Description:DESCRIPTION:
Field of the invention:
[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to the technical field of emergency activating systems, and in specific relates to an actuation mechanism for locking and releasing that provides easy access to emergency equipment for passengers in an emergency.
Background of the invention:
[0002] At present, continuous development of airline industry, continuous increase of global air transportation, and constant increase in air passenger traffic, have led to various faults and accidents in aircrafts. In modern commercial aircrafts, airplane seats, in addition to high comfort for the passengers, are equipped with high safety systems. There are different safety devices to meet the high safety standards for the passengers during takeoff phase, landing phase and during turbulence in cruising flight.

[0003] In passenger aircrafts, safety devices such as flotation devices, life vests, and pursuits etc., are incorporated for use by passengers in case of a crash or ditching or other emergencies. Some flotation devices are simple members of buoyant material. Inflatable life jackets, packed in a folded condition, are also used. Such life jackets must be stored in a manner and location so that they, are not damaged during normal operations, but are easily accessible during an emergency.

[0004] In general, in aircrafts, emergency kits such as life vests and masks are provided below and above the passenger’s seat. Even though life vest are common in air travel, there are problems with their design that limit their usefulness in crash landings and other similar emergencies. It is difficult to find life vests under seats and difficult to put on securely in the emergency. Often, it appears that passengers are unable to use life vests or other emergency equipment due to insufficient familiarity of the passenger with the placement and access provided on aircrafts. It poses a safety risk itself, which will be impacted in an emergency situation by confusion, lack of space, limited time, smoke, darkness, unpredictable plane movements, and general panic of passengers. However, since the passenger tries to operate emergency equipment with a great deal of stress, panic, and disorientation, it is crucial to provide easy access of emergency equipment to passengers.

[0005] In the existing technology, the life vest is tucked down near the leg rest in the upholstery materials or integrated into the passenger seat. In this case, the life vest is folded to serve as a cushion and to provide padding for the upholstery portion. When a life vest is used as upholstery, it is subjected to unnecessary fatigue loading, which can lead to premature wear and tear of the life vest, and needs a higher frequency of life vest inspection. This could result in higher aircraft maintenance expenses.

[0006] Therefore, there is need for an automatic controlled mechanism that automatically provides easy access to emergency equipment during emergency situations. There is a need for a secured storage device for lifesaving equipment that can reliably protect the life jacket until it is used. There is a need for a simple operating mechanism that can be operated easily even during emergencies and provides emergency equipment to passenger in an accessible position. There is a need for emergency equipment in aircrafts that is accessible by a passenger without much effort during emergency situations.
Objectives of the invention:
[0007] The primary objective of the invention is to provide an actuation mechanism for locking and releasing that provides easy access to emergency equipment for passengers in an emergency.

[0008] Another objective of the invention is to provide a simple actuation mechanism for locking and releasing of an emergency equipment container beneath an aircraft seat unit during emergency situations.

[0009] The other objective of the invention is to provide plurality of electromagnets for locking, unlocking and movement of the emergency equipment by a simple activation process.

[0010] Yet another objective of the invention is to provide a scissor mechanism to elevate the emergency equipment to passenger accessible position that enables the user to easily pick up the emergency equipment.

[0011] Further objective of the invention is to provide emergency equipment below a front seat to the passenger that is easily accessible by a passenger behind the seat without much effort.

[0012] Another objective of the invention is to provide a life jacket storage unit that can reliably protect the life jacket until it is used.
Summary of the invention:
[0013] The present disclosure proposes an actuation mechanism for emergency equipment in aircrafts. The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the claimed subject matter. This summary is not an extensive overview. It is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope of the claimed subject matter. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

[0014] In order to overcome the above deficiencies of the prior art, the present disclosure is to solve the technical problem to provide an actuation mechanism for locking and releasing that provides easy access to emergency equipment for passengers in an emergency.

