Dual Release Mechanism Restraint System for Emergency Occupant Egress
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing restraint systems face challenges in quickly and safely releasing occupants, especially in emergency situations like crashes or water landings, where the occupant may be incapacitated and unable to manually release themselves from the restraint.
Innovation Solution
A restraint system with two independent release mechanisms: a manual release mechanism and an automatic release mechanism, including a water-activated release system, allowing for automatic uncoupling in emergency situations and manual release in non-emergency situations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single manual release mechanism is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of release is insufficient in emergency situations where the occupant may be incapacitated
Solution Approach 1:
The release system is divided into two independent mechanisms: a manual release mechanism (hook with trigger) and an automatic release mechanism (water-activated solenoid). This segmentation allows each mechanism to operate independently, ensuring that if one fails or is inaccessible, the other can still release the occupant, thereby improving release reliability without requiring a single complex integrated system.
Solution Approach 2:
The automatic release mechanism utilizes water itself as the triggering agent. When water enters the housing during a water landing or crash, it directly activates the solenoid to release the occupant without requiring external power sources, sensors, or complex control systems. This self-service approach improves reliability while minimizing added complexity.
2Reliability
If the webbing is securely fastened to the occupant via harness, then the restraint effectiveness is improved, but the ease of operation for release is reduced when the occupant is incapacitated
Solution Approach 1:
The manual release mechanism includes a trigger and cable system that acts as an intermediary between the occupant's hand and the hook. The occupant pulls the trigger, which moves the cable to disengage the hook, providing a mechanical advantage that makes release easier than directly manipulating the securely fastened harness. This intermediary mechanism maintains restraint effectiveness during normal use while significantly improving release ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The release mechanisms (both manual and automatic) are extracted from the harness itself and positioned on the webbing or restraint system structure. This allows the release function to be accessed independently from the harness, so the occupant can release the restraint without having to manipulate the securely fastened harness components, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining restraint effectiveness.
3Productivity
If no automatic release mechanism is provided, then the device complexity is minimized, but the productivity of emergency release is reduced when quick separation is critical
Solution Approach 1:
The automatic release mechanism replaces complex electronic sensors, microcontrollers, and power management systems with a simple mechanical water-activated solenoid. Water directly enters the housing and physically actuates the solenoid to release the hook, achieving rapid emergency release (high productivity) while keeping the added complexity minimal. This mechanical substitution avoids the need for complex electronic systems that would be required for other types of automatic release.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a water-activated release mechanism is added, then the adaptability to emergency situations like water landings is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The water-activated solenoid serves multiple functions: it acts as both the trigger mechanism and the release actuator. Water entering the housing during a water landing or crash simultaneously triggers and executes the release action, eliminating the need for separate sensors, power sources, and control systems. This multi-functionality improves adaptability to water-related emergencies while minimizing the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The water-activated release mechanism uses simple, inexpensive components that can be easily manufactured and integrated. The solenoid and housing design are straightforward, allowing for cost-effective implementation of water-activated release capability. This approach enables adaptability to emergency situations without requiring complex, expensive systems that would significantly increase device complexity.
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 quick and safe release of occupants from the restraint system, enhancing safety by providing both automatic and manual release options, particularly in emergency scenarios such as water landings or crashes, reducing the risk of injury.
Implementation Method 1
a water-activated release system, allowing for automatic uncoupling in emergency situations
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a restraint system for a vehicle. A crewmember or occupant is interconnected to the restraint system by way of a strap. The strap has two separate and independently operable release mechanisms. The strap permits the occupant to be either manually or automatically released from the associated restraint. The restraint can be mounted within any of a variety of land, sea, air, or space based vehicles. In one non-limiting embodiment, the first release mechanism is automatically activated in response to a triggering event and the second release mechanism is manually activated by the occupant pulling on a lanyard.