Vehicle Stabilization Support with Self-Ratcheting Extender Arms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle stabilization methods for rescue operations are bulky, space-consuming, difficult to deploy, and require manual adjustment, making them inefficient and time-consuming, especially in limited spaces within first responder vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight, compact aluminum stabilizing device with a preloaded spring mechanism that automatically adjusts and self-ratchets to stabilize vehicles, allowing single-person operation and automatic re-adjustment, featuring a base plate with high friction surface, extender members, and a locking mechanism for secure support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If standard wood or plastic cribbing is used for vehicle stabilization, then the vehicle can be stabilized, but the device occupies large space and is difficult to deploy
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilizing device is divided into multiple extender members (first extender member, second extender member, third extender member) that can be individually adjusted and positioned. Each extender member can be independently extended or retracted to provide stable support while occupying minimal space when not in use.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates telescopic extender members with adjustable lengths that can dynamically adapt to different vehicle stabilization requirements. The extender members can be extended to the required length and locked in position, providing reliable stabilization while maintaining compact storage volume.
2Reliability
If standard cribbing is used for vehicle stabilization, then the vehicle can be stabilized, but the device is heavy and time-consuming to emplace
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses lightweight materials and a telescopic design that allows the extender members to vary in length. This enables the device to provide full stabilization capability while maintaining low weight and compact form factor for easy transport and rapid deployment.
3Reliability
If standard cribbing is used for vehicle stabilization, then the vehicle can be stabilized, but manual adjustment is required and it is not capable of self-adjusting
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilizing device incorporates self-adjusting mechanisms where the extender members can automatically extend and lock into position based on the vehicle's weight and position. The device self-regulates to provide appropriate stabilization without requiring manual measurement or adjustment, reducing deployment complexity and time.
4Reliability
If standard cribbing is used for vehicle stabilization, then the vehicle can be stabilized, but it requires two persons for placement
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses dynamically adjustable extender members that can be independently controlled and positioned. This allows a single operator to adjust each extender member as needed and lock them into position, eliminating the need for a second person to assist with placement while maintaining stable vehicle support.
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 device significantly reduces space and weight requirements, enables single-person deployment, and automatic re-adjustment during rescue operations, enhancing efficiency and speed in victim extrication by stabilizing vehicles effectively without the need for constant manual intervention.
Implementation Method 1
A spring biasing means provides the force enabling movement of the extender member base ends toward each other
Implementation Method 2
The underside of this plate preferably is provided with a slip reducing high friction surface
Data Source
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AI summary
A vehicle stabilization device for use in stabilizing a vehicle to enable safe and rapid victim extrication operations by first responder and other personnel. The device includes a base plate for enabling its emplacement on an underlying support surface beneath the vehicle to be stabilized.. First and second extender members, each having a base end and a distal end, are hingedly connected to each other at their distal ends. The base ends are rotably mounted to the base plate and are moveable toward each other from an initial spaced position. This reduction of spacing between the base ends acts in conjunction with the hinged attachment between the distal ends to increasingly incline the extender members with respect to the base plate and thereby increasingly elevate the distal ends above the base plate. A vehicle contact and support member is secured to the distal hinged ends, and elevates with the distal ends of the extender members until contact is made with the overlying portion of the vehicle. The drawn together base portions are retained in the position where contact with the vehicle is achieved, to provide stabilizing support to the vehicle.