Select-Angle Rescue Wrench for MRAP Door Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mine-resistant ambush protected (MRAP) vehicle doors present challenges in accessing the rescue mechanical coupler due to various types of screening fences and potential damage, limiting access angles and requiring a flexible and reliable rescue tool that can engage different sized mechanical couplers and include a seat belt cutter for integrated rescue operations.
Innovation Solution
A combat vehicle rescue tool featuring a selectable angle end wrench with a detent mechanism, an eight-point box wrench, and a seat belt cutter, designed to fit various access angles and types of mechanical couplers, allowing quick and reliable access to MRAP vehicle doors, even with obstructed access paths, and can be stored and carried on a combat vest.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional fixed-angle wrench is used to engage the mechanical coupler, then the tool structure is simple, but it cannot engage couplers when access is obstructed by screening fences or damaged structures
Solution Approach 1:
The wrench is designed with a selectable angle mechanism that allows the user to adjust the wrench head to different angles (0°, 45°, 90°, 135°) relative to the handle axis. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the tool to adapt to various access conditions and obstructed paths while maintaining engagement with the mechanical coupler, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and structural simplicity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate rescue tools are carried to handle different rescue scenarios, then each tool can be optimized for its specific function, but the overall equipment burden and storage requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The rescue tool integrates multiple functions into a single device: a selectable angle wrench for engaging mechanical couplers at various angles, a seat belt cutter for cutting restraints, and a MOLLE loop interface for vest integration. This merging of functions allows one tool to replace multiple separate tools, reducing equipment burden while maintaining comprehensive rescue capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool is designed as a multi-functional rescue device that can perform wrench operations at multiple angles, cut seat belts, and be stored on combat vests. The universal design enables a single tool to handle various rescue scenarios including door opening, passenger extraction, and restraint cutting, eliminating the need for multiple specialized tools.
3Productivity
If the rescue tool is designed for full two-handed operation, then operational precision is improved, but rescue time increases and operator exposure to danger is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The tool features a modular design with a handle, wrench head, and cutter as separate but integrated components. The wrench head can be selectively positioned at different angles from the handle axis, allowing one hand to operate the tool while maintaining proper engagement geometry. This segmentation enables efficient single-handed operation without compromising operational precision.
Data Source
AI summary
A combat vehicle rescue tool for operating a combat lock to open a door of a combat vehicle by engaging an exterior mechanical rescue coupler includes a handle having a first end extending in to a first forked arm and a second forked arm. A selectable angle end wrench includes a box wrench which is sized to fit an exterior mechanical rescue coupler of a combat vehicle door. A rectangular stem of the end wrench has at least three angled faces on a rectangular stem end opposite to the box wrench. A detent mechanism engages each of the at least three angle faces and the pair of face surfaces to set a predetermined angle of the selectable angle end wrench with respect to a long axis of the handle. A spare fastener pin can be threadingly stored in the end face of the tapered end of the tool.