Inflatable Safety Release Link Using Time or Pressure Separation

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing release systems for inflatable safety devices, such as evacuation slides and life rafts, rely on force-dependent mechanisms that struggle to deploy reliably in extreme cold temperatures and high winds, requiring more inflation gas and increasing system weight and size.

Innovation Solution

A force-independent release system that separates based on predetermined time or inflation pressure, using electronic or mechanical controllers, pressure switches, and redundant backup systems to ensure consistent deployment regardless of environmental conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If force-dependent release systems with higher tensile loads are used, then reliability in high wind conditions is improved, but system weight and inflation gas requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedeployment reliability in high windVSAvoidsystem weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical force-dependent release system with an electronic/time-based release system. Instead of relying on mechanical links that break at specific force thresholds, the invention uses sensors, controllers, and timed mechanisms to trigger deployment at predetermined time intervals or when specific conditions are met, eliminating the need for high-tensile-load mechanical components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the release criterion from force-based parameters to time-based parameters. The release system monitors elapsed time since activation and triggers deployment after a predetermined time period, or uses pressure sensors to detect when inflation reaches a specific pressure threshold, thereby decoupling the release mechanism from force-dependent mechanical links

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If force-dependent release systems with higher tensile loads are used, then deployment reliability in high wind is improved, but inflation gas requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedeployment reliability in high windVSAvoidinflation gas quantity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical force-dependent release system with an electronic/time-based release system. Instead of relying on mechanical links that break at specific force thresholds, the invention uses sensors, controllers, and timed mechanisms to trigger deployment at predetermined time intervals or when specific conditions are met, eliminating the need for high-tensile-load mechanical components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the release criterion from force-based parameters to time-based parameters. The release system monitors elapsed time since activation and triggers deployment after a predetermined time period, or uses pressure sensors to detect when inflation reaches a specific pressure threshold, thereby decoupling the release mechanism from force-dependent mechanical links

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If force-dependent release systems are used, then deployment control is achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedeployment controlVSAvoidrelease system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical force-dependent release system with an electronic/time-based release system. Instead of relying on mechanical links that break at specific force thresholds, the invention uses sensors, controllers, and timed mechanisms to trigger deployment at predetermined time intervals or when specific conditions are met, eliminating the need for high-tensile-load mechanical components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The release system operates autonomously based on predetermined programming. The controller automatically monitors time elapsed since activation or pressure sensor inputs and triggers release without requiring manual intervention or complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms, simplifying the overall system while maintaining precise control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS20230067665A1Force-independent releasable system

Publication Date: 2023.03.02 AIR CRUISERS COMPANY LLC

AI summary

Force-independent release systems are disclosed. Releasable links are designed for use in connection with inflatable safety devices. Particular examples for use include evacuation slides and/or life rafts on board a passenger transportation vehicle, such as an aircraft or marine vessel, or any other inflatable safety device that requires a rapid inflation. In one example, the force-independent release system separates when a certain inflatable pressure is achieved. In another example, the force-independent release system separates at a certain predetermined time. It is possible for the force-independent release system to also include current force-dependent technology as a redundant backup.