Active Exit Signs for Dynamic Evacuation Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing exit systems in buildings are passive and unable to monitor conditions or adapt to emergency situations, failing to provide dynamic life-safety information during emergencies.
Innovation Solution
Active exit systems equipped with sensors (human presence, temperature, humidity, noxious gas, and fire sensors) that monitor the environment, provide location services, and transmit alerts and updated exit plans to users and emergency responders via a processor and transceiver, ensuring safe evacuation routes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If passive illuminated exit signs are used, then the system is simple and reliable, but it cannot monitor conditions or adapt to emergency situations dynamically
Solution Approach 1:
The exit sign system is transformed into a multi-functional device that not only provides illumination but also monitors environmental conditions (temperature, smoke, gas), tracks occupant locations, communicates with emergency responders, and dynamically updates evacuation routes. This universal approach allows a single system to perform multiple functions that were previously required separate devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates continuous feedback loops where sensors monitor environmental conditions and occupant positions, the processor analyzes this data in real-time, and the display dynamically adjusts evacuation instructions based on the feedback. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables the system to adapt automatically to changing emergency conditions.
2Reliability
If active sensors and dynamic monitoring are added to exit signs, then real-time emergency information can be provided, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic sensing and monitoring cycles rather than continuous operation. Sensors are activated at regular intervals to detect environmental conditions, and the system transitions between active monitoring and low-power states. This periodic action maintains reliability for emergency detection while significantly reducing overall energy consumption during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The exit sign system monitors its own operational status and environmental conditions autonomously without requiring constant external power or intervention. The integrated sensors and processor enable the system to self-diagnose, self-adjust, and maintain functionality using minimal external input, thereby improving reliability while reducing energy demands.
3Loss of information
If multiple sensors and communication devices are integrated into exit signs, then comprehensive monitoring and communication capability is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple previously separate functions (illumination, temperature sensing, smoke detection, gas detection, occupant tracking, communication, and display) into a single unified exit sign device. This merging eliminates the need for multiple separate systems, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining comprehensive monitoring and information availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The exit sign is designed as a universal platform that can perform diverse functions through integrated sensors, processors, and communication modules. This multi-functional design allows the system to handle various emergency scenarios (fire, chemical leaks, structural issues) with a single device type, simplifying installation and maintenance while providing comprehensive information.
Data Source
AI summary
An active exit system may include one or more active exit signs, each exit sign having at least one sensor, a display, and a transceiver. Each active exit sign monitors building environmental conditions, monitors the locations of users and objects within the building, and assists in location services during normal operation. The exit signs transmit a dynamic exit plan to a user's electronic device based on the user's location. In response to sensing an emergency event, the exit sign transmits an emergency signal to the user's electronic device and updates a user's exit plan as needed based on the location of the emergency event. The exit sign also transmits user location information to emergency responders.