Escape Slide Installation Interference Mechanism

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Emergency escape slides on aircraft are prone to improper installation due to the lack of removal of safety pins, leading to potential non-functional states and accidental deployment, which has been documented by the FAA.

Innovation Solution

A mechanical system that includes a rigid post threaded into a mating flange on the packed slide, connected by lanyards or ribbons to the safety pins, preventing the installation of bustles until all safety pins are removed, as any attempt to install the bustle with the post intact will be inhibited by the protruding post.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If safety pins are used to prevent premature deployment, then reliability is improved, but installation complexity increases because the pins must be removed during installation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of premature deploymentVSAvoidinstallation procedure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by pre-attaching the rigid post to the slide assembly before installation. The post remains attached during storage and installation, automatically preventing bustle installation until the safety pin is removed. This eliminates the need for separate verification steps and ensures safety pin removal is completed during installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If a rigid post is attached to the slide assembly, then reliability is improved by preventing bustle installation over undeployed slides, but device complexity increases due to additional components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of improper installationVSAvoidnumber of additional components

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The rigid post serves multiple functions: it acts as a physical barrier preventing bustle installation, serves as an attachment point for the safety pin via lanyard, and provides a visual indicator of proper installation status. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and minimizes overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If the post extends beyond the bustle spacing, then reliability is improved by ensuring mechanical interference, but ease of operation worsens because the post must be manually removed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanical interference effectivenessVSAvoidpost removal difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The lanyard acts as an intermediary mechanism connecting the safety pin to the rigid post. When the safety pin is removed, the lanyard releases the post, allowing it to be easily detached without manual forcing or complex removal procedures. This intermediary mechanism simplifies the removal operation while maintaining reliable prevention during storage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS8066108B2Vessel escape slides and associated equipment

Publication Date: 2011.11.29 AIR CRUISERS COMPANY LLC

AI summary

Systems for inhibiting installation of emergency escape slides behind bustles (or other covers) when removable safety pins (or similar objects) remain intact are addressed. Versions of the systems mechanically interfere with installation of the bustles as long as the safety pins remain in place. Only when all safety pins are removed can the mechanical impediment be detached (or moved sufficiently) to permit installation of the bustles.