U.S. patent application number 15/863776 was filed with the patent office on 2018-05-10 for airline door retractable wave fence with steps for evacuation.
The applicant listed for this patent is The Boeing Company. Invention is credited to Sergey Barmichev, David Eckert, Mithra Sankrithi.
Application Number | 20180127082 15/863776 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 54868959 |
Filed Date | 2018-05-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180127082 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Barmichev; Sergey ; et
al. |
May 10, 2018 |
AIRLINE DOOR RETRACTABLE WAVE FENCE WITH STEPS FOR EVACUATION
Abstract
Systems, methods, and apparatus for permitting evacuation of an
aircraft following a water landing are disclosed. In one or more
embodiments, the disclosed method involves deploying, an evacuation
unit, from inside a storage housing located proximate a door of the
aircraft. In one or more embodiments, the evacuation unit comprises
at least one step and a wave fence. In at least one embodiment,
when the evacuation unit is fully deployed, at least a portion of
the wave fence is in water-tight contact with at least a portion of
a frame of the door such that water flow into the aircraft is
prevented and/or inhibited.
Inventors: |
Barmichev; Sergey; (Chicago,
IL) ; Sankrithi; Mithra; (Chicago, IL) ;
Eckert; David; (Chicago, IL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
The Boeing Company |
Chicago |
IL |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
54868959 |
Appl. No.: |
15/863776 |
Filed: |
January 5, 2018 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
14311105 |
Jun 20, 2014 |
9902485 |
|
|
15863776 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y10S 244/905 20130101;
B64D 25/14 20130101; B64D 25/18 20130101; B64C 1/24 20130101; B64D
25/08 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B64C 1/24 20060101
B64C001/24; B64D 25/18 20060101 B64D025/18; B64D 25/14 20060101
B64D025/14; B64D 25/08 20060101 B64D025/08 |
Claims
1. A method for permitting evacuation of an aircraft following a
water landing, the method comprising: deploying, an evacuation
unit, from inside a storage housing located proximate a door of the
aircraft, wherein the evacuation unit comprises at least one step
and a wave fence, and wherein when the evacuation unit is fully
deployed, at least a portion of the wave fence is in water-tight
contact with at least a portion of a frame of the door such that
water flow into the aircraft is substantially inhibited.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the evacuation unit is
constructed from an inflatable structure.
3. The method of claim 2, wherein the deploying of the evacuation
unit comprises inflating the inflatable structure by compressed
gas, a manual pump, or a combination thereof.
4. The method of claim 2, wherein the evacuation unit further
comprises a rigid infrastructure that is foldable and housed within
the inflatable structure.
5. The method of claim 2, wherein the inflatable structure
comprises at least three inflatable sleeves.
6. The method of claim 5, wherein the inflatable structure further
comprises a girt bar that is attached to one of the frame of the
door of the aircraft or an inflatable slide.
7. The method of claim 5, wherein when the evacuation unit is
deployed, a first sleeve of the at least three inflatable sleeves
lies within a cabin of the aircraft, a second sleeve of the at
least three inflatable sleeves lies within the frame of the door of
the aircraft, and a third sleeve of the at least three inflatable
sleeves lies exterior to the aircraft, thereby creating the wave
fence.
8. The method of claim 2, wherein the inflatable structure
comprises an accordion structure, wherein when the evacuation unit
is deployed, the accordion structure fits within the frame of the
door of the aircraft, thereby creating the wave fence.
9. The method of claim 2, wherein the inflatable structure
comprises at least one inflatable step and at least two inflatable
sleeves.
10. The method of claim 9, wherein when the evacuation unit is
deployed, the at least one inflatable step lies within a cabin of
the aircraft, one of the inflatable sleeves lies within the frame
of the door of the aircraft, and another one of the inflatable
sleeves lies exterior to the aircraft, thereby creating the wave
fence.
11. An apparatus for permitting evacuation of an aircraft following
a water landing, the apparatus comprising: at least one step; and a
wave fence, wherein the apparatus is to be deployed from inside a
storage housing located proximate a door of the aircraft, and
wherein when the apparatus is fully deployed, at least a portion of
the wave fence is in water-tight contact with at least a portion of
a frame of the door such that water flow into the aircraft is
substantially inhibited.
12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the apparatus is constructed
from an inflatable structure.
13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the apparatus further
comprises a rigid infrastructure that is foldable and housed within
the inflatable structure.
14. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the inflatable structure
comprises at least three inflatable sleeves.
15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the inflatable structure
further comprises a girt bar that is attached to one of the frame
of the door of the aircraft or an inflatable slide.
16. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein when the apparatus is
deployed, a first sleeve of the at least three inflatable sleeves
lies within a cabin of the aircraft, a second sleeve of the at
least three inflatable sleeves lies within the frame of the door of
the aircraft, and a third sleeve of the at least three inflatable
sleeves lies exterior to the aircraft, thereby creating the wave
fence.
17. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the inflatable structure
comprises an accordion structure, wherein when the apparatus is
deployed, the accordion structure fits within the frame of the door
of the aircraft, thereby creating the wave fence.
18. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the apparatus is configured
to be deployed by inflation of the inflatable structure, and
wherein the inflatable structure is configured to be inflated by
compressed gas, a manual pump, or a combination thereof.
19. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the inflatable structure
comprises at least one inflatable step and at least two inflatable
sleeves.
20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein when the apparatus is
deployed, the at least one inflatable step lies within a cabin of
the aircraft, one of the inflatable sleeves lies within the frame
of the door of the aircraft, and another one of the inflatable
sleeves lies exterior to the aircraft, thereby creating the wave
fence.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a Divisional application of, and claims
priority to and the benefit of, U.S. patent application Ser. No.
14/311,105, filed Jun. 20, 2014, the entire disclosure of which is
expressly incorporated by reference herein.
FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure relates to airplane door steps for
evacuation. In particular, it relates to an airplane door
retractable wave fence with steps for evacuation.
BACKGROUND
[0003] In the art of commercial airplane design, there are possible
situations when some of the aircraft doors cannot be used in a
ditching (i.e. water landing) situation because immediately after
landing on water, the water line is higher than the airplane door
threshold (i.e. the door sill is negative).
[0004] Even in cases when the door sill is positive, but the water
line is just a few inches lower than the door threshold, a
particular door can be considered as not being usable for passenger
egress subsequent to ditching. These situations may occur on
multi-deck commercial airplanes, high-wing airplanes, mid-wing
airplanes, and short narrow body low-wing airplanes. The door may
be considered as not being usable for passenger egress for several
reasons. One of the reasons is that the airplane will sink faster
than it is getting lighter due to the passenger egress, so the door
sill becomes negative faster than the certification requirements
for a positive door sill state. Even if the door sill does not
decrease, the marginally positive sill allows for waves and
splashes to enter into the cabin, thereby increasing the airplane
sinking rate.
[0005] As such, there is a need for a design that will allow for an
evacuation of an aircraft following a water landing with a
marginally positive door sill.
SUMMARY
[0006] The present disclosure relates to a method, system, and
apparatus for an airplane door retractable wave fence with steps
for evacuation. In one or more embodiments, a method for permitting
evacuation of an aircraft following a water landing (e.g., a
ditching event) involves deploying, an evacuation unit, from inside
a storage housing located proximate a door of the aircraft. In one
or more embodiments, the evacuation unit comprises at least one
step and a wave fence. In at least one embodiment, when the
evacuation unit is fully deployed, at least a portion of the wave
fence is in water-tight contact with at least a portion of a frame
of the door such that water flow into the aircraft is prevented
and/or inhibited.
[0007] In one or more embodiments, the top step of the step(s)
comprises an upper surface of the wave fence upon which an occupant
evacuating the aircraft can step. In some embodiments, the storage
housing is located under at least one floor panel, located on a
portion of an inflatable slide, located on an interior wall of the
aircraft, or located on an exterior wall of the aircraft. In at
least one embodiment, the method further involves opening, the
storage housing, to expose the evacuation unit for deployment.
[0008] In at least one embodiment, the evacuation unit further
comprises a rigid infrastructure that is foldable. In some
embodiments, the deploying of the evacuation unit comprises
unfolding the rigid infrastructure by use of compressed gas,
hydraulics, electrical power, pneumatics, at least one spring,
and/or at least one manual pump.
[0009] In one or more embodiments, after deployment of the
evacuation unit, the wave fence is located interior to the aircraft
and/or exterior to the aircraft.
