Helicopter Emergency Exit Seal with Controlled Removal Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing emergency exit solutions for helicopters face challenges in controlling the force required to remove the removable part with precision and repeatability, are affected by temperature variations, and require complex installation processes, leading to increased costs and weight.
Innovation Solution
The emergency exit design features a seal with a pair of strip-like elements and a removal element, such as a nylon cord or handle, that transforms between configurations to allow controlled removal of the part using frictional forces instead of glue, ensuring consistent force application across a wide temperature range and simplifying installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the seal is glued continuously to the removable part and discontinuously to the hatch, then the seal provides adequate sealing, but the force required to remove the removable part cannot be controlled with precision and repeatability
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the adhesive bonding into two distinct zones: a first adhesive zone continuously bonding the seal to the removable part, and a second adhesive zone discontinuously bonding the seal to the hatch. This segmentation allows the removal force to be controlled by the limited second adhesive zone while maintaining sealing through the continuous first adhesive zone, thereby achieving both sealing reliability and force control precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies different adhesive bonding qualities to different locations of the seal. The first adhesive zone (seal to removable part) uses continuous bonding for strong attachment, while the second adhesive zone (seal to hatch) uses discontinuous bonding with controlled adhesive amount. This local differentiation enables precise control of removal force while maintaining overall sealing integrity.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the amount of glue is increased, then the removable part remains stable during flight, but the force required to remove it increases too much
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive system is segmented into two functional zones with different bonding characteristics. The first zone provides strong continuous bonding for stability during flight, while the second zone provides limited discontinuous bonding that allows controlled removal with acceptable force, resolving the contradiction between stability and removability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies adhesive partially (discontinuously) in the second zone rather than continuously, providing just enough bonding to maintain stability during normal operation while allowing easy removal when needed. This partial action avoids the excessive force that would result from continuous adhesive application throughout.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the seal is made elastically deformable with extraction elements, then the emergency exit can be activated selectively, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the selective activation function from complex mechanical extraction elements and implements it simply through the elastically deformable seal itself. The seal's elasticity provides the selective activation capability without requiring additional cords, strips, or mechanical extraction mechanisms, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastically deformable seal serves multiple functions: it provides sealing, enables selective activation through deformation, and controls removal force. The seal's inherent elastic properties allow it to self-regulate the activation mechanism without requiring external complex extraction elements, making the system simpler and more self-sufficient.
4Strength
If glue is used to connect the seal to the hatch, then the installation process becomes complex requiring qualified personnel, but the connection strength is sufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses discontinuous adhesive application in the second zone rather than continuous application, providing sufficient connection strength for normal operation while dramatically simplifying the installation process. The partial adhesive application can be easily applied by non-specialized personnel compared to requiring precise continuous adhesive bonding patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the adhesive application parameter from continuous to discontinuous in the second zone, which maintains adequate connection strength while significantly improving ease of manufacture and installation. This parameter change allows standard personnel to perform installation without specialized training or equipment.
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
This design enables precise and repeatable force application for removing the emergency exit part, reduces weight and cost, and allows for easy installation on existing helicopters, maintaining structural integrity under normal and emergency conditions.
Implementation Method 1
the seal is made of an elastically deformable material and has a pair of seats engageable by respective strips connected to respective selectively activatable extraction elements
Implementation Method 2
ensuring consistent force application across a wide temperature range
Data Source
AI summary
An emergency exit for a helicopter is described that comprises: a wall defining an opening; a removable part engaging the opening in a removable manner; and a seal interposed between the wall and the removable part. The seal is transformable between: a first configuration, in which it prevents removal of the removable part from the wall following application of a predetermined load on the removable part; and a second configuration, in which it allows removal of the removable part from the wall following application of the predetermined load on the removable part. The emergency exit comprises an insert interposed between the seal and the wall; at least one of the insert and the seal comprise at least one tooth engaging a recess with a shape corresponding to the tooth and defined by the other of the insert and said seal, when the seal keeps, in use, the removable part constrained to wall.