Redundant Circuit Control Modules for Inflatable Flotation Device Lighting
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional inflatable flotation devices in aircraft evacuation systems lack redundancy in lighting, rendering them incapable of illumination if the single circuit control module fails.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a redundant system with two circuit control modules (CCMs) and light emitting diodes (LEDs) along a path, where each CCM is separate from the battery, allowing power to be routed through either module to maintain illumination in case of failure, with toe lights providing enhanced illumination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single circuit control module is used to regulate power to light emitters, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of lighting during evacuation is compromised due to single point of failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single circuit control module into two separate CCMs, each capable of independently regulating power to the light emitters. This segmentation creates redundancy where if one CCM fails, the other can still provide lighting, thus improving reliability while managing complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a backup CCM in advance to cushion against the failure of the primary CCM. This prior cushioning ensures that lighting reliability is maintained during evacuation scenarios even when one control module fails, addressing the reliability concern before failure occurs
2Reliability
If redundant circuit control modules are implemented, then the reliability of lighting is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional components and wiring
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functionality of two CCMs into a unified system where both modules work together to control the same set of light emitters. This combining approach allows redundancy while sharing common components like the light emitter array, power connector, and housing, thereby managing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
Both CCMs are designed with identical universal functionality to regulate power to the light emitters. This multi-functionality allows either CCM to independently perform the complete lighting control task, providing redundancy without requiring specialized different functions for each module, thus managing complexity
3Ease of repair
If the CCM is integrated with the battery, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of repair deteriorates as battery replacement requires CCM replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the battery and CCM into separate replaceable units within the power system. This segmentation allows the battery to be replaced independently of the CCMs, improving ease of repair and maintenance while managing complexity through modular architecture with defined interfaces
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
Ensures continuous lighting during aircraft evacuations by providing a backup power distribution system, enhancing safety and visibility even if one CCM fails, and allowing battery replacement without replacing the CCMs.
Implementation Method 1
each of the plurality of light emitters is a light emitting diode (LED)
Data Source
AI summary
An inflatable flotation device includes a main body and a plurality of light emitters coupled to the main body and configured to output light. The inflatable flotation device further includes a power connector including a positive terminal and a negative terminal configured to receive at least one of an input voltage or an input current therebetween. The inflatable flotation device further includes a first circuit control module (CCM) coupled between the power connector and the plurality of light emitters and configured to regulate the at least one of the input voltage or the input current to at least one of an operating voltage or an operating current of the plurality of light emitters. The inflatable flotation device further includes a second CCM coupled between the power source and the plurality of the light emitters and configured to regulate the at least one of the input voltage or the input current to the at least one of the operating voltage or the operating current such that the plurality of light emitters can receive the at least one of the operating voltage or the operating current in response to failure of at least one of the first CCM or the second CCM.