Evacuation Slide Readiness Indicator Using Pressure Sensors
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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 are less effective in determining if the slide is fully deployed and safe for use.
Innovation Solution
An evacuation slide light system comprising sensors, controllers, and lights that measure pressure and stretch of the slide, emitting different colors and flashing patterns to indicate inflation status, ensuring evacuees can safely use the slide.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If traditional readiness indicators are used, then the slide deployment status can be indicated, but the indicators are difficult to see and understand in high winds and emergency conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses color-changing LED lights to indicate different deployment states of the evacuation slide. The system transitions from ambiguous traditional indicators to clear color-coded signals (e.g., green for ready, red for not ready), making the status immediately recognizable even in high-wind emergency conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements flashing light patterns to attract attention and convey status information. The periodic flashing action ensures that the readiness indicator is noticed by evacuees amidst chaotic emergency conditions, overcoming the limitation of static or continuously lit traditional indicators.
2Measurement precision
If pressure sensors and control systems are added to improve indication accuracy, then the deployment status can be accurately determined, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical readiness indicators with an electronic control system that uses simple pressure sensing. The controller automatically processes sensor data and activates appropriate light signals, eliminating the need for complex mechanical linkages and manual indication mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically monitors its own deployment status through integrated pressure sensors and self-regulates the light indication based on real-time conditions. The controller continuously adjusts the readiness signal without external intervention, making the system self-monitoring and self-reporting.
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 a clear and effective indication of the slide's inflation status, unaffected by wind conditions, ensuring safe evacuation and reducing the risk of using an unsafe slide.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor is 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
The controller is configured to cause the plurality of lights to emit a first color if the pressure of the evacuation slide is less than a threshold pressure and to emit a second color if the pressure of the evacuation slide is greater than or equal to the threshold pressure
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 plurality of lights 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 cause the plurality of lights to emit a first color if the pressure of the evacuation slide is less than a threshold pressure and to emit a second color if the pressure of the evacuation slide is greater than or equal to the threshold pressure.