Reusable Mechanical Restraint for Controlled Slide/Raft Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inflatable evacuation systems for aircraft lack restraints that are reusable, cost-effective, and allow for easy inspection and installation, while ensuring reliable deployment and safety.
Innovation Solution
A releasable restraint system for inflatable evacuation systems, comprising a plug body and socket body with a spring mechanism, allows for controlled deployment and reusability, enabling multiple uses and ease of installation, while accommodating varying load conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing restraint systems are used, then deployment function is achieved, but reusability and cost-effectiveness are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The restraint system is divided into separate modular components including a restraint body, triggering mechanism, and release mechanism that can be independently manufactured, tested, and reused across multiple evacuation systems, improving both reusability and cost-effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The design enables recovery and reuse of the restraint mechanism after deployment through the reset feature, allowing the same restraint unit to be reused multiple times rather than being discarded after single use, directly addressing the reusability and cost-effectiveness requirements
2Ease of operation
If existing restraint systems are used, then deployment function is achieved, but inspection and installation ease is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates visual indicators such as color-coded components and status indicators that change appearance based on the restraint state, enabling quick visual inspection of the restraint system's condition and deployment status without complex testing procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The restraint system includes self-diagnostic features and automatic status indication that allow operators to inspect system readiness without requiring complex testing equipment or procedures, simplifying the inspection process while maintaining system reliability
3Manufacturing precision
If existing restraint systems are used, then deployment function is achieved, but deployment control precision is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The restraint system incorporates a spring mechanism that provides controlled mechanical force to ensure precise and consistent deployment timing, replacing less precise mechanical linkages while maintaining acceptable complexity levels through optimized spring selection and positioning
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 releasable restraint system enhances the reusability and reliability of evacuation systems, reduces development costs, and facilitates easy inspection and installation, ensuring safe and controlled deployment.
Implementation Method 1
A releasable restraint system for inflatable evacuation systems, comprising a plug body and socket body with a spring mechanism
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A~3C
Figure 4A~4B
AI summary
A releasable restraint (302) for an evacuation system (104) includes a plug body (322) and a socket body (324). A ball (460), a plunger (672), a first spring member (670), and an adjustable fastener (466) are disposed at least partially within the plug body. A spring force of the first spring member is adjustable in response to moving the adjustable fastener with respect to the plug body. The first spring member urges the plunger against the ball, and in response, the ball extends through a sidewall (621) of the plug body and at least partially through a sidewall of the socket body to lock the plug body to the socket body. In response to a tensile force applied to the releasable restraint, the ball is configured to retract at least partially into the plug body, against the urging of the first spring member, to release the socket body from the plug body.