Vehicle Emergency Access Pull Rod With Integrated Ejectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing emergency access devices for vehicles with no mechanical connection between the handle and the lock require a mechanical connection for emergency or electrical failure scenarios, which is not readily available.
Innovation Solution
An emergency access device with a graspable pull rod, elastic member, retention needle, electric ejector, and mechanical ejector, allowing for manual or automatic deployment of the pull rod to facilitate emergency access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mechanical connection is provided between the handle and the lock for emergency access, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the electric ejector and mechanical ejector into a single integrated emergency access device. The electric ejector uses an electromagnet to move the retention needle, while the mechanical ejector uses a slider that can be actuated manually. Both ejectors share common components including the pull rod, retention needle, and body structure, thereby achieving reliable emergency access through multiple actuation methods while minimizing overall device complexity through component sharing.
2Reliability
If multiple ejectors are provided for emergency access, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retention needle serves multiple functions: it is actuated by both the electric ejector (through the electromagnet) and the mechanical ejector (through the slider), and it controls the deployment of the pull rod in both actuation modes. This multi-functionality allows the system to provide reliable emergency access through electric, mechanical, or combined actuation while avoiding the need for completely separate ejection mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention needle acts as an intermediary component that mediates between the electric and mechanical ejectors and the pull rod. Rather than having separate direct actuation mechanisms, the retention needle translates the action of either ejector into the deployment of the pull rod, creating a unified control interface that reduces overall system complexity while maintaining multiple access pathways.
3Ease of operation
If the pull rod is always deployed, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pull rod is designed to be dynamic rather than static - it remains retracted during normal operation to maintain a compact configuration and is deployed only when emergency access is required. The retention needle provides a simple blocking mechanism that holds the pull rod in its retracted position during normal use, and releases it when actuated by either ejector. This dynamic configuration provides ease of operation during emergencies while avoiding the complexity of continuously deployed mechanisms.
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 safe and reliable emergency access to vehicle opening leaves in accident scenarios or electrical failures, with a reduced number of parts for lower bulk and cost, and increased reliability.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member that urges the pull rod toward its deployed position
Implementation Method 2
the electric ejector comprising an electric actuator designed to move the retention needle from its blocking position to its releasing position
Data Source
AI summary
Emergency access device for a vehicle opening leaf, including: —a graspable pull rod that is movable between a retracted position and a deployed position; —a retention needle that is movable transversely to the pull rod between a position for blocking the pull rod in its retracted position and a position for releasing the pull rod; —an electric ejector designed to release the pull rod; —a mechanical ejector designed to release the pull rod; the pull rod including an oblique path designed to cause the retention needle to move from its blocking position to its releasing position during a movement of the pull rod in translation.