Evacuation Slide Readiness Lights for Wind-Resistant Status Indication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current evacuation slide readiness indicators are difficult to see and less effective in high winds, making it challenging for passengers to determine if the slide is fully deployed and safe to use.
Innovation Solution
A multicolor LED evacuation slide light system that uses a controller to monitor the inflation status of the slide via sensors, indicating readiness with different colors based on pressure thresholds, ensuring visibility and clarity in various conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If traditional readiness indicators are used that inflate during slide deployment, then the indicator is visible and provides tactile feedback, but the indicator becomes difficult to see and understand in high winds and low light conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical inflatable readiness indicator with an electronic LED light system. The LED array is controlled by a controller that receives input from a sensor monitoring slide inflation pressure. This substitution eliminates the reliance on wind-dependent physical indicators and provides consistent visual feedback through illuminated LEDs that remain effective in high wind and low light conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs color-changing LEDs to indicate different readiness states. The LEDs can display different colors (e.g., green for ready, red for not ready) based on the slide inflation status detected by the sensor. This color-coding system provides intuitive visual information that is easily distinguishable regardless of wind conditions or ambient lighting.
2Device complexity
If a simple inflatable indicator is used, then the device complexity is low, but the indicator is difficult to see and understand
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into a single readiness indication system. The LED array serves as both the visual indicator and the information display mechanism, while the controller processes sensor data and determines readiness status. This multi-functional integration maintains relatively low device complexity while significantly improving the clarity and reliability of readiness information transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The use of color-changing LEDs provides clear, intuitive visual information about slide readiness status. Different colors immediately communicate the operational state to passengers without requiring complex symbols or text, thereby reducing information loss while maintaining simple device architecture.
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 provides clear and reliable indication of slide readiness, unaffected by wind conditions, allowing passengers to make informed decisions about using the slide safely.
Implementation Method 1
a first light emitting diode configured to emit a first color and a second light emitting diode configured to emit a second color
Data Source
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AI summary
An evacuation slide light system for an evacuation slide, the system comprising: a switch (254); a lanyard (256) configured to be coupled to an inflatable rail structure of the slide and configured to translate the switch between a first state and a second state, wherein in the first state the lanyard is coupled to the switch and wherein in the second state the lanyard is separated from the switch; a controller (250) operably coupled to the switch; and a plurality of lights (243) operably coupled to the controller, wherein the controller is configured to determine whether the switch is in the first state or the second state, and wherein the controller is configured to cause the plurality of lights to emit a first color in response to determining the switch is in the first state, wherein the controller is configured to cause the plurality of lights to emit a second color in response to determining the switch is in the second state, wherein the controller is configured to receive an initial deployment signal in response to the evacuation slide being deployed, and wherein the controller is configured to cause the plurality of lights to begin flashing if the switch does not translate to the second state by the lanyard separating from the switch within a threshold duration of time after receipt of the initial deployment signal.