Evacuation Slide Pack Growth Detection With Stretch Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a lack of effective monitoring systems for evacuation slides or slides/rafts in aircraft, leading to potential failures such as unavailability during emergencies and inadvertent deployment, which can compromise passenger safety.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing stretch sensors and control units to monitor slide pack density, providing real-time alerts through visual indicators when predetermined thresholds are met, ensuring the slides or slides/rafts are ready for deployment during emergencies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If evacuation slides or slides/rafts are stored in an uninflated condition in a packboard, then space occupation is minimized, but monitoring of slide pack density and condition becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual inspection with an automated electronic monitoring system using stretch sensors, control units, and visual indicators to detect and alert slide pack conditions, eliminating the need for physical checks while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces stretch sensors as intermediary devices that indirectly measure slide pack density by detecting changes in lacing tension, allowing monitoring without direct access to or expansion of the packed slide
2Device complexity
If no monitoring system is installed, then device complexity is reduced, but inadvertent deployment and unavailability during emergencies cannot be detected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback loop where stretch sensors continuously monitor lacing tension, the control unit processes this data against predefined thresholds, and visual indicators provide real-time feedback on slide pack status, enabling automatic detection of deployment conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary monitoring and detection of slide pack growth or deployment conditions before actual deployment occurs, allowing the system to alert crew members in advance and prevent inadvertent deployment
3Measurement precision
If stretch sensors are installed on lacing to detect slide pack growth, then deployment condition detection is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses flexible stretch sensors that can be integrated onto the lacing structure, allowing the sensing element to conform to the curved and flexible surfaces of the packed slide without adding rigid or bulky components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple functions into integrated components: stretch sensors are mounted directly on the lacing structure, the control unit processes sensor data and controls indicators, and visual indicators are positioned for immediate crew visibility, creating a unified monitoring system
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 enhances safety by preventing inadvertent deployment and ensuring the evacuation slides or slides/rafts are operational, providing real-time data and alerts to crew members.
Implementation Method 1
a set of stretch sensors... The control unit is configured to receive an input from a stretch sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A system for providing an indication of slide pack density is provided. The system includes a set of stretch sensors and a control unit coupled to the set of stretch sensors. The control unit is configured to receive an input from a stretch sensor in the set of stretch sensors; compare the input to a first predetermined threshold; and, responsive to the input meeting or exceeding the first predetermined threshold, transmit a signal that causes an indicator to illuminate, providing an alert associated with a condition of a slide pack.