[0015] According to an aspect, the invention provides an actuation mechanism for emergency equipment. The actuation mechanism comprises a first magnet, a carrying means, a support means, a sliding mechanism, a third magnet, an elevating means, and at least one sensor. The first magnet is positioned on the rear side beneath a front seat of a passenger. The carrying means is positioned beneath the front seat of the passenger and is configured with a second magnet on the rear end of the carrying means opposite to the first magnet. The carrying means is configured to store the emergency equipment. The emergency equipment comprises either a lifejacket or a parachute or an oxygen mask or other safety devices or combinations thereof. The carrying means comprises either a container or a plate or any other enclosure to contain the emergency equipment.

[0016] The support means is positioned below the carrying means and is configured to support the carrying means and aid in horizontal movement of the carrying means beneath the front seat. The sliding mechanism comprises either a roller and slide rails or a rack and pinion or a slider-crank mechanism or any other similar mechanism to achieve sliding of the carrying means.

[0017] The sliding mechanism is connected to the support means and is configured to move the carrying means back and forth by utilizing attraction and repulsion between the first magnet and the second magnet. The third magnet is positioned at the rear side of a lumbar support of the front seat. The first magnet, second magnet, and third magnet each include either an electromagnet or a permanent magnet or any other magnet with variable polarity to achieve attraction and repulsion when required.

[0018] The elevating means is positioned between the carrying means and the support means. The elevating means is configured to elevate and lower the carrying means by utilizing attraction and repulsion between the second magnet and the third magnet. The elevation of carrying means by the elevating means provides the emergency equipment to the passenger at an accessible position. The elevating means comprises either a scissor mechanism or a pneumatic lift or any other mechanism to achieve elevation of the carrying means. The lumbar support comprises at least one rail means configured to aid the carrying means in vertical movement. The carrying means further comprises at least one groove configured to move along at least one rail means for vertical movement.

[0019] The actuation mechanism utilizes an activator and a controller to change the polarities of the first magnet, second magnet, and third magnet based on requirement. The sensor is positioned on the rear side of the lumbar support and is configured to detect the presence of emergency equipment in the carrying means.

[0020] In the emergency, when the activator is triggered, the controller charges the first magnet and the second magnet with opposite polarities to obtain repulsion. Upon repulsion of the first magnet and the second magnet, the carrying means slides out from the front seat. The controller charges the second magnet and the third magnet to obtain attraction after the carrying means slides out from the front seat. Due to the attraction of the second magnet and the third magnet, the carrying means elevates to the passenger-accessible position.

[0021] Further, when the emergency equipment is removed from the carrying means, the sensor detects the absence of emergency equipment. The controller changes the polarities of the third magnet and the second magnet to obtain repulsion after removal of emergency equipment. The repulsion is generated between the third magnet and the second magnet to lower the carrying means. The controller changes the polarities of the first magnet and the second magnet to obtain attraction to slide the carrying means beneath the front seat. The mechanism provides easy access to emergency equipment to the passengers in an emergency and returns beneath to the front seat when the emergency equipment is removed from the carrying means.

[0022] Further, objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from a study of the following portion of the specification, the claims, and the attached drawings.
Detailed description of drawings:
[0023] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate an embodiment of the invention, and, together with the description, explain the principles of the invention.

[0024] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary rear view of an actuation mechanism for emergency equipment in accordance to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0025] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary detailed view of a carrying means with an emergency equipment in accordance to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0026] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary rear view of an aircraft seat equipped with actuation mechanism depicting upward movement of the carrying means in accordance to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
Detailed invention disclosure:
[0027] Various embodiments of the present invention will be described in reference to the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, same or similar reference numerals are used in the drawings and the description to refer to the same or like parts or steps.

[0028] The present disclosure has been made with a view towards solving the problem with the prior art described above, and it is an object of the present invention to provide an actuation mechanism for locking and releasing that provides easy access to emergency equipment for passengers in an emergency.

