Floor-Mounted Egress Indicator with Rotating Laser
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing egress path indication systems are ineffective in heavy smoke environments and may be damaged by normal traffic, and fire drills do not adequately train all occupants due to infrequent participation and potential objections.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for an emergency egress path indicator that is hidden during normal operation and exposed upon activation, featuring a laser pointer and Braille text, located near the floor for better visibility in smoke, and designed to be rugged and nondestructively deployable for drills, with a motorized or hinged mechanism to rotate into view upon emergency signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If exit signs are placed near the ceiling above doorways for distance visibility and protection from traffic damage, then the signs are protected from damage by carts and cleaning machinery, but the signs become obscured by smoke in fire emergencies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves the egress indication system from the vertical dimension (ceiling-mounted) to the horizontal dimension (floor-level), allowing the system to remain accessible to evacuees while avoiding smoke obscuration. The rotating indicator assembly at floor level provides directionality through horizontal rotation rather than vertical placement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a dynamically rotating indicator assembly that can change its orientation from a protected retracted position to an active指示 position. The rotator mechanism allows the indicator to dynamically adjust between protection mode and visibility mode, rotating the display face between 0-45 degrees to balance protection and egress indication.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If exit signs are placed near the floor for visibility in smoke environments, then the signs remain visible in smoke-filled areas, but the signs become vulnerable to damage from normal traffic
Solution Approach 1:
The rotating indicator assembly dynamically transitions between a retracted protected state and an extended visible state. During normal operation, the indicator remains retracted behind a protective housing to withstand traffic. During emergencies, it rotates into the visible position to provide egress direction, thus resolving the contradiction between protection and visibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system separates the protective function (housing and retracted position) from the indication function (rotating indicator assembly with laser and display). This segmentation allows each component to optimize its specific function - the housing provides protection while the indicator provides visibility when needed.
3Reliability
If fire drills are conducted frequently to train occupants, then evacuation procedures are practiced effectively, but customers who infrequently visit object to being bothered by drills
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides self-service evacuation guidance through automated laser pointers and display indicators that actively guide occupants without requiring drill participation. The system serves itself by automatically activating during emergencies, eliminating the need for repetitive manual drills while maintaining training effectiveness through real-world activation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic activation during actual emergencies rather than continuous or frequent drills. This periodic action during real events provides effective training when needed most, while avoiding annoyance to infrequent visitors during normal operations.
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 and intuitive egress direction information in smoke-filled areas, withstands normal traffic, and can be used for both real emergencies and drills, ensuring effective evacuation and training without damage.
Implementation Method 1
In one embodiment the indicator may include a laser pointer further indicating the direction of egress.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for providing emergency egress path indication by providing a path direction indicator that is hidden from view during normal operation and is exposed to view upon activation by an emergency signal. Upon being exposed to view the indicator may be lighted and may provide light to people seeking exit from the building. In one embodiment the indicator may include a laser pointer further indicating the direction of egress. Visible and Braille text may also be included on the face of the indicator. The indicator device may be located near floor level for better visibility in smoke environments. In the non-visible state, the indicator may present a rugged face to withstand accidental kicks and bumps as may be encountered when mounted near the floor. The indicator may be operated repetitively and nondestructively to allow inclusion of the indicator in fire and other emergency drills.