Vehicle Window Release Handle With Offset-Leverage Escape Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing emergency escape window solutions for vehicles, particularly non-openable windows, face challenges in easy and secure release during emergency situations, especially when electrical components fail or the vehicle is submerged.
Innovation Solution
A simple and secure emergency release mechanism for non-openable windows, featuring a handle with a first end that can be releasably attached to the window's lower end, allowing for rotation about an axis parallel to the window's bottom edge. This mechanism provides leverage to reduce the force required to open the window, utilizing an arcuate member for offset attachment and snap-fit connections for secure release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a non-openable window is used for vehicle construction, then safety and security during normal operation are improved, but ease of emergency escape deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The window assembly is segmented into a fixed window pane and a separate handle mechanism with arcuate members that can be rotated to disengage from the frame. This allows the window to remain securely fixed during normal operation while enabling emergency escape through mechanical disengagement of the handle assembly from the frame structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle with arcuate members acts as an intermediary mechanism between the occupant and the window. By rotating the handle, the arcuate members disengage from the frame, thereby mediating the transition from a secured state to an emergency escape state without requiring the window itself to be movable.
2Strength
If laminated glass or durable materials are used for window construction, then strength and safety are improved, but ease of breaking the glass for escape deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The escape function is extracted from the window glass itself and transferred to a separate mechanical release mechanism. Instead of relying on breaking the glass, the handle assembly with arcuate members is designed to disengage from the frame, providing an alternative escape path that works effectively with strong, non-breakable glass materials.
3Ease of operation
If a battery-powered electromagnetic actuator is used for window release, then automation and ease of operation are improved, but reliability in submerged conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The handle mechanism is designed to be manually operated without requiring external power sources. The mechanical advantage provided by the offset axis of rotation allows the occupant to directly actuate the release mechanism through manual force, eliminating dependence on batteries or electromagnetic systems that would fail in submerged conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the battery-powered electromagnetic actuator system with a purely mechanical leverage-based handle mechanism. This substitution eliminates electronic components vulnerable to water damage while maintaining ease of operation through mechanical advantage provided by the offset rotation axis.
4Device complexity
If the handle attachment point is close to the axis of rotation, then device complexity is reduced, but force required to open the window increases
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment point of the arcuate member to the window is positioned at an offset distance from the axis of rotation, creating a moment arm in the radial dimension. This dimensional offset transforms the force application, allowing a smaller manual force applied at the handle to generate sufficient torque to disengage the window assembly from the frame.
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
Facilitates the emergency release of non-openable vehicle windows with reduced force requirements, ensuring occupants can escape safely even in submerged conditions, while maintaining security during normal operation.
Implementation Method 1
the point of attachment between the handle and the window is offset from the axis of rotation of the handle such that an upwards rotation of the handle causes a substantially concomitant downward and outward movement of the window in relation to the frame. The offset between the axis of rotation of the handle and the point of attachment with the window provides leverage to reduce the force required to open the window
Implementation Method 2
a distal end of the first arcuate member comprises a recess arranged to receive a protruding member of the window in a snap-fit connection
Data Source
AI summary
An emergency release mechanism for a non-openable window arranged in a frame, the release mechanism includes a handle having a first end releasably attachable to a lower end of the window, wherein the handle is arranged to be attached to the frame and to be rotated about an axis of rotation which is substantially parallel to a bottom edge of the window, wherein the point of attachment between the handle and the window is offset from the axis of rotation of the handle such that an upwards rotation of the handle causes a substantially concomitant downward and outward movement of the window in relation to the frame.