Evacuation Slide Projection Light for Wind-Resistant Readiness Cues
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current evacuation slide readiness indicators are difficult to see and less effective in high winds, making it challenging to determine if the slide is fully deployed and safe for use.
Innovation Solution
An evacuation slide light system with projector lights that display images indicating readiness and safety, controlled by a controller that adjusts the image based on the slide's inflation pressure and ambient light conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If traditional readiness indicators are used that inflate during slide deployment, then the indicator is visible, but it becomes difficult to see and understand in high winds and low light conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical inflatable indicators with an electronic light projection system. The projector emits light onto the slide surface to display readiness information, eliminating the mechanical inflation mechanism and providing reliable visual indication regardless of wind conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses different colored lights (e.g., green for ready, red for not ready) to convey slide deployment status. The color-coded visual signals are easily distinguishable and maintain clarity in high wind and low light conditions, directly addressing the visibility and reliability issues.
2Loss of information
If a projector light system is implemented to project images on the slide, then clarity of readiness indication is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the projector light system into the existing slide assembly, allowing it to serve multiple functions: indicating readiness status, providing illumination, and potentially guiding evacuation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate indicator devices, thereby limiting the increase in overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The projector system is designed to automatically detect slide deployment status and adjust its output accordingly, eliminating the need for manual operation or complex control interfaces. The system self-regulates based on sensor input, simplifying the control architecture despite the added projection capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the projector light adjusts brightness based on ambient light conditions, then adaptability to different environments is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic brightness adjustment where the projector automatically adapts its output intensity based on ambient light conditions detected by sensors. The system increases brightness in dark environments and decreases it in bright conditions, optimizing visibility while managing energy consumption through real-time adaptation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses ambient light sensors to continuously monitor environmental conditions and provides feedback to the projector control circuitry. This closed-loop feedback mechanism allows the projector to automatically adjust brightness levels, achieving adaptability while preventing excessive energy consumption through intelligent regulation.
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, wind-resistant visual cues about slide readiness and safety, reducing evacuation time and enhancing safety by ensuring passengers know when it is safe to use the slide.
Implementation Method 1
The readiness indicator light assembly comprises a first light emitting diode configured to emit a first color and a second light emitting diode configured to emit a second color
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
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Figure 2B
AI summary
An evacuation slide light system may comprise a sensor (154), a controller (150) configured to receive a signal from the sensor, and a projector light (143) 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.