[0010] In at least one embodiment, the method further involves
attaching, to a first location proximate a first side of the frame
of the door, a first side of the wave fence; and attaching, to a
second location proximate a second side of the frame of the door, a
second side of the wave fence. In some embodiments, the attaching
of the first side of the wave fence to the first location and the
attaching of the second side of the wave fence to the second
location are via at least one rail, at least one fastener, and/or
at least one zipper.
[0011] In one or more embodiments, the evacuation unit is
constructed from an inflatable structure. In at least one
embodiment, the deploying of the evacuation unit comprises
inflating the inflatable structure by use of compressed gas and/or
at least one manual pump. In some embodiments, the evacuation unit
further comprises a rigid infrastructure that is foldable and
housed within the inflatable structure.
[0012] In at least one embodiment, the inflatable structure
comprises at least three inflatable sleeves and/or an accordion
structure.
[0013] In one or more embodiments, an apparatus for permitting
evacuation of an aircraft following a water landing comprises at
least one step and a wave fence. In at least one embodiment, the
apparatus is to be deployed from inside a storage housing located
proximate a door of the aircraft. In some embodiments, when the
apparatus is fully deployed, at least a portion of the wave fence
is in water-tight contact with at least a portion of a frame of the
door such that water flow into the aircraft is prevented and/or
inhibited.
[0014] In at least one embodiment, the apparatus further comprises
a rigid infrastructure that is foldable. In some embodiments, the
apparatus is deployed by unfolding the rigid infrastructure by use
of compressed gas, hydraulics, electrical power, pneumatics, at
least one spring, and/or at least one manual pump.
[0015] In one or more embodiments, the apparatus is constructed
from an inflatable structure. In at least one embodiment, the
apparatus is deployed by inflation of the inflatable structure by
use of compressed gas and/or at least one manual pump.
[0016] In at least one embodiment, the apparatus further comprises
a rigid infrastructure that is foldable and housed within the
inflatable structure. In some embodiments, the inflatable structure
comprises at least three inflatable sleeves and/or an accordion
structure.
[0017] In one or more embodiments, a system for permitting
evacuation of an aircraft following a water landing comprises an
evacuation unit to be deployed from inside a storage housing. In at
least one embodiment, the evacuation unit comprises at least one
step and a wave fence. The system further comprises the storage
housing located proximate a door of the aircraft. In one or more
embodiments, when the evacuation unit is fully deployed, at least a
portion of the wave fence is in water-tight contact with at least a
portion of a frame of the door such that water flow into the
aircraft is prevented and/or inhibited.
[0018] The features, functions, and advantages can be achieved
independently in various embodiments of the present embodiments or
may be combined in yet other embodiments.
DRAWINGS
[0019] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the
present disclosure will become better understood with regard to the
following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings
where:
[0020] FIG. 1 is a diagram of an aircraft door with a marginally
positive door sill, in accordance with at least one embodiment of
the present disclosure.
[0021] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an interior aircraft cabin view
of a first embodiment of the disclosed evacuation unit in a stowed
position, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0022] FIG. 3 is a diagram of the first embodiment of the disclosed
evacuation unit, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the
present disclosure.
[0023] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an interior aircraft cabin view
of the first embodiment of the disclosed evacuation unit being
deployed, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0024] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an interior aircraft cabin view
of the first embodiment of the disclosed evacuation unit fully
deployed, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0025] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an exterior aircraft view of the
first embodiment of the disclosed evacuation unit fully deployed,
in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0026] FIG. 7A is a diagram of a second embodiment of the disclosed
evacuation unit, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the
present disclosure.
[0027] FIG. 7B is a diagram showing a foldable rigid infrastructure
of the second embodiment of the disclosed evacuation unit, in
accordance with at least one embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0028] FIG. 8A is a diagram showing an interior aircraft cabin view
of the second embodiment of the disclosed evacuation unit in a
stowed position with the floor panels closed, in accordance with at
least one embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0029] FIG. 8B is a diagram showing an interior aircraft cabin view
of the second embodiment of the disclosed evacuation unit in a
stowed position with the floor panels opened, in accordance with at
least one embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0030] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an interior aircraft cabin view
of the second embodiment of the disclosed evacuation unit being
deployed, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0031] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an interior cabin view of the
second embodiment of the disclosed evacuation unit fully deployed,
in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0032] FIG. 11A is a diagram showing a top view of a third
embodiment of the disclosed evacuation unit, in accordance with at
least one embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0033] FIG. 11B is a diagram showing a bottom view of the third
embodiment of the disclosed evacuation unit, in accordance with at
least one embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0034] FIG. 12A is a diagram showing an exterior aircraft view of
the third embodiment of the disclosed evacuation unit in a stowed
position, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0035] FIG. 12B is a diagram showing an exterior aircraft view of
the third embodiment of the disclosed evacuation unit in a fully
deployed position, in accordance with at least one embodiment of
the present disclosure.
