Modular Aircraft Escape Slide Container with Rolling Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing emergency escape slides for aircraft are heavy and cumbersome, causing injuries to maintenance personnel during transport and storage, and require inefficient manual handling, leading to workday losses and reduced efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A modular emergency escape slide container with separate portions that allow for rolling and forklift transport, featuring restraining mechanisms and recessed grooves for easy handling and positioning, reducing the need for manual lifting and bending.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If emergency escape slides are stored in traditional wooden containers and manually handled, then storage and transport are possible, but maintenance personnel suffer injuries from heavy lifting and bending, resulting in workday losses and reduced efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The container is divided into a first portion and a second portion that can be separately manipulated. This segmentation allows the heavy slide to be accessed and removed in smaller, more manageable sections, reducing the physical strain on maintenance personnel and minimizing injuries during handling operations
Solution Approach 2:
The container acts as an intermediary device between the slide and maintenance personnel. By providing a structured container with rolling mechanisms and forklift interfaces, the system mediates the heavy lifting and transport tasks, preventing direct manual handling injuries while maintaining operational efficiency
2Productivity
If emergency escape slides are transported manually through aircraft aisles, then installation can be performed, but the slides can become hooked or torn on aircraft parts, requiring additional slides and increasing work time
Solution Approach 1:
The slide is pre-positioned within the container at the correct orientation and location before transport begins. The container is designed with the slide already secured in its final installation position, so that when the container is rolled into place, the slide is ready for immediate installation without manual manipulation that could cause damage
Solution Approach 2:
The container incorporates rolling mechanisms that enable dynamic, smooth transport through the aircraft aisle without requiring manual carrying. This dynamic transport system allows the container to be easily maneuvered into position while keeping the slide secure and undamaged throughout the movement process
3Strength
If traditional wooden containers are used for storage and transport, then slides can be moved, but the containers are very heavy and not durable, requiring forklift operation and causing back injuries
Solution Approach 1:
The container is constructed from composite materials that provide high strength and durability while maintaining lighter weight compared to traditional wooden containers. This composite construction allows the container to withstand the heavy loads and rough handling conditions while being light enough to be rolled manually when necessary, eliminating the need for forklift operation and reducing injury risk
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 container facilitates safe and efficient storage, transport, and installation of emergency escape slides, minimizing injuries and improving maintenance efficiency by allowing single-person operation and reducing the risk of damage during handling.
Implementation Method 1
The first side wall includes a rolling mechanism
Data Source
AI summary
An emergency escape slide container includes a first portion having a first end wall and a first side wall, the first side wall and the first end wall defining a first storage space that is sized and shaped to receive an emergency escape slide. The first side wall also includes a first rolling mechanism. The emergency escape slide container also includes a second portion having a second end wall and a second side wall, the second side wall and the second end wall defining a second storage space sized and shaped to receive the emergency escape slide. The second side wall also includes a second rolling mechanism. The first portion and the second portion cooperate to define a third storage space therebetween, the third storage space being equal to a combination of the first storage space and the second storage space.