Inflatable Evacuation Slide Triangular Frame Geometry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional inflatable evacuation slides sag under their own weight and are susceptible to buckling, compromising their structural integrity and safety during passenger loading and use.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a series of alternately upright and inverted generally triangular inflatable frames that form an upwardly directed arcuate bend in the uninflated slide, which straightens when inflated, providing self-support and stability under both its own weight and passenger load, utilizing interlocking frames and a triangular cross-section for structural soundness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional inflatable slides are used, then rapid inflation for quick evacuation is achieved, but the slide sags under its own weight and is susceptible to buckling
Solution Approach 1:
The slide is divided into multiple triangular inflatable frames arranged in series along its length. Each frame acts as an independent structural unit that contributes to the overall rigidity of the slide, preventing sagging and buckling while maintaining the ability to rapidly inflate for quick evacuation
Solution Approach 2:
The triangular frames are pre-configured in an alternating upright and inverted arrangement that creates an inherent structural framework. This preliminary structural design ensures that when inflated, the slide immediately assumes a rigid, sag-resistant configuration without requiring additional support structures
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the slide is made enclosed to prevent passenger falling, then passenger safety is improved, but the slide sags more under load
Solution Approach 1:
The enclosed structure is segmented into multiple triangular frames that distribute the load from passengers across multiple independent structural units. This segmentation prevents the entire slide from sagging uniformly and maintains stability while providing the enclosed safety feature
Solution Approach 2:
The triangular frames are strategically positioned and oriented (alternating upright and inverted) to create localized structural reinforcement at critical points along the slide, providing both enclosure for safety and resistance to sagging under passenger load
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 slide maintains its structural integrity and prevents sagging, reducing the risk of buckling and ensuring safe and efficient passenger evacuation by remaining straight under load, enhancing the safety and functionality of marine evacuation systems.
Implementation Method 1
rapidly inflate such that passengers can be quickly evacuated
Implementation Method 2
angles of the triangular frames combine to form an upwardly directed arcuate bend in the uninflated slide which straightens under the weight of the slide when inflated and deployed
Data Source
AI summary
An inflatable evacuation slide includes a base, one or more top tubes, a first lateral side, including a series of alternately upright and inverted generally triangular inflatable frames, each frame being coupled to neighboring frames in the series, a first common side of the base and at least one of said top tubes, and a second lateral side including a series of alternately upright and inverted generally triangular inflatable frames, each frame being coupled to neighboring frames in the series, a second common side of the base and at least one of said top tubes. The first common side of the base is opposite the second common side of the base so that the slide is generally triangular in cross-section, and the angles of the triangular frames combine to form an upwardly directed arcuate bend in the uninflated slide which straightens under the weight of the slide when inflated and deployed.