Evacuation Slide Readiness Indicator Using LED Traffic Signal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing evacuation slide readiness indicators, such as those in the Fisher and Oley patents, are not intuitive, may confuse passengers and crew about slide readiness, and require valuable inflation gases or mechanical mechanisms that can fail, leading to potential delays or incorrect evacuation attempts.
Innovation Solution
The use of red and green light-emitting diodes (LEDs) as intuitive 'stop' and 'go' indicators, powered by existing aircraft electrical systems, which are mounted on a traffic signal-shaped background for enhanced visibility, and include a switching module that changes states based on slide deployment status, ensuring clear affirmative signals without requiring inflation gases or fabric sign mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If inflatable tubes with marking tape are used to indicate slide deployment status, then the indicator becomes visible to flight attendants, but valuable inflation gases are consumed and the indicator is not intuitive for passengers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical inflatable tube indicator system with an electrical LED indicator system. The LED indicators are powered by the aircraft's electrical system and controlled by a switching module that detects slide deployment status, eliminating the need to consume inflation gas for indication purposes while providing clear visual feedback to passengers and crew.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a switching module as an intermediary between the slide deployment mechanism and the visual indicator. This switching module detects whether the slide is deployed and accordingly controls the LED indicators to display the appropriate status, providing reliable information without requiring additional inflation resources.
2Ease of operation
If a fabric stop sign with hook-and-loop fasteners is used to indicate slide status, then the indicator can be removed when slide is ready, but the mechanism may fail to remove properly causing confusion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical hook-and-loop fastener system with an electrical control system. The switching module automatically controls the LED indicators based on slide deployment status, eliminating mechanical failure modes such as fasteners not releasing properly or fabric signs not being completely removed, thereby providing reliable and consistent status indication.
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If upwardly-inflatable indicator tubes are used, then the indicator is visible from the fuselage, but the system complexity increases and requires additional inflation control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex inflatable tube system with a simpler electrical LED indicator system. The LEDs are mounted in positions visible from the fuselage and are controlled by a switching module that automatically responds to slide deployment status, reducing system complexity while maintaining or improving visibility and reliability.
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
Provides clear, intuitive, and reliable indication of evacuation slide readiness, reducing confusion and ensuring safe evacuation without impeding slide inflation, even in low-light conditions, by using universally understood color codes and a simple, reliable electrical system.
Implementation Method 1
red and green light-emitting diodes (LEDs) as intuitive 'stop' and 'go' indicators
Data Source
AI summary
Evacuation systems including slide readiness indicators are detailed. The indicators may include lights colored, preferably, red and green and powered using either pre-existing or dedicated electricity sources. Associated switching equipment defaults to illumination of a red light until a slide is satisfactorily inflated and deployed, at which time the red light is extinguished and a green light is illuminated to provide affirmative indication that evacuation via the slide may commence.