[0036] FIG. 13A is a diagram showing an interior aircraft cabin
view of the third embodiment of the disclosed evacuation unit in a
fully deployed position, in accordance with at least one embodiment
of the present disclosure.
[0037] FIG. 13B is a diagram showing an exterior aircraft view of
the third embodiment of the disclosed evacuation unit in a fully
deployed position, in accordance with at least one embodiment of
the present disclosure.
[0038] FIG. 14A is a diagram showing a side view of a fourth
embodiment of the disclosed evacuation unit, in accordance with at
least one embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0039] FIG. 14B is a diagram showing another side view of the
fourth embodiment of the disclosed evacuation unit, in accordance
with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0040] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an exterior aircraft view of
the fourth embodiment of the disclosed evacuation unit in a stowed
position, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0041] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an exterior aircraft view of
the fourth embodiment of the disclosed evacuation unit being
deployed, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0042] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an exterior aircraft view of
the fourth embodiment of the disclosed evacuation unit being in a
fully deployed position, in accordance with at least one embodiment
of the present disclosure.
[0043] FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an interior aircraft cabin view
of the fourth embodiment of the disclosed evacuation unit being in
a fully deployed position, in accordance with at least one
embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0044] FIG. 19A is a diagram showing an interior aircraft cabin
view of the fifth embodiment of the disclosed evacuation unit being
in a fully deployed position, in accordance with at least one
embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0045] FIG. 19B is a diagram showing an exterior aircraft view of
the fifth embodiment of the disclosed evacuation unit being in a
fully deployed position, in accordance with at least one embodiment
of the present disclosure.
[0046] FIG. 20 is a flow chart showing the disclosed method for
permitting evacuation of an aircraft following a water landing, in
accordance with at least one embodiment of the present
disclosure.
DESCRIPTION
[0047] The methods and apparatus disclosed herein provide an
operative system for an airplane door retractable wave fence with
steps for evacuation. The disclosed system provides an evacuation
unit that allows for safe emergency evacuation following a ditching
event (i.e. a water landing) when using doors with marginally
positive door sill values. The evacuation unit comprises a wave
fence (or dam), which typically will be stowed inside the passenger
floor of the cabin of the aircraft next to the door threshold. When
the wave fence is fully deployed, it will form a water-tight
contact with the aircraft fuselage structure, thereby artificially
increasing the positive water sill by one or more stairway
steps.
[0048] In the following description, numerous details are set forth
in order to provide a more thorough description of the system. It
will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art, that the
disclosed system may be practiced without these specific details.
In the other instances, well known features have not been described
in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure the system.
[0049] For the sake of brevity, conventional techniques and
components related to the system design, and other functional
aspects of the system (and the individual operating components of
the systems) may not be described in detail herein. Furthermore,
the connecting lines shown in the various figures contained herein
are intended to represent example functional relationships and/or
physical couplings between the various elements. It should be noted
that many alternative or additional functional relationships or
physical connections may be present in an embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0050] FIG. 1 is a diagram 100 of an aircraft door 110 with a
marginally positive door sill 120a, in accordance with at least one
embodiment of the present disclosure. In this figure, an exterior
view of the aircraft 130 is shown. The aircraft door 110 is shown
to be open, and the evacuation slide (i.e. inflatable slide) 140 is
shown to be deployed. In this figure, the water level 150 is shown
to only be a few inches lower than the bottom of the aircraft door
110, thereby establishing a marginally positive door sill 120a.
Also in this figure, a first embodiment of the evacuation unit 160
is shown to be in a stowed position in the cabin of the aircraft
130.
[0051] FIG. 2 is a diagram 200 showing an interior aircraft cabin
view of a first embodiment of the disclosed evacuation unit 160 in
a stowed position, in accordance with at least one embodiment of
the present disclosure. In this figure, the aircraft door 110 is
shown to be closed, and the door 110 is shown to include a storage
compartment 230 for storing the evacuation slide 140.
