Emergency Vehicle Tank Mount Bracket with Lateral Force Lock
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mounting devices for cylindrical tanks in emergency vehicles fail to prevent uncontrolled release during accidents, posing a risk to emergency personnel due to rapid or instantaneous movement, and do not facilitate quick and secure removal when needed.
Innovation Solution
A tank mounting assembly with a mechanical lock-out mechanism that limits the clamping member's movement from the locking to the unlocking position, ensuring the tank remains secured during sudden deceleration and allows for safe, manual release by incorporating a pivoting lock-out mechanism and a return biasing means for easy access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a quick release mechanism is used to allow rapid removal of the tank, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates because the tank may release uncontrollably during accidents
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping member is designed to be movable between clamping and releasing positions, allowing dynamic adjustment. The mechanism transitions from a static clamp to a dynamically controllable system that can switch between secure holding and quick release states based on operational needs
Solution Approach 2:
A lock-out bar is introduced as an intermediary component between the clamping member and the tank. This intermediate element selectively prevents or allows movement of the clamping member, mediating between the conflicting requirements of secure holding and quick release by responding to lateral force conditions
2Productivity
If the clamping member can move rapidly from clamping to releasing position, then the productivity is improved for quick tank access, but the object-affected harmful factors worsen due to uncontrolled movement during accidents
Solution Approach 1:
The lock-out bar is positioned and configured to preemptively prevent harmful rapid movement. By being pre-positioned to block the clamping member's path during lateral force events, it applies counter-action before the harmful uncontrolled release can occur, allowing quick intentional access while preventing accidental release
3Reliability
If a mechanical lock-out mechanism is added to prevent uncontrolled release, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lock-out bar is integrated with the existing clamping mechanism structure. The bar utilizes the same pivot points, mounting locations, and structural elements already present in the bracket assembly, merging the lock-out function into the existing design rather than adding completely separate components
Solution Approach 2:
The lock-out bar serves multiple functions: it acts as a safety mechanism to prevent uncontrolled release during accidents, serves as a structural element of the bracket assembly, and works in conjunction with the clamping member's existing movement mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated components
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 assembly effectively prevents tank release during sudden vehicle deceleration, ensuring safety for emergency personnel while allowing quick and secure removal when required, thereby minimizing the risk of injury and facilitating rapid access to essential equipment.
Implementation Method 1
a return biasing means for returning the clamping member to the clamping position
Data Source
AI summary
A mounting assembly for mounting a tank including a backing plate, a foot plate secured to a bottom portion of the backing plate and a clamping assembly secured to a top portion of the backing plate spaced from the foot plate such that a tank receiving zone is defined between the foot plate and the clamping assembly. The clamping assembly includes a bracket secured to the backing plate and a clamping member pivotally secured to the bracket and movable between a clamping position and a releasing position. The clamping assembly further includes a mechanical lock-out mechanism including a lock-out member moveable between an open position wherein the clamping member is free to pivot to the releasing position and a closed position wherein the lock-out member engages a portion of the clamping member and prevents pivoting thereof. The lock-out member is biased to the open position but moves to the closed position upon application of a high lateral force.