Evacuation Drum with Rotation Regulator for Controlled Descent
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing emergency evacuation devices for tall structures, such as high-rise buildings, are inadequate as they rely on the strength, skill, and consciousness of the individual being evacuated, and are not suitable for unconscious individuals or high-temperature environments, with limited ability to control descent speed independently of the individual's weight.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a drum and cable system with a rotation regulator that controls the descent speed, allowing for safe and controlled lowering of individuals along the exterior of buildings, independent of their weight, with features like a selector switch, transmission, and swivel brake shoe to manage rotation speed and ensure safe evacuation, even in emergency conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If prior art evacuation devices relying on abseiling techniques are used, then the device structure can be relatively simple, but the evacuation process requires significant strength, skill, and consciousness from the individual being evacuated
Solution Approach 1:
The device automatically regulates its own operation through the governor mechanism that self-adjusts descent speed based on load weight, eliminating the need for operator intervention or skill. The system serves itself by using the evacuee's weight to automatically control the braking force, making evacuation accessible to anyone regardless of physical capability or training
Solution Approach 2:
The governor mechanism automatically adjusts the descent speed parameter based on the weight of the evacuee. The device changes its operational parameters (braking force, descent rate) in response to the load, ensuring safe evacuation speeds for individuals of varying weights without requiring manual adjustment or operator skill
2Speed
If friction-based speed control mechanisms are used, then descent speed can be controlled, but the control effectiveness varies with the weight of the individual being evacuated
Solution Approach 1:
The governor mechanism provides automatic feedback control where the descent speed and load weight continuously influence the braking force. As the evacuee descends, the system monitors the effective load and automatically adjusts friction application to maintain safe speeds, creating a closed-loop control system that adapts to varying weights without external intervention
3Extent of automation
If manual operation of descent control is required, then the device can be simpler, but unconscious or panicked individuals cannot properly operate the device
Solution Approach 1:
The governor mechanism operates autonomously without requiring manual control by the evacuee. The device self-regulates descent speed through automatic feedback from the load weight, making it usable by unconscious, panicked, or physically incapable individuals who cannot perform manual operations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical control operations with an automatic mechanical feedback system. The governor mechanism substitutes for human-operated brakes or speed controls, using automatic weight-sensing and friction modulation to regulate descent without human intervention
4Productivity
If evacuation devices are designed for rapid descent, then evacuation time is reduced, but safety is compromised at high speeds
Solution Approach 1:
The device dynamically adjusts descent speed based on real-time conditions and load weight rather than operating at a fixed speed. The governor mechanism continuously modulates braking force to maintain safe speeds while allowing rapid evacuation when conditions permit, creating a dynamic balance between speed and safety
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 device enables safe, controlled, and automatic evacuation of individuals from high-rise structures, resistant to high temperatures, and capable of lowering multiple individuals simultaneously, without relying on the evacuee's strength or skill, ensuring reliable and efficient emergency escape.
Implementation Method 1
a rotation regulator (7) connected to the axle (4) and limiting a rotation speed of the drum (2)
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a device for evacuating individuals from a structure during an emergency, comprising: a rotatable drum with a cable suitable length, wound thereon; and a rotation regulator, which is associated with the drum and is arranged to control the drum to limit a rotation speed thereof during unwinding of the cable from the drum. The rotation regulator allows for individuals to escape from a tall structure, regardless of their skill, agility or strength, and even irrespective of whether such individuals are conscious, or not. In an embodiment the device may further comprise at least one additional drum. The combination of the drum and the additional drum allows a plurality of people to escape.