Inflatable Evacuation Slide Rigidity via Braid Tubes and Drop Stitch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inflatable evacuation slides lack sufficient rigidity, particularly under high inflation pressures, which can lead to bending or collapse during use.
Innovation Solution
The use of braid tubes with a bladder and drop stitch material for the longitudinal and lateral panels, respectively, along with rigid end plates and a clamping mechanism to maintain structural integrity and resist deformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional inflatable materials are used for the evacuation slide, then the slide can be inflated to provide evacuation capability, but the slide lacks sufficient rigidity and may bend or collapse under high inflation pressures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs drop stitch material which combines flexible fabric panels with rigid internal stitching patterns. This composite structure allows the material to maintain flexibility for inflation while providing rigidity through the stitched framework, resolving the contradiction between needing strength/rigidity and avoiding excessive structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses inflatable longitudinal tubes with thin-walled construction that can be inflated to high pressures. These flexible tubes form the structural framework of the slide, providing both the necessary flexibility for deployment and the rigidity when inflated, eliminating the need for heavy rigid structures
2Stability of the object's composition
If high inflation pressures are used to maintain slide shape, then the slide gains structural stability, but the risk of bending or collapse increases without sufficient rigidity
Solution Approach 1:
The drop stitch material creates a composite structure where the fabric panels provide flexibility while the rigid stitching patterns provide structural support. This combination allows the slide to maintain its shape at high inflation pressures without bending or collapsing, as the stitched framework resists deformation while allowing controlled inflation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs curved and arched structural elements in the slide design, particularly in the longitudinal beams and lateral panels. These curved structures naturally distribute stress more evenly and provide greater rigidity compared to straight elements, enhancing shape stability under high pressure without requiring excessive inflation force
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 solution provides enhanced rigidity and the ability to withstand high inflation pressures, ensuring the slide maintains its shape and stability during evacuation, offering improved safety and performance.
Implementation Method 1
The braid tube may be formed of a plurality of substantially inelastic fibres. In the embodiment, this provides the tubes with the ability to withstand high inflation pressures, such as 100psi.
Implementation Method 2
The inflatable lateral panels comprise drop stitch material. Such a material maintains its shape under high inflation pressures and provides substantially rigid surfaces.
Implementation Method 3
The sleeve allows the tube to be adhered to the panels.
Data Source
Figure 1~2A
Figure 2B~2E
Figure 2F~3A
AI summary
An inflatable evacuation slide (1) for evacuating people from a first structure (3) to a second structure (1) is disclosed. The slide comprises: at least three longitudinal beams, including two lateral lower beams (11) and an upper beam (9), spaced apart transversally over their length and substantially parallel to each other in the inflated state, each beam comprising at least one inflatable longitudinal tube (15A-C); and a plurality of inflatable lateral panels (21a/b) connected to said upper beam and to said lateral lower beams. The inflatable longitudinal tubes may comprise a braid tube. The inflatable lateral panels may comprise drop stitch material. Each of the inflatable longitudinal tubes may include at least one end plate for closing an end of the tube.