Dual Striker Mass Scalar Ejection Timing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Ejection seat systems face challenges in ensuring safe ejection of aircrew from aircraft due to varying crew sizes, leading to potential injuries from mismatched acceleration levels, as smaller crew members experience higher accelerations causing injuries and larger crew members may not clear the aircraft or terrain effectively due to lower accelerations.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses an accelerometer and a controller to calculate the change in velocity during the ejection event, determining a scalar value based on this data to adjust the ejection sequence, optimizing the timing of parachute deployment and separation to tailor the ejection sequence to the size of the aircrew, thereby improving safety and clearance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a fixed ejection sequence is used for all crew members, then the system is simple to operate, but smaller crew members experience higher accelerations causing injuries and larger crew members may not clear the aircraft effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The ejection seat system dynamically adjusts the ejection sequence parameters (timing, acceleration levels, parachute deployment) based on the detected mass of the crew member. The controller modifies acceleration thresholds and timing intervals in real-time according to the measured mass, transforming a static fixed sequence into an adaptive dynamic sequence that optimizes safety for each individual.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes key parameters of the ejection sequence including acceleration thresholds, timing intervals, and parachute deployment based on the detected crew member mass. By varying these parameters according to mass measurements, the system tailors the ejection profile to match the specific mass characteristics of each crew member, preventing both excessive acceleration injuries and insufficient clearance.
2Speed
If acceleration levels are increased to ensure clearance for larger crew members, then terrain clearance is improved, but smaller crew members experience higher accelerations causing injuries
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes key parameters of the ejection sequence including acceleration thresholds, timing intervals, and parachute deployment based on the detected crew member mass. By varying these parameters according to mass measurements, the system tailors the ejection profile to match the specific mass characteristics of each crew member, preventing both excessive acceleration injuries and insufficient clearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback from mass detection sensors and acceleration monitoring to continuously adjust the ejection sequence. The controller receives feedback about the actual acceleration experienced and modifies subsequent actions (parachute deployment timing, additional thrust) to compensate for deviations from the optimal acceleration profile, ensuring safety across different mass ranges.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the ejection sequence is customized for each crew member's size, then safety is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ejection seat system performs self-characterization by automatically detecting the mass of the crew member and configuring the appropriate ejection sequence without requiring manual input or complex external systems. The controller autonomously measures mass, determines the correct profile, and adjusts parameters, allowing the system to serve itself in customizing the ejection sequence for each user.
Solution Approach 2:
The ejection seat system dynamically adjusts the ejection sequence parameters (timing, acceleration levels, parachute deployment) based on the detected mass of the crew member. The controller modifies acceleration thresholds and timing intervals in real-time according to the measured mass, transforming a static fixed sequence into an adaptive dynamic sequence that optimizes safety for each individual.
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
The system reduces injury risk for smaller crew members by delaying parachute deployment and speeds up parachute deployment for larger crew members to enhance terrain clearance, ensuring safer ejection for all sizes of aircrew.
Implementation Method 1
receiving, by a processor, a first acceleration data from an accelerometer
Data Source
AI summary
A method is disclosed herein. The method includes determining, by a processor, a first time value in response to a switch being actuated a first time by a first striker, determining, by the processor, a second time value in response to the switch being actuated a second time by a second striker, the second striker disposed a first distance from the first striker and the second time value being after the first time value, calculating, by the processor, a change in time between the first time value and the second time value, and adjusting, by the processor, a timing sequence based on the change in time.