Vehicle Window Shearing Bolt Mechanism for Emergency Escape
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing glass shearing devices for vehicle windows are not easily accessible or deployable in emergency situations, potentially hindering occupant escape during accidents like water submersion or fire exposure.
Innovation Solution
A glass shearing apparatus with a handle and shearing means coupled via a cable, where the handle is covered by a flap for easy access, pivotally extending to actuate the shearing bolt within a U-shaped housing on the window pane, allowing for controlled shattering of the glass.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a glass shearing device is integrated into the vehicle key or mounted on the window pane, then the glass shearing function is provided, but the device is not easily accessible or deployable in emergency situations
Solution Approach 1:
The glass shearing apparatus is divided into separate functional components: a handle for user operation, a cable for force transmission, and a shearing means for glass cutting. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall functionality, resolving the contradiction between accessibility and integration complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
A cable acts as an intermediary element connecting the handle to the shearing means, enabling force transmission over a distance. This intermediary allows the user to operate the device from an accessible location while the shearing mechanism remains positioned where it is most effective for glass cutting, resolving the accessibility-deployability contradiction.
2Ease of operation
If the handle is exposed without coverage, then the device is more accessible, but the aesthetic appearance and protection of the mechanism are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
A flap is provided that can cover the handle when not in use, protecting it from damage and maintaining aesthetic appearance. In case of emergency, the flap can be quickly removed or pushed aside to provide immediate access to the handle, thus preliminarily preparing the protective covering that can be rapidly deployed or removed.
3Ease of manufacture
If a simple glass breaking spike is used, then the device is easy to manufacture, but it cannot provide controlled shattering and may not be effective for all glass types
Solution Approach 1:
The traditional mechanical impact method (hitting glass with a spike) is replaced with a shearing mechanism that uses a bolt to cut through the glass. This substitution provides more controlled and reliable glass breaking, as the shearing action can effectively penetrate various glass types including tempered glass, while maintaining reasonable manufacturing complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to a glass shearing apparatus. One application of the glass shearing apparatus is in vehicles. The apparatus comprises a handle provided at the vehicle door. The handle is coupled with at least one shearing means. The shearing means comprises a housing in which a window pane is supported. The shearing means further comprises a shear bolt that is coupled with the handle via a cable. In case of an emergency, the occupant of the vehicle actuates the handle thereby causing the cable to be tensioned, and the tensioned cable provides a drive to the shearing bolt, wherein the threadable engagement between an opening of the housing and the shearing bolt causes the translation of the shearing bolt within the opening. The translation of the shearing bolt within the opening is such that it eventually contacts the window pane and subsequently shears the window pane.