Integrated Stirrup Ladder and Lifeline Assembly for Life Raft Re-boarding

Solution Overview

Problem

Aircraft life rafts lack an integrated boarding aid that simplifies re-boarding for passengers who have fallen overboard, increasing complexity, weight, and cost.

Innovation Solution

A flotation device with an integrated stirrup ladder and lifeline assembly, featuring a central rope with loops and heat shrink tubing for stability and grip, allowing for easy re-boarding and reduced weight and complexity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a separate rescue ladder is added to assist passengers who go overboard, then safety is improved, but device complexity and weight increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesafetyVSAvoidcomplexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the rescue ladder and lifeline into a single integrated boarding apparatus. The ladder is attached to the lifeline, allowing both functions (lifeline for securing and ladder for re-boarding) to be performed by one unified structure rather than separate components, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining safety

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated boarding apparatus serves multiple functions: it provides a lifeline for securing passengers to the flotation device, and simultaneously serves as a rescue ladder for re-boarding passengers who have fallen overboard. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated rescue ladder and lifeline components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If a separate rescue ladder is added to assist passengers who go overboard, then safety is improved, but weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesafetyVSAvoidweight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the rescue ladder and lifeline into a single integrated boarding apparatus. The ladder is attached to the lifeline, allowing both functions (lifeline for securing and ladder for re-boarding) to be performed by one unified structure rather than separate components, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining safety

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated boarding apparatus serves multiple functions: it provides a lifeline for securing passengers to the flotation device, and simultaneously serves as a rescue ladder for re-boarding passengers who have fallen overboard. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated rescue ladder and lifeline components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 integrated stirrup ladder and lifeline assembly facilitate safe and efficient re-boarding of passengers while reducing the overall weight and complexity of the life raft, enhancing safety and cost-effectiveness.

Implementation Method 1

The boarding apparatus may further comprise a heat shrink tubing, wherein the heat shrink tubing is coupled to the first loop. The heat shrink tubing may extend substantially perpendicular to the central rope proximate the second knot.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal contraction: Thermal Contraction

Data Source

PatentUS11148760B2Flotation device with boarding apparatus

Publication Date: 2021.10.19 GOODRICH CORP

AI summary

A boarding apparatus for use on a flotation device, in accordance with various embodiments is disclosed herein. The boarding apparatus comprises a stirrup ladder. The boarding apparatus may be integral to a lifeline assembly of the flotation device. The boarding apparatus may be removably coupled to a loop patch of the flotation device. The boarding apparatus may release from the loop patch and become a boarding configuration for the flotation device.