Portable Case for Electronic Flares with Automatic Actuation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current electronic flares systems lack efficient deployment, control, and retrieval mechanisms, particularly in hazardous environments, and do not provide adequate visibility for workers or responders without requiring manual operation or exposure to danger.
Innovation Solution
The development of carrying cases with integrated flare holding positions, automatic actuation, remote control capabilities, and deployment assistance features, such as extendable tethers and laser light emitters, to facilitate safe and efficient placement, control, and retrieval of electronic flares.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual deployment and retrieval of electronic flares is used, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation and worker safety deteriorate due to exposure to hazardous environments
Solution Approach 1:
The carrying case automatically actuates flares when they are removed from the case, eliminating the need for manual activation by workers in hazardous environments. The system uses sensors to detect flare removal and automatically triggers the flare's power source and light emission, allowing the system to serve itself rather than requiring human intervention for deployment.
Solution Approach 2:
The carrying case acts as an intermediary between the worker and the flare deployment process. Instead of workers directly handling and activating flares in hazardous zones, the case serves as a controlled interface that manages flare actuation, reducing worker exposure to dangerous conditions while maintaining operational control.
2Productivity
If automatic actuation upon removal is implemented, then ease of operation improves, but device complexity increases due to integrated sensors and control circuits
Solution Approach 1:
The carrying case is pre-configured with sensors, power sources, and control circuits that are ready to automatically actuate flares the moment they are removed from the case. This preliminary preparation of the automatic actuation system eliminates deployment delays, allowing workers to simply remove flares without needing to perform additional activation steps, thereby increasing productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple functions into the carrying case: storage, sensing, power management, and flare actuation control. By merging these functions into a single integrated system, the patent reduces the number of separate components needed, which can actually simplify the overall system while maintaining automatic actuation capabilities that improve productivity.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple flare holding positions with locators are provided, then manufacturing precision and flare placement accuracy improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The carrying case is divided into multiple discrete holding positions, each with its own flare locator and releasable attachment member. This segmentation allows each position to be independently optimized for precise flare placement while maintaining a modular structure that doesn't excessively increase overall complexity. Each segment performs a specific function of holding and positioning a single flare.
Solution Approach 2:
Each flare holding position is equipped with specific local features such as flare locators (ridges, bumps, or guide members) and releasable attachment members tailored to that position's requirements. These localized structural elements provide precise positioning and secure holding without requiring the entire case structure to be complex, as only specific local areas have the enhanced positioning features.
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 deployment of electronic flares, enhances visibility for workers and responders, and simplifies the retrieval process, reducing the risk of accidents and improving operational efficiency in hazardous conditions.
Implementation Method 1
laser light emitters that emit laser light to illuminate a line or pattern on a surface where flares are to be placed
Implementation Method 2
light emitters that emit light to illuminate a line or pattern on a surface where flares are to be placed
Implementation Method 3
compact flares that may be placed along a roadway, on a disabled/parked vehicle, at a point of demarcation, etc. which incorporate flashing light emitting diodes (LEDs)
Data Source
AI summary
Carrying cases for electronic flares or other electronic signal emitting devices and related systems and methods.