Aircraft Exit Sign Backup Using Adhesive Luminescent Replacements

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Solution Overview

Problem

Aircraft emergency exit signs failing due to electrical faults can lead to costly grounding or reduced passenger capacity, as existing systems require immediate repair or replacement to maintain regulatory compliance.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of portable, adhesive luminescent emergency exit signs that can be quickly deployed as replacements, using photoluminescent or chemiluminescent materials that do not require electricity to function, allowing the aircraft to continue operating until the faulty signs can be serviced.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If electrical emergency exit signs are used to provide visible exit signage, then illumination intensity is improved, but reliability deteriorates when electrical faults occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevisibility of exit signsVSAvoidoperational continuity

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the operational parameter of the emergency exit sign from electrical illumination to luminescent emission. The luminescent material absorbs and stores energy during normal operation, then emits light autonomously when electrical power fails, providing continuous visibility without requiring electrical connectivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs disposable luminescent exit signs that can be quickly deployed as temporary replacements when electrical signs fail. These portable luminescent signs are designed for short-term use until the electrical system is repaired, eliminating the need for complex repair procedures and enabling rapid restoration of compliance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Reliability

If immediate repair or replacement of failed electrical emergency exit signs is required to maintain regulatory compliance, then reliability is improved, but loss of time and productivity worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveregulatory complianceVSAvoidgrounding duration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by deploying luminescent emergency exit signs in advance as temporary replacements before the electrical system is fully repaired. This allows the aircraft to maintain regulatory compliance and continue operation without grounding, bridging the time gap between failure detection and permanent repair.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces luminescent exit signs as an intermediary solution between the failed electrical system and the repaired system. These portable signs serve as a temporary mediator that maintains compliance during the transition period, allowing the aircraft to operate while awaiting permanent repair without violating regulations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Illumination intensity

If electrical emergency exit signs are used to provide illumination, then illumination intensity is improved, but use of energy worsens due to electrical power consumption

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebrightness of exit signsVSAvoidelectrical power consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service through luminescent materials that autonomously generate visible light without requiring continuous external energy input. The materials absorb energy during normal operation and then emit light independently when needed, eliminating dependence on the aircraft's electrical power system during emergency conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 the aircraft to maintain flight-worthiness and complete intended flights without immediate repair, reducing operational disruptions and costs by providing visible exit signage even in low-light conditions, while allowing for efficient and temporary solution to electrical failures.

Implementation Method 1

The luminescent emergency exit sign comprises an adhesive layer arranged to allow the luminescent emergency exit sign to be adhered to a surface... being arranged to be adhered to a surface in the vicinity of the electrical emergency exit sign

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoluminescence: Photoluminescence

Implementation Method 2

The luminescent emergency exit sign comprises an adhesive layer arranged to allow the luminescent emergency exit sign to be adhered to a surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentUS11952143B2Lighting system for aircraft

Publication Date: 2024.04.09 SAF T GLO LTD

AI summary

An aircraft cabin lighting system comprises one or more cabin lighting units, each cabin lighting unit comprising an emergency exit sign arranged to be electrically illuminated; and one or more luminescent emergency exit signs. The luminescent emergency exit signs are portable, and each comprise an adhesive layer arranged to allow the luminescent emergency exit sign to be adhered to a surface. The signs are arranged to be adhered to a surface in the vicinity of the electrical emergency exit sign in use, and do not require electricity to function.