[0052] Also in this figure, the evacuation unit 160 is shown to be
in a stowed position. When stowed, the evacuation unit 160 is
housed within a storage housing (not shown) located under the cabin
floor and flush with at least one floor panel 220. In one or more
embodiments, the floor panel 220 may have an increased thickness
across the aisle, as is shown in FIG. 2, so as to receive the
evacuation unit 160. It should be noted that in other embodiments,
the evacuation unit 160 may be housed within a storage housing that
is located under at least one floor panel, located on a portion of
the inflatable side 140, located on the interior wall of the
aircraft cabin, or located on the exterior wall of the aircraft
130.
[0053] Additionally in this figure, rails 240 are shown to be
located on either side of the aircraft door 110. After the
evacuation unit 160 is fully deployed, each side of the evacuation
unit 160 is attached to each of the rails 240, respectively.
[0054] FIG. 3 is a diagram 300 of the first embodiment of the
disclosed evacuation unit 160, in accordance with at least one
embodiment of the present disclosure. In this figure, the
evacuation unit 160 is shown to include two steps 310 and a wave
fence 320. It should be noted that in other embodiments, the
evacuation unit 160 may include more or less than two steps 310, as
is shown in this figure. In addition, the evacuation unit 160 is
shown to include a foldable, rigid infrastructure 330. The rigid
infrastructure 330 is used to support the steps 310. An actuator
340 powered by compressed gas 350 is utilized to deploy the
evacuation unit 160 (i.e. to unfold the rigid infrastructure
330).
[0055] It should be noted that in other embodiments, other means
may be used in addition or instead of compressed gas 350 to deploy
the evacuation unit 160. Types of other means that may be utilized
include, but are not limited to, hydraulics, electrical power,
pneumatics, at least one spring, and at least one manual pump.
[0056] Also, it should be noted that the top step of the two steps
310 comprises an upper surface of the wave fence 320, where an
evacuating occupant of the aircraft 130 can step on the upper
surface for egress.
[0057] FIG. 4 is a diagram 400 showing an interior aircraft cabin
view of the first embodiment of the disclosed evacuation unit 160
being deployed, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the
present disclosure. In this figure, the aircraft door 110 is shown
to be starting to open, and the actuator 340 is shown to be in the
process of deploying the evacuation unit 160, where its wave fence
320 is shown to be partly deployed.
[0058] FIG. 5 is a diagram 500 showing an interior aircraft cabin
view of the first embodiment of the disclosed evacuation unit 160
fully deployed, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the
present disclosure. In this figure the actuator 340 has fully
deployed the evacuation unit 160 from the storage housing 1220,
which is located under the cabin floor and flush with at least one
floor panel 220. The each side of the wave fence 320 of the
evacuation unit 160 is attached to each of the rails 240, such that
the wave fence 320 is forced against the frame of the aircraft door
110 and at least a portion of the wave fence 320 forms a
water-tight contact with a portion of the interior cabin of the
aircraft 130. It should be noted that the frame of the aircraft
door 110 is the open structure that is located in between the
interior of the aircraft 130 and the exterior of the aircraft 130,
and that receives the edges of the door 110 when the door 110 is in
a closed position.
[0059] It should be noted that in other embodiments, the wave fence
320 is attached by means other than rails 240. Examples of other
means that may be utilized to attach the wave fence 320 include,
but are not limited to, at least one fastener and at least one
zipper.
[0060] FIG. 6 is a diagram 600 showing an exterior aircraft view of
the first embodiment of the disclosed evacuation unit 160 fully
deployed, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present
disclosure. This figure shows that after the evacuation unit 160 is
fully deployed, the water sill 120b has significantly increased,
thereby allowing for the aircraft door 110 to be utilized for
passenger egress.
[0061] FIG. 7A is a diagram 700 of a second embodiment of the
disclosed evacuation unit, in accordance with at least one
embodiment of the present disclosure. In this figure, the
evacuation unit 705 is constructed from an inflatable structure
710. The evacuation unit 705 may be deployed (i.e. the inflatable
structure 710 is inflated) by use of compressed gas and/or at least
one manual pump.
[0062] In addition, the evacuation unit 705 is shown to include two
steps 730 and a wave fence 720. Additionally, the evacuation unit
705 may or may not include a foldable, rigid infrastructure (not
shown) that is housed within the inflatable structure 710.
