Seatback Air Tank Bracket Locking With Vehicle-Triggered Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Emergency personnel in vehicles face safety risks due to unsecured self-contained breathing apparatus air tanks, which can become dangerous objects during vehicle movement or accidents, as existing locking mechanisms lack robust and externally controlled securement solutions.
Innovation Solution
An externally activated locking seat bracket with a pivoting head and locking mechanism, powered by an electrical solenoid, that securely holds the tank in place unless the vehicle is stationary, using a parking brake or transmission in the Park position to allow disengagement, ensuring safety and convenience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking mechanism is provided to secure the air tank to the mounting bracket, then the tank security is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical locking systems with an electronically controlled solenoid actuation system. The solenoid receives electrical signals from vehicle sensors (parking brake, transmission, seat belt) to control the locking mechanism, simplifying the mechanical design while improving reliability through electronic control integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting bracket is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides structural support for the tank, integrates with the vehicle's existing safety systems (parking brake, transmission, seat belt sensors), and incorporates the locking mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity by consolidating components.
2Reliability
If the tank is securely locked in place during vehicle movement, then safety is improved, but the ease of operation for quick donning and doffing deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism transitions from a static locked state to a dynamic controlled state based on vehicle conditions. The solenoid actuation system allows the tank to be securely locked during vehicle movement but can be quickly unlocked when the vehicle is stationary, enabling rapid donning and doffing operations while maintaining safety during transport.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback from vehicle sensors (parking brake status, transmission gear position, seat belt status) to automatically control the locking mechanism. This feedback system ensures the tank is locked only when appropriate safety conditions are met, eliminating the need for manual operation while maintaining quick access capability.
3Reliability
If an externally activated locking mechanism controlled by vehicle parameters is implemented, then safety control is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the mounting bracket system with the vehicle's existing safety control systems. The solenoid actuation mechanism is integrated with the vehicle's parking brake, transmission, and seat belt sensor systems, combining multiple safety functions into a single coordinated control system that manages the tank locking without requiring separate independent controls.
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
The solution effectively secures air tanks during vehicle movement, preventing injury and providing a safe, convenient, and quick means of disengagement, enhancing safety for emergency personnel by ensuring the tank is locked in place unless the vehicle is stationary.
Implementation Method 1
The locking mechanism includes a solenoid operable responsive to a signal from one of the sensors to move the cam arm from the locked position to the unlocked position
Implementation Method 2
The locking mechanism includes a spring biased cam arm pivotally mounted with respect to the bracket
Data Source
AI summary
A tank holding bracket mechanism positionable within a seat back of an emergency vehicle for holding therein of an air tank usable for emergency breathing situations which is attachable to the back of emergency personnel such as firefighters while sitting on the vehicle seats during transport. The holding bracket includes a pivoting head movable between an opened position allow entry of removal of a tank from the bracket mechanism and a closed position retaining a tank with respect to the bracket mechanism. A locking mechanism is adapted to selectively lock the head in the closed position to prevent release of the tank responsive to certain vehicle parameters, such as disengagement of an emergency brake or movement of the vehicle transmission from the park mode. The locking mechanism can be externally activated manually or electrically such as with a powered solenoid.