Magnetostrictive Evacuation Slide Release for Electric Aircraft

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing evacuation slide release systems in aircraft rely on gas delivery manifolds, which need replacement as aircraft systems transition to electric power, necessitating a reliable electrically actuated mechanism for blowout panel and softcover release.

Innovation Solution

Utilizing magnetostriction components, such as Terfenol-D, to generate magnetic fields for actuating blowout panels and softcover releases, replacing gas-based systems with electrically energized actuators that change shape during magnetization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If gas delivery manifolds are used for evacuation slide release, then reliable deployment is achieved, but the system becomes incompatible with electric power transition and requires compressed gas storage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with electric power systemsVSAvoiddeployment reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the gas-based mechanical release system with an electrically actuated magnetostriction system. The magnetostriction actuator converts electrical signals directly into mechanical motion to release the blowout panel and softcover, eliminating the need for compressed gas manifolds while maintaining deployment reliability through direct electrical control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the fundamental operating parameter from gas pressure to electrical magnetic field. By using magnetostriction material that changes dimension in response to magnetic field strength, the system transitions from pneumatic actuation to electromagnetic actuation, enabling compatibility with electric power systems while achieving reliable release functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If magnetostriction actuators are used for blowout panel release, then electric power compatibility is achieved, but device complexity increases due to new actuator mechanism

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectric power system compatibilityVSAvoidactuator mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the complex gas storage and distribution infrastructure from the evacuation system by implementing a simplified electrically actuated release mechanism. The magnetostriction actuator directly mounts to the release mechanism, eliminating the need for gas manifolds, pressure regulators, and associated plumbing, thereby reducing overall system complexity despite introducing a new actuator type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The magnetostriction actuator serves multiple functions: it acts as both the power conversion device (electrical to mechanical) and the release actuator. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed compared to a gas-based system that would require separate storage, regulation, and actuation elements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Speed

If magnetostriction material is magnetized to expand and release the blowout panel, then rapid deployment is achieved, but energy consumption increases during magnetization

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedeployment speedVSAvoidenergy consumption during actuation

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetostriction actuator operates through periodic magnetization cycles rather than continuous energy input. The solenoid applies magnetic field pulses to the magnetostriction material only when release is needed, allowing the material to expand rapidly during the pulse and then return to its original state when the field is removed, thereby achieving rapid deployment with intermittent rather than continuous energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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

Enables rapid and reliable deployment of evacuation slides without compressed gas, ensuring safe and efficient passenger evacuation in emergency situations using a single power source.

Implementation Method 1

send a first signal to the first actuator that magnetizes a first magnetostriction material within the first actuator, thereby releasing the blowout panel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetostriction: Magnetostriction

Data Source

PatentUS12497180B2Off-wing evacuation packboard cover panel and soft cover release utilizing magnetostriction

Publication Date: 2025.12.16 GOODRICH CORP

AI summary

A system for releasing a blowout panel and softcover release of an evacuation slide in an aircraft is provided. The system includes a first actuator, a second actuator; and a controller. The controller is configured to receive an indication that an evacuation event has begun; and, responsive to receiving the indication of the evacuation event beginning: send a first signal to the first actuator that magnetizes a first magnetostriction material within the first actuator, thereby releasing the blowout panel of a packboard compartment in which the evacuation slide is present; and send a second signal to the second actuator that magnetizes a second magnetostriction material within the second actuator, thereby releasing a key-loop of lacing associated with the softcover in which the evacuation slide is present in the packboard compartment.