[0063] FIG. 7B is a diagram 715 showing a foldable rigid
infrastructure 740 of the second embodiment of the disclosed
evacuation unit 705, in accordance with at least one embodiment of
the present disclosure. In this figure, the foldable rigid
infrastructure 740 is used to support the steps 730. Also shown in
this figure, the rigid infrastructure 740 includes a pivot 750 on
each side to allow for the folding of the rigid infrastructure
740.
[0064] FIG. 8A is a diagram 800 showing an interior aircraft cabin
view of the second embodiment of the disclosed evacuation unit (not
shown) in a stowed position with the floor panels 820 closed, in
accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.
In this figure, the aircraft door 110 is shown to be open, thereby
exposing the water surface (i.e. the water level) 150.
[0065] Also in this figure, the evacuation unit (not shown) is in a
stowed position. When stowed, the evacuation unit is housed within
a storage housing (not shown) located under the removable floor
panels 820, which are flush with at least one floor panel 220. In
one or more embodiments, the floor panel 220 may have an increased
thickness across the aisle, as is shown in FIG. 8A, so as to
receive the evacuation unit. It should be noted that in other
embodiments, the evacuation unit may be housed within a storage
housing that is located on a portion of the inflatable side 140,
located on the interior wall of the aircraft cabin, or located on
the exterior wall of the aircraft 130. For the purpose of clear
definition, any wall that is not exposed to the airstream external
to the aircraft 130 is considered an interior wall. So, for
example, the walls on the interior of the door 110 opening are
considered to be interior walls.
[0066] FIG. 8B is a diagram 810 showing an interior aircraft cabin
view of the second embodiment of the disclosed evacuation unit 705
in a stowed position with the floor panels 820 opened, in
accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.
In this figure, the aircraft door 110 is shown to be open, and the
inflatable slide 140 is deployed. Also in this figure, the
removable floor panels 820 are shown to be open, thereby exposing
the evacuation unit 705 to be deployed.
[0067] FIG. 9 is a diagram 900 showing an interior aircraft cabin
view of the second embodiment of the disclosed evacuation unit 705
being deployed, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the
present disclosure. In this figure, the evacuation unit 705 is
shown to be in the process of being deployed. The direction of
deployment of the evacuation unit is denoted by arrow 910.
[0068] FIG. 10 is a diagram 1000 showing an interior aircraft cabin
view of the second embodiment of the disclosed evacuation unit 705
fully deployed, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the
present disclosure. In this figure, the evacuation unit 705 is
shown to be fully deployed. When the evacuation unit 705 is fully
deployed, the steps 730 are fully stabilized by the internal
pressure of the inflatable structure 710 of the evacuation unit
705, and the internal pressure of the inflatable structure 710
forces the wave fence 720 of the evacuation unit 705 against the
frame of the aircraft door 110 such that at least a portion of the
wave fence 720 in water-tight contact with at least a portion of
the interior cabin of the aircraft 130.
[0069] FIG. 11A is a diagram 1100 showing a top view of a third
embodiment of the disclosed evacuation unit 1110, in accordance
with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. In this
figure, the evacuation unit 1110 is shown to be constructed from an
inflatable structure. The inflatable structure includes three
inflatable sleeves 1120. It should be noted that in other
embodiments, the evacuation unit 1110 may be constructed to have
more or less than the three inflatable sleeves, shown in this
figure. In addition, the evacuation unit 1110 is shown to include
an inflating hose 1130. A source of air (not shown) is attached to
the open end of the inflating hose 1130, and the source of air
causes air to pass through the inflating hose 1130 and into the
evacuation unit 1110 to inflate the evacuation unit 1110. Various
means may be used for the source of air including, but not limited
to, compressed air and/or at least one manual pump.
[0070] FIG. 11B is a diagram 1105 showing a bottom view of the
third embodiment of the disclosed evacuation unit 1110, in
accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.
In this figure, the evacuation unit 1110 is shown to include a girt
bar 1140. The girt bar 1140 is used to secure the evacuation unit
1110 to the aircraft door frame or to the inflatable slide. The
direction of arrows 1150 illustrate the direction that the girt bar
1140 is moved to secure the girt bar 1140 appropriately.
