Evacuation Slide Readiness Indicator Using Projector Light
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current readiness indicators for aircraft evacuation slides are difficult to see and understand, especially in high winds, and may not effectively convey the inflation status of the slide to evacuees.
Innovation Solution
An evacuation slide light system that includes sensors to measure pressure and stretch, a controller to determine the inflation status, and projector lights that emit different images based on the pressure threshold, changing from a 'stop' to a 'go' signal when the slide is fully inflated, and adjusting brightness based on ambient light levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If traditional readiness indicators are used that inflate during slide deployment, then the indicator is physically present and can indicate status, but the indicator is difficult to see and understand and may be less effective in high winds
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical inflatable indicator with an electronic projector light system. The projector uses electronic controls and light projection to display readiness status through visual images (such as checkmarks or X marks) on the ground, eliminating the mechanical inflation indicator and providing superior visibility and reliability regardless of wind conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The projector light system uses different colored light projections to indicate readiness status. The system projects distinct visual patterns and colors that are easily distinguishable, allowing evacuees to quickly understand the slide's readiness state from a distance, even in adverse weather conditions.
2Illumination intensity
If a projector light system is implemented to provide visual indication, then visibility and understanding of readiness status is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The projector light system serves multiple functions: it provides readiness indication, displays directional guidance, and can show various status messages. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require multiple separate indicator systems into a single device, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining enhanced visibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the ground surface as an intermediary medium to display the projected images. By projecting images onto the ground where evacuees are standing, the system eliminates the need for complex display structures or additional components, using the environment itself as part of the indication mechanism.
3Illumination intensity
If the projector light emits images continuously to ensure visibility, then the readiness status is always clear, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The projector light system operates periodically rather than continuously, activating only when needed to display readiness status changes or when triggered by specific events such as slide deployment completion. This periodic operation significantly reduces energy consumption while ensuring visibility is maintained during critical moments.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors that detect slide deployment status and automatically trigger the projector to display appropriate images. This feedback mechanism ensures the projector operates only when necessary to convey status information, optimizing energy usage while maintaining effective communication of readiness state to evacuees.
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 system provides clear and effective visual indication of the slide's readiness for use, improving safety by ensuring evacuees can easily determine if the slide is safe to enter and reducing evacuation times, even in adverse conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor configured to measure at least one of a pressure of an evacuation slide or a stretch of a material of the evacuation slide
Implementation Method 2
a photodetector may be operably coupled the controller. The controller may determine a brightness for the projector light based on a light level signal received from the photodetector
Data Source
AI summary
An evacuation slide light system may comprise a sensor, a controller configured to receive a signal from the sensor, and a projector light operably coupled to the controller. The sensor may be configured to measure at least one of a pressure of the evacuation slide or a stretch of a material of the evacuation slide. The controller may determine the pressure of the evacuation slide based on the signal from the sensor. The controller may be configured to command the projector light to emit a first image if the pressure of the evacuation slide is less than a threshold pressure and to emit a second image if the pressure of the evacuation slide is greater than or equal to the threshold pressure.