Reusable Evacuation Restraint with Snap-Clip Pressure Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing releasable restraints in evacuation assemblies are typically single-use, which limits their effectiveness and increases costs due to the need for multiple deployments during testing and certification, and they lack easy inspection capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A reusable releasable restraint system comprising a spline housing with snap clips and a plunger that separates under increased internal pressure, allowing for multiple deployments by reattaching the separated components, facilitating cost savings and easy inspection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If shear pins are used in releasable restraints, then the restraints can be released under increased internal pressure, but the restraints become single-use and require replacement after each deployment
Solution Approach 1:
The restraint system is divided into separable components: a first portion with a shear pin and a second portion with a plunger. After deployment, these portions can be independently replaced, allowing the system to be reset and reused, eliminating the need to discard entire restraint assemblies after single use
Solution Approach 2:
Only the critical shear pin component is discarded after deployment, while the housing, plunger, and other structural elements are recovered and reused. This selective replacement approach maintains reliability while significantly reducing costs associated with multiple deployments during testing and certification
2Reliability
If shear pins are used in releasable restraints, then the restraints can be released under increased internal pressure, but inspection of components becomes difficult after deployment
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the restraint into modular portions, the design enables easy access to internal components for inspection. The first and second portions can be disassembled to allow thorough examination of the shear pin, plunger, housing, and associated mechanisms, facilitating quality control and maintenance
Solution Approach 2:
The plunger acts as an intermediary component that facilitates both the release mechanism and the inspection process. Its movement and positioning provide visual and tactile indicators of the restraint's state, making it easier to detect whether the restraint has been deployed and to inspect the condition of internal components
3Ease of manufacture
If reusable releasable restraints are designed with separable portions, then cost savings are achieved through multiple deployments, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The restraint is segmented into two main portions connected by a fastening mechanism. This segmentation allows for simple replacement of the shear pin while maintaining an overall straightforward structure. The modular design actually reduces complexity compared to designing an entirely new restraint assembly for each deployment
Solution Approach 2:
The housing and plunger assembly serves multiple functions: it contains the shear pin, provides the release mechanism, enables inspection access, and allows for resetting. By making these components universal and reusable, the design achieves cost effectiveness without requiring proportionally complex structures
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 enables multiple uses of the releasable restraint, reducing costs associated with slide testing and certification, while allowing for controlled deployment and easy inspection of components.
Implementation Method 1
a first snap clip located at a first side of the plunger, wherein the first snap clip is configured to pivot with respect to the plunger, and a second snap clip located at a second side of the plunger, wherein the second snap clip is configured to pivot with respect to the plunger
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A releasable restraint may comprise a spline housing (124) and a plunger (128) removably coupled to the spline housing (124). A plurality of snap clips may be rotatably coupled to the plunger (128). The plurality of snap clips are configured to create an interference with the spline housing (124) to limit movement of the plunger (128) with respect to the spline housing (124). The plunger (128) is configured to release from the spline housing (124) in response to a pull force exceeding a predetermined threshold value.