[0071] FIG. 12A is a diagram 1200 showing an exterior aircraft view
of the third embodiment of the disclosed evacuation unit 1110 in a
stowed position, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the
present disclosure. In this figure, the aircraft door 110 of the
aircraft 130 is shown to be open. Also in this figure, the
inflatable slide 140 is shown to be deployed, and the inflatable
slide 140 is shown to include a storage compartment (i.e. a storage
housing) 1220 located near the aircraft door 110.
[0072] Also in this figure, the evacuation unit 1110 is shown to be
in a stowed position. When stowed, the evacuation unit 1110 is
housed within the storage housing 1220.
[0073] FIG. 12B is a diagram 1210 showing an exterior aircraft view
of the third embodiment of the disclosed evacuation unit 1110 in a
fully deployed position, in accordance with at least one embodiment
of the present disclosure. For deployment of the evacuation unit
1110, the storage housing 1220 is opened to expose the evacuation
unit 1110. The evacuation unit 1110 is removed from the storage
housing 1220 and positioned within the frame of the aircraft door
110. Then, a source of air is used to inflate the evacuation unit
1110 such that it is fully deployed. When the evacuation unit 1110
is fully deployed, a first sleeve 1120 of the evacuation unit 1110
lies within the cabin of the aircraft 130, a second sleeve 1120 of
the evacuation unit 1110 lies within the frame of the aircraft door
110, and a third sleeve 1120 of the evacuation unit 1110 lies
exterior to the aircraft 130, thereby creating a wave fence.
[0074] FIG. 13A is a diagram 1300 showing an interior aircraft
cabin view of the third embodiment of the disclosed evacuation unit
1110 in a fully deployed position, in accordance with at least one
embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0075] FIG. 13B is a diagram 1310 showing an exterior aircraft view
of the third embodiment of the disclosed evacuation unit 1110 in a
fully deployed position, in accordance with at least one embodiment
of the present disclosure.
[0076] FIG. 14A is a diagram 1400 showing a side view of a fourth
embodiment of the disclosed evacuation unit 1410, in accordance
with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. In this
figure, the evacuation unit 1410 is shown to be constructed from an
inflatable structure. The evacuation unit 1410 is shown to include
a plurality of membrane ribs so as to form an accordion-type
structure. It should be noted that in some embodiments, the
evacuation unit 1410 may also include a foldable rigid structure
(not shown) that is housed within the inflatable structure.
[0077] The evacuation unit 1410 is also shown to include two steps
1420 and a wave fence 1430. In addition, the evacuation unit 1410
is shown to include an inflating hose 1440. A source of air (not
shown) is attached to the open end of the inflating hose 1440, and
the source of air causes air to pass through the inflating hose
1440 and into the evacuation unit 1410 to inflate the evacuation
unit 1410. Different types of means may be used for the source of
air including, but not limited to, compressed air and/or at least
one manual pump. It should be noted that the compressed air may be
from various sources, such as from the inflatable slide 140 and/or
from a separate pressurized gas bottle or aspirator.
[0078] FIG. 14B is a diagram 1405 showing another side view of the
fourth embodiment of the disclosed evacuation unit 1410, in
accordance with at least one embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0079] FIG. 15 is a diagram 1500 showing an exterior aircraft view
of the fourth embodiment of the disclosed evacuation unit 1410 in a
stowed position, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the
present disclosure. In this figure, the aircraft door 110 of the
aircraft 130 is shown to be open. Also in this figure, the
inflatable slide 140 is shown to be deployed, and the inflatable
slide 140 is shown to include a storage compartment (i.e. a storage
housing) 1510 located near the aircraft door 110.
[0080] Also in this figure, the evacuation unit 1410 is shown to be
in a stowed position. When stowed, the evacuation unit 1410 is
housed within the storage housing 1510.
[0081] FIG. 16 is a diagram 1600 showing an exterior aircraft view
of the fourth embodiment of the disclosed evacuation unit 1410
being deployed, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the
present disclosure. For deployment of the evacuation unit 1410, the
storage housing 1510 is opened to expose the evacuation unit 1410.
The evacuation unit 1410 is removed from the storage housing 1510
and positioned within the frame of the aircraft door 110, as is
shown in the figure. Then, a source of air is connected to an end
of the inflating hose 1440 and is used to inflate the evacuation
unit 1410 until it is fully deployed. In this figure, the source of
air is located within the storage housing 1510. In other
embodiments, as previously mentioned above, the source of air may
be located in other areas other than the storage housing 1510.
