanism, eliminating the need for manual operation while ensuring secure attachment
Solution Approach 2:
The spring is pre-loaded in the unlatched position, storing potential energy that automatically drives the clamp into the latched position when the tank is inserted. This preliminary energy storage enables rapid automatic securing without manual intervention
2Adaptability or versatility
If fixed mounting positions are used, then the structure is simple, but the holder cannot accommodate different sizes and types of SCBA
Solution Approach 1:
The holder is divided into multiple independently adjustable components: the clamp assembly, guide assembly, and support structure can each be positioned at different locations along the mounting plate to accommodate various SCBA sizes and configurations
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting positions of the clamp, guide, and support are made dynamically adjustable rather than fixed. These components can be repositioned along the mounting plate to adapt to different SCBA dimensions and types while maintaining secure attachment
3Ease of operation
If release mechanism is located only at the mounting position, then the structure is simple, but the occupant cannot release from convenient locations during emergency
Solution Approach 1:
A release cable acts as an intermediary mechanism that transmits the release force from remote locations back to the latching mechanism. The cable system enables the occupant to release the SCBA from convenient positions while maintaining a simple core locking structure
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 fast, convenient, and secure mounting and release of SCBA equipment without manual intervention, accommodating different sizes and types, and allowing for use with or without the SCBA, enhancing safety and usability in emergency vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
a spring-loaded mechanism, allowing for vertical adjustment and easy release from various locations within the vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
A mounting bracket assembly is provided for releasably holding a self-contained breathing apparatus. The assembly includes a mounting plate, a clamping arrangement secured on an upper portion of the mounting plate and movable between an unlatched position and a latched position relative to the self-contained breathing apparatus, a guide connected on an intermediate portion of the mounting plate and a support structure mounted on a lower portion of the mounting plate. The clamping arrangement includes a pivot arm having an actuator plate biased forwardly of the mounting plate in the unlatched position, and a self-contained breathing apparatus engaging clamp swung upwardly above the mounting plate in the unlatched position. The clamping arrangement further includes a latching mechanism engageable and disengageable with the pivot arm for providing latched and unlatched positions. Movement of the self-contained breathing apparatus against the actuator plate automatically swings and locks the clamp downwardly on an upper end of the self-contained breathing apparatus, and causes the pivot arm to engage the latching mechanism in the latched position with the guide centering and retaining an intermediate portion of the self-contained breathing apparatus and the support structure supporting a lower portion of the self-contained breathing apparatus.