Window Evacuation Slide Modules for High-Rise Disabled Escape
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing emergency evacuation systems are inadequate for individuals with disabilities, require long evacuation times, and are limited by physical constraints, especially in high-rise buildings, leading to inefficient and unsafe evacuations during emergencies.
Innovation Solution
A foldable and tiltable evacuation system with inflatable slides and support platforms that can be deployed from windows, allowing safe descent to the ground, featuring magnetic couplings and telescopic elements for stability and ease of use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional emergency exits and stairs are used, then evacuation routes are provided, but evacuation time is very long and physical effort is required
Solution Approach 1:
The evacuation system is divided into multiple modular units (support platforms and slides) that can be independently deployed and connected. Each unit serves a specific function: support platforms provide stable bases at different heights, while slides provide rapid descent paths. This segmentation allows parallel evacuation of multiple persons simultaneously through different units, dramatically reducing total evacuation time compared to sequential use of traditional stairs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from vertical evacuation (stairs) to diagonal/curved evacuation (inclined slides). The slides are deployed at optimal angles between horizontal and vertical, creating a new dimensional path that reduces the effective descent distance and physical effort required. This dimensional change allows persons to slide down rapidly with minimal effort while still achieving safe ground-level evacuation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If telescopic ladders are used by external rescue agencies, then access to windows is provided, but intervention time is long and height is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The evacuation units are pre-installed and stored within the building structure (in recesses or along walls) before emergencies occur. This preliminary positioning allows for rapid deployment when needed, eliminating the time-consuming process of bringing equipment from outside. The system is already in place, ready to be activated immediately upon emergency detection, thus reducing intervention time to minutes rather than the longer setup time required by external rescue teams.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables occupants to evacuate themselves without requiring external rescue personnel. The automated or semi-automated deployment mechanisms allow the units to extend and position themselves with minimal human intervention. This self-service capability eliminates dependency on external rescue agencies and their equipment, allowing immediate evacuation initiation by building occupants themselves.
3Length of moving object
If straight slides are used, then evacuation path is provided, but they cannot reach above the second floor
Solution Approach 1:
The evacuation system uses nested modular units where support platforms and slide sections can be stacked and connected vertically. Each support platform unit can support a slide that reaches the ground, and multiple such units can be arranged in sequence for taller buildings. The nested configuration allows compact storage when not in use while enabling extended vertical coverage when deployed, overcoming the height limitation of single straight slides.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic, extendable structures rather than fixed rigid slides. The support platforms and slide components can be deployed and adjusted to different heights and configurations based on the building's architecture and emergency situation. This dynamic adaptability allows the same modular units to serve buildings of varying heights, from ground floor to many stories, by connecting multiple units in series or adjusting deployment angles.
4Volume of moving object
If foldable and tiltable evacuation units are used, then space occupation is minimized, but deployment complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The evacuation units incorporate dynamic folding and tilting mechanisms that automatically transition from compact storage configurations to deployed operational configurations. The foldable support platforms can be stored flat against walls or in recesses, minimizing storage space. Upon activation, they automatically unfold and tilt to their operational angles through spring-loaded or motorized mechanisms, reducing the perceived complexity for users while achieving space efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The deployment mechanisms are designed to be self-actuating or easily actuated by occupants. Folding and tilting actions are facilitated by spring mechanisms, gravity assistance, or simple manual releases that require minimal effort. This self-service deployment reduces the effective complexity from the user perspective, as the complex mechanical transformations occur automatically or with simple user input rather than requiring complex manual assembly.
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
Facilitates quick and safe evacuation of individuals, including those with disabilities, by minimizing space occupation, reducing physical effort, and ensuring reliable operation at competitive costs.
Implementation Method 1
a slide, having at least one module inflatable on command
Implementation Method 2
featuring magnetic couplings
Data Source
AI summary
An emergency evacuation system from a building lying on a ground and having one or more windows, comprising at least two evacuation units, each comprising in turn support platform fixable to a frame of a respective window, a slide, having at least one module inflatable on command, wherein each slide has a first end coupled to the support platform on which it is installed, and a second free end, and wherein each slide is capable of passing from a closed position to a unfolded position. A first of the evacuation units is arranged at a lower height than a second evacuation unit such that, when the slide of the second evacuation unit is in the position unfolded, the second end free of the slide of the second evacuation unit is coupled to the support platform of the first evacuation unit.