[0082] FIG. 17 is a diagram 1700 showing an exterior aircraft view
of the fourth embodiment of the disclosed evacuation unit 1410
being in a fully deployed position, in accordance with at least one
embodiment of the present disclosure. When the evacuation unit 1410
is fully deployed, the evacuation unit 1410 fits snugly within the
frame of the aircraft door 110, thereby creating a wave fence 1430.
And, a clamp sleeve 1710 on either side of the evacuation unit 1410
clamps to the frame of the aircraft door 110 to assist in securing
the evacuation unit 1410 when it is fully deployed.
[0083] FIG. 18 is a diagram 1800 showing an interior aircraft cabin
view of the fourth embodiment of the disclosed evacuation unit 1410
being in a fully deployed position, in accordance with at least one
embodiment of the present disclosure. In this figure, the
evacuation unit 1410 is shown to be fully deployed, and the clamp
sleeves 1710 are shown to be securely clamped to the frame of the
aircraft door 110. In this figure, the two steps 1420 of the
evacuation unit 1410 can be seen. The two steps 1420 are for the
passengers to use during their egress from the aircraft 130.
[0084] FIG. 19A is a diagram 1900 showing an interior aircraft
cabin view of the fifth embodiment of the disclosed evacuation unit
1910 being in a fully deployed position, in accordance with at
least one embodiment of the present disclosure. In this figure, the
evacuation unit 1910 is shown to be deployed and secured within the
frame of the aircraft door 110 of the aircraft 130.
[0085] In this figure, the evacuation unit 1910 is shown to be
constructed from an inflatable structure. The inflatable structure
includes two steps 1920 and two inflatable sleeves 1930, 1940. It
should be noted that in other embodiments, the evacuation unit 1910
may be constructed to have more or less than two steps 1920, and
more or less than two inflatable sleeves 1930, 1940, as is shown in
this figure.
[0086] When the evacuation unit 1910 is fully deployed, the two
steps 1920 lie within the cabin of the aircraft 130, one inflatable
sleeve 1940 lies within the frame of the aircraft door 110, and the
other inflatable sleeve 1930 lies exterior to the aircraft 130,
thereby creating a wave fence.
[0087] FIG. 19B is a diagram 1905 showing an exterior aircraft view
of the fifth embodiment of the disclosed evacuation unit 1910 being
in a fully deployed position, in accordance with at least one
embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0088] FIG. 20 is a flow chart 2000 showing the disclosed method
for permitting evacuation of an aircraft following a water landing,
in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present
disclosure. At the start 2010 of the method 2000, optionally, a
storage housing is opened to expose the evacuation unit for
deployment 2020. Then, the evacuation unit is deployed from inside
the storage housing, which is located proximate a door region of
the aircraft 2030. In one or more embodiments, the evacuation unit
comprises at least one step and a wave fence. In at least one
embodiment, when the evacuation unit is fully deployed, at least a
portion of the wave fence is in water-tight contact with at least a
portion of a frame of the door such that water flow into the
aircraft is prevented and/or inhibited. Then, the method 2000 ends
2040.
[0089] Although particular embodiments have been shown and
described, it should be understood that the above discussion is not
intended to limit the scope of these embodiments. While embodiments
and variations of the many aspects of the present disclosure have
been disclosed and described herein, such disclosure is provided
for purposes of explanation and illustration only. Thus, various
changes and modifications may be made without departing from the
scope of the claims.
[0090] Where methods described above indicate certain events
occurring in certain order, those of ordinary skill in the art
having the benefit of this disclosure would recognize that the
ordering may be modified and that such modifications are in
accordance with the variations of the embodiment. Additionally,
parts of methods may be performed concurrently in a parallel
process when possible, as well as performed sequentially. In
addition, more parts or less part of the methods may be
performed.
[0091] Accordingly, embodiments are intended to exemplify
alternatives, modifications, and equivalents that may fall within
the scope of the claims.
[0092] Although certain illustrative embodiments and methods have
been disclosed herein, it can be apparent from the foregoing
disclosure to those skilled in the art that variations and
modifications of such embodiments and methods can be made without
departing from the true spirit and scope of the art disclosed. Many
other examples of the art disclosed exist, each differing from
others in matters of detail only. Accordingly, it is intended that
the art disclosed shall be limited only to the extent required by
the appended claims and the rules and principles of applicable
law.
* * * * *