Window Mounted Raft System Aerodynamic Drag Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional window-mounted life raft systems for aircraft cause aerodynamic drag, obstruct passenger ingress/egress, are susceptible to damage, and complicate removal and operation due to integration with flotation bags and external compressed air systems.
Innovation Solution
A window-mounted raft system where an inflatable life raft is secured within a fuselage frame, with a hinged window frame that can be easily released and deployed, allowing for independent operation and installation/removal without requiring supplemental plumbing or external air bottles, and can be retrofitted onto existing aircraft.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the life raft is packaged with the flotation bag, then the flotation function is provided, but the aerodynamic drag increases and the package size encumbers passenger ingress/egress
Solution Approach 1:
The life raft system is separated from the flotation bag system into independent components. The life raft can be independently mounted in the window frame without being packaged with the flotation bag, allowing the flotation function to be provided while eliminating the aerodynamic drag and space encumbrance of a combined package.
2Reliability
If the life raft is packaged with the flotation bag, then the flotation function is provided, but the life raft cannot be removed without also removing the flotation bag
Solution Approach 1:
The life raft and flotation bag are designed as separate, independent systems. The life raft is mounted in the window frame with its own mounting brackets and fastening mechanisms, while the flotation bag has separate mounting provisions. This segmentation allows the life raft to be selectively removed or installed independently of the flotation bag, providing operational flexibility.
3Reliability
If the life raft is packaged with the flotation bag, then the flotation function is provided, but supplemental external compressed air bottle and plumbing are required
Solution Approach 1:
The inflation mechanism is extracted from the packaged configuration and integrated directly into the life raft system. The life raft includes its own inflation tube and can be inflated using the aircraft's existing pneumatic systems or dedicated inflation mechanisms, eliminating the need for supplemental external compressed air bottles and complex plumbing between the life raft and external air sources.
4Reliability
If the life raft is packaged with the flotation bag, then the flotation function is provided, but the pilot or crew cannot control deployment and operation of the life raft
Solution Approach 1:
The window frame assembly serves as an intermediary mounting structure that provides controlled access to the life raft. The life raft is mounted within the window frame using removable fastening mechanisms, allowing the pilot or crew to control deployment and operation by accessing and manipulating the fastening mechanisms from inside the aircraft cabin, rather than having the life raft in an inaccessible packaged configuration.
Data Source
AI summary
An inflatable life raft system for an aircraft includes a window coupled to a fuselage portion of the aircraft. A mechanism is used to selectively detach the window from the fuselage. An inflatable life raft is deployable to the exterior of the aircraft upon detachment of the window from the aircraft.