[0029] According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, FIG. 1 refers to an exemplary rear view of an aircraft seat equipped with actuation mechanism 100 for emergency equipment. The actuation mechanism 100 for emergency equipment in aircraft comprises a front seat 102, a first magnet 104, a second magnet 106, a support means 108, an elevating means 110, a carrying means 112, at least one rail means 114, at least one sensor 116, an activator 118 and a third magnet 120.

[0030] The aircraft comprises plurality of seats arranged in plurality of rows equipped with an emergency equipment beneath the plurality of seats. The first magnet 104 is positioned on the rear side beneath a front seat 102 of a passenger. The carrying means 112 is positioned between the front seat 102 of the passenger and the support means 108. The carrying means 112 is configured with a second magnet 106 on the rear end, opposite to the first magnet 104. The support means 108 is positioned below the carrying means 112 and configured to support the carrying means 112.

[0031] Further, the seats 102 comprises the elevating means 110 positioned between the support means 108 and the carrying means 112. The rear side of the lumbar support is configured with at least one rail means 114 for vertical movement of carrying means 112 to access emergency equipment. The third magnet 120 is positioned at the rear side of a lumbar support of the front seat 102. The sensor 116 is positioned near the third magnet 120 to detect the presence of emergency equipment. At top of the lumbar support is configured with the activator 118.

[0032] The carrying means 112 is configured to store the emergency equipment. The emergency equipment comprises either a lifejacket or a parachute or an oxygen mask or other safety devices or combinations thereof. The carrying means 112 comprises either a container or a plate or any other enclosure to contain the emergency equipment.

[0033] The support means 108 is positioned below the carrying means 112. The support means 108 is configured to support the carrying means 112 and aid in horizontal movement of the carrying means 112 beneath the front seat 102. The support means 108 is connected to a sliding mechanism to achieve sliding of the carrying means 112. In specific, the sliding movement of the carrying means enables movement of carrying means in and out from below the seat. The elevating means 110 is positioned between the support means 108 and the carrying means 112. The sliding mechanism comprises either a roller and slide rails or a rack and pinion or a slider-crank mechanism or any other mechanism thereof.

[0034] The sliding mechanism is configured to move the carrying means 112 back and forth by utilizing attraction and repulsion between the first magnet 104 and the second magnet 106. The third magnet 120 is positioned at the rear side of a lumbar support of the front seat 102. The first magnet 104, second magnet 106, and third magnet 120 each include either an electromagnet or a permanent magnet or any other magnet with variable polarity to achieve attraction and repulsion when required.

[0035] The elevating means 110 is configured to elevate and lower the carrying means 112 by utilizing attraction and repulsion between the second magnet 106 and the third magnet 120. The carrying means 112 provides the emergency equipment to the passenger at an accessible position after elevation. The elevating means 110 comprises either a scissor mechanism or a pneumatic lift or any other mechanism to achieve elevation of the carrying means 112. The lumbar support comprises at least one rail means 114 configured to aid the carrying means 112 in vertical movement. The carrying means 112 further comprises at least one groove configured to move along at least one rail means 114 for vertical movement.

[0036] The actuation mechanism utilizes the activator 118 and a controller to change the polarities of the first magnet 104, the second magnet 106, and the third magnet 120. The sensor 116 is positioned on the rear side of the lumbar support and is configured to detect the presence of emergency equipment in the carrying means 112.

[0037] During emergency, when the activator 118 is triggered, the controller charges the first magnet 104 and the second magnet 106 to obtain repulsion. Upon repulsion of the first magnet 104 and the second magnet 106, the carrying means 112 slides out from below the front seat 102. The controller charges the second magnet 106 and the third magnet 120 to obtain attraction. Due to the attraction of the second magnet 106 and the third magnet 120, the carrying means 112 elevates to the passenger-accessible position to thereby enable the user to pick up the emergency equipment easily such that the user does not need to bend downward completely.

[0038] Further, when the emergency equipment is removed from the carrying means 112, the sensor 116 detects the absence of emergency equipment. The controller changes the polarities of the third magnet 120 and the second magnet 106 to obtain repulsion. The repulsion is generated in the third magnet 120 and the second magnet 106 to lower the carrying means 112 when the sensor 116 detects the absence of emergency equipment in the carrying means 112.

[0039] The controller changes the polarities of the first magnet 104 and the second magnet 106 to obtain attraction to slide the carrying means 112 beneath the front seat 102. The mechanism provides easy access to emergency equipment to the passengers in an emergency and returns beneath to the front seat 102 when the emergency equipment is removed from the carrying means 112.

[0040] According to another exemplary embodiment of the invention, FIG. 2 refers to an exemplary detailed view of carrying means with an emergency equipment 200. The carrying means 202 is configured to store the emergency equipment 204. The carrying means 202 comprises either a container or a plate or any other enclosure to contain the emergency equipment 204. The carrying means 202 further comprises at least one groove 208 configured to move over at least one rail means for vertical movement on the lumbar support.

[0041] The carrying means 202 is positioned beneath the front seat of the passenger and is configured with a second magnet 206 on the rear end opposite to the first magnet 210. The first magnet 210 is positioned on the rear side beneath a front seat of at least one passenger. When the activator is triggered, the controller charges the first magnet 210 and the second magnet 206 to obtain repulsion between them. Upon repulsion of the first magnet 210 and the second magnet 206, the carrying means 202 slides out from the front seat by utilizing the support means and same magnet 206 is used to move the carrying means upwards and downwards.

[0042] The support means 212 is configured with a roller and slide rails or a rack and pinion or slider-crank mechanism or any other mechanism to achieve sliding of the carrying means 202. In this embodiment, the support means 212 is configured with a roller and slide rails 214 to achieve sliding of the carrying means 202. The sliding mechanism is configured to move the carrying means 202 back and forth by utilizing attraction and repulsion between the first magnet 210 and the second magnet 206.

[0043] According to another exemplary embodiment of the invention, FIG. 3 refers to an exemplary rear view of an aircraft seat equipped with actuation mechanism 300 depicting upward movement of the carrying means. The aircraft seat’s lumbar support comprises an activator 302, a third magnet 304, at least one rail 306, a carrying means 308, an elevating means 310, a support means 312, and an emergency equipment 314.

[0044] The third magnet 304 is positioned at the rear side of a lumbar support of the front seat. The elevating means 310 is configured to elevate and lower the carrying means by utilizing attraction and repulsion between the second magnet 316 and the third magnet 304. The elevation of carrying means 308 provides the emergency equipment to the passenger at an accessible position.

[0045] The elevating means 310 is positioned between the carrying means 308 and the support means 312 and configured to elevate and lower the carrying means 308 by utilizing attraction and repulsion between the second magnet 316 and third magnet 304. The elevating means 310 comprises either a scissor mechanism or a pneumatic lift or any other mechanism to achieve elevation of the carrying means 308. The lumbar support comprises at least one rail means 306 configured to aid the carrying means 308 in vertical movement. The carrying means 308 further comprises at least one groove configured to move over a rail means 306 for vertical movement.

[0046] The activator 302 is triggered, the controller charges the first magnet and the second magnet 316 to obtain repulsion for slide out the carrying means 308 from the front seat. The controller charges the second magnet 316 and the third magnet 304 to obtain attraction. Due to the attraction of the second magnet 316 and the third magnet 304, the carrying means 308 elevates to the passenger-accessible position.

[0047] Numerous advantages of the present disclosure may be apparent from the discussion above. In accordance with the present disclosure, an actuation mechanism for locking and releasing is disclosed that provides easy access to emergency equipment for passengers in an emergency. The simple actuation mechanism aids in locking and releasing an emergency equipment from a container beneath an aircraft seat unit during emergency situations. The actuation mechanism utilizes plurality of electromagnets for locking, unlocking, and movