Mobile Guidance Devices for Emergency Evacuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing emergency evacuation systems are inadequate in providing effective auditory and visual guidance, especially in low visibility situations and for individuals who are blind or hearing impaired, as they often rely on non-directional beacons and lack comprehensive navigation through complex building layouts.
Innovation Solution
An auditory and visual guidance system featuring mobile devices with downwardly pointing lasers and speakers, powered by DC voltage strips, controlled via Wi-Fi signals from a central controller, which activate to direct evacuees through the safest exit route by producing localizable sounds and visual indicators on the floor, even in multi-corridor environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If non-directional beacons with flashing lights and sirens are used, then evacuation alert is provided, but directional guidance to exits is not available
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces mobile robotic devices as intermediary elements that travel along ceiling-mounted tracks and project directional arrows onto the floor. These robotic intermediaries convert the static alert function into dynamic directional guidance, solving the problem of providing exit direction information without requiring complex infrastructure changes throughout the building.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces traditional mechanical directional signage with a combination of automated robotic devices and electronic projection. The mobiles use motors to traverse tracks and electronic projectors to display directional arrows, substituting static mechanical signs with a more flexible, controllable system that provides active guidance.
2Illumination intensity
If lighted exit signs are mounted on walls, then exit locations are indicated, but guidance is not visible in low visibility conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions exit guidance from vertical wall-mounted signs to a horizontal projection system on the floor. By projecting arrows onto the ground surface, the system creates guidance in the evacuee's primary field of view during movement, making it visible even when wall signs are obscured by smoke or darkness.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile robotic devices act as intermediaries that carry projection equipment along predetermined paths. These mobiles project illuminated directional arrows onto the floor, creating a visible guidance path that leads evacuees to exits, thereby solving the visibility problem in low-light emergency conditions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If static exit signs are used, then simple indication is provided, but navigation through complex building layouts is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic mobile robotic devices that can change their position and projection location along ceiling tracks. Unlike static signs, these mobiles can dynamically adjust where directional arrows are projected, enabling them to guide evacuees through complex multi-corridor layouts by following predetermined paths that navigate around hazardous areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile robotic system serves multiple functions: it provides directional guidance, adapts to different evacuation scenarios, and can operate in various building configurations. A single mobile unit can serve multiple corridors and exit routes, making the system versatile for complex building layouts without requiring separate signage for each possible path.
4Adaptability or versatility
If conventional evacuation systems are used, then basic alert is provided, but effective guidance for blind and hearing impaired individuals is not available
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile robotic devices incorporate visual projection capabilities that display directional arrows and guidance information on the floor. This visual component assists hearing-impaired individuals by providing clear, visible directional cues that do not rely on auditory signals, thereby improving accessibility for diverse user needs.
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 navigates evacuees through complex building layouts by providing clear auditory and visual directions, ensuring safe exit routes even in low visibility conditions and accommodating diverse user needs, including those who are blind or hearing impaired.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the mobile guidance devices includes a downwardly pointing laser and a speaker that are controlled via Wi-Fi control signals from a central controller
Implementation Method 2
The moving activated speaker produces a localizable sound with Doppler effect that helps evacuees to identify the indicated direction of egress
Data Source
AI summary
The auditory and visual guidance system for emergency evacuation includes one or more single track auditory and visual guidance systems. Each of the single track auditory and visual guidance systems includes a continuous ovoid track and at least one mobile guidance device mounted on the track and moveable around the track. The single track auditory and visual guidance system is attached to the ceiling or walls of the covered area. Each of the mobile guidance devices includes a speaker and optionally a downwardly pointing laser that receives signals from a computer. A number of emergency detectors are mounted in the covered area and provide emergency signals to the computer. When an emergency is detected, the computer activates the mobile guidance devices to move around the track, and activates the laser and speaker on any mobile guidance devices that are traveling in the direction of the safest evacuation route.