Inflatable Life Saving Device Release System Securement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inflatable life-saving devices face challenges in maintaining securement during high wind forces and accidental removal of door panels, with current lacing systems being insufficient in preventing premature deployment.
Innovation Solution
An interlocking release system with energy-storing devices and securement mechanisms that utilize protrusions, receiving openings, and retaining devices along a release cable to securely enclose inflatable devices, allowing for controlled deployment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a combination of Velcro and snaps is used to hold the lacing cover, then the cover is generally secure, but it cannot withstand high wind forces
Solution Approach 1:
The lacing cover is divided into multiple fabric panels that are laced together, distributing the wind load across multiple attachment points rather than relying on a single securement mechanism. This segmentation allows the cover to better withstand high wind forces by spreading the stress.
Solution Approach 2:
The laces are pre-tensioned to maintain desired tension on the fabric panels before deployment. This preliminary action ensures that the cover is already under optimal tension to resist wind forces when deployed, rather than relying solely on the Velcro and snaps to provide all the necessary securement strength.
2Ease of operation
If the lacing cover is designed to open upon inflation forces, then deployment is enabled, but the cover cannot prevent accidental loss during flight
Solution Approach 1:
The securement system transitions from a static Velcro and snap connection to a dynamic laced system that can adapt to different states. The laces maintain tension to secure the cover during flight, but can be released by inflation forces when deployment is needed, providing both reliability and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The lacing system acts as an intermediary between the inflatable device and the cover. The laces provide a mechanical connection that is strong enough to prevent accidental loss during flight but can be overcome by the inflation forces, enabling controlled deployment without direct reliance on the door panel.
3Ease of operation
If the door panel is removed accidentally, then access is gained, but the inflatable device can be lost
Solution Approach 1:
The cover system is segmented into fabric panels that are laced together independently of the door panel. This segmentation ensures that removal of the door panel does not automatically compromise the securement of the inflatable device, as the laced fabric panels maintain their own securement system.
Solution Approach 2:
The lacing cover is installed and tensioned in advance to secure the inflatable device before any door panel removal occurs. This preliminary securement action ensures that even if the door panel is accidentally removed, the inflatable remains secured by the laced fabric panels.
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 system effectively prevents premature release of inflatable devices under aerodynamic loads and ensures securement even if the door panel is removed, providing a robust and reliable deployment mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
a cable comprising (a) a plurality of retaining devices positioned along the release cable and (b) an energy storing device; the plurality of retaining devices positioned along the release cable being sized and configured to be received by the protrusions; the energy storing device configured to store energy in order to cause movement of the cable upon release of the cable
Data Source
AI summary
Described is a release system for inflatable life saving devices, such as evacuation slides, evacuation slide/rafts, emergency floats, emergency flotation systems, and life rafts. The release system incorporates an energy storing device and a securement system that can be released upon activation. Once the release system is activated, the securement system is opened to allow deployment of the inflatable.