Vehicle Emergency Access Device with Percussion Mode
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Solution Overview
Problem
Emergency access devices in vehicles without mechanical connections between handles and locks can become inoperable due to accumulation of debris, such as frozen water or dust, which can lock the pull member in its retracted position, rendering them unusable during critical situations like accidents or electrical failures.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle opening panel emergency access device featuring a retention pin with an electric ejector that can switch between unlocking and percussion modes, where the percussion mode generates vibrations to clear debris from between the pull member and the body, ensuring the pull member can be deployed effectively during emergencies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the pull member is kept in retracted position for long periods, then the device remains secure and ready for emergency use, but debris accumulates between the pull member and body causing the pull member to become locked and inoperable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an electric ejector that generates mechanical vibrations to oscillate the retention pin between its locking position and an intermediate position. This vibration mechanism prevents debris accumulation by creating relative movement between the pull member and body, thereby eliminating frozen water, dust, and other contaminants that could cause the pull member to become locked during emergency situations
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit activates the electric ejector in percussion mode at periodic intervals to oscillate the retention pin. This periodic action ensures that debris is continuously cleared from between the pull member and body, maintaining the operational reliability of the emergency access device over extended periods without requiring manual intervention
2Ease of operation
If the electric ejector drives the retention pin to release position, then the pull member can be deployed, but debris between the pull member and body can prevent effective deployment during emergencies
Solution Approach 1:
The electric ejector generates mechanical vibrations to oscillate the retention pin, creating relative movement between the pull member and body. This vibration eliminates debris such as frozen water and dust that could obstruct the pull member's deployment path, ensuring reliable operation when emergency access is required
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit activates the electric ejector in percussion mode before the actual emergency deployment to pre-clear debris from between the pull member and body. This preliminary action ensures that when the retention pin is driven to the release position, the pull member can deploy effectively without obstruction from accumulated contaminants
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 ensures the availability and operational safety of the emergency access device by preventing the pull member from becoming locked due to debris accumulation, allowing immediate use during emergencies and reducing the need for frequent maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
The percussion mode of the electric ejector makes it possible to communicate to the pull member and to the body a vibration that can be adjusted so as to ensure the elimination of any undesirable material that might be present between the pull member and the body
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle opening panel emergency access device, having: a body; a graspable pull member that is able to move between: a retracted position and a deployed position; a retention pin that is designed to occupy: a locking position and a position for releasing the pull member; an electric ejector designed to control the sliding of the retention pin; a control unit for control according to two modes: an unlocking mode in which the electric ejector drives the retention pin from its locking position to its release position; and a percussion mode in which the electric ejector drives the retention pin in oscillation between its locking position and an intermediate position between the locking position and the release position.