Dynamic Egress Guidance System for Hazardous Structures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for guiding individuals through structures, especially in emergency situations, are static and fail to adapt to changing circumstances, often directing people to unusable or hazardous exits, leading to potential harm or loss of life.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic system utilizing data collection devices and processing logic to configure guidance devices, such as lighting and informational displays, to provide real-time directional information based on current structural conditions, including sensor data from various monitoring devices, to safely guide individuals through structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If static illuminated EXIT signs are used to guide individuals to standard egress routes, then the guidance system is simple and reliable, but it cannot adapt to changing conditions such as blocked or malfunctioning exits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms static EXIT signs into dynamic guidance devices that can change their indicated directions based on real-time conditions. The system continuously monitors the status of egress routes and dynamically reconfigures the guidance arrows to point toward safe exits, allowing the system to adapt to blocked or hazardous conditions while maintaining relatively simple device components
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback loops where sensors continuously monitor the status of egress routes (blocked, hazardous, or clear) and feed this information back to the guidance devices. This feedback mechanism enables the system to automatically adjust its guidance output based on current conditions, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity by using automated sensor-based decision making
2Reliability
If personnel are deployed to intercept and redirect individuals to alternate egress routes, then guidance can be adapted to current conditions, but response time is delayed and human resources are required
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-positioning multiple sensors throughout the structure to monitor egress routes before emergencies occur. When conditions change, the system is already equipped with real-time data and can immediately redirect guidance without requiring human assessment, thus maintaining high reliability while eliminating response time delays
Solution Approach 2:
The guidance system serves itself by using automated sensor detection and processing logic to determine appropriate egress routes. The system independently monitors conditions, processes information, and adjusts guidance directions without requiring human intervention, achieving both high reliability and immediate response time
3Adaptability or versatility
If loudspeaker announcements are used to redirect individuals, then guidance can be updated centrally, but the system lacks localized directional guidance and response is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the centralized guidance system into multiple independent guidance devices distributed throughout the structure. Each device can be individually controlled based on local conditions detected by nearby sensors, providing localized directional guidance while maintaining centralized monitoring capability. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by enabling both centralized oversight and localized responsiveness simultaneously
4Device complexity
If standard egress routes are used without monitoring their status, then the guidance system is simple, but individuals may be directed to blocked or hazardous exits
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces sensor devices as intermediaries between the guidance devices and the egress routes. These sensors monitor conditions (blockages, hazards) and transmit information to the processing logic, which then adjusts guidance directions. This intermediary layer adds minimal complexity while effectively preventing individuals from being directed to hazardous exits
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided which utilize data collection to determine whether an event requiring routing of individuals through a structure has occurred and thereafter controlling the operation of guidance devices to conduct and guide individuals safely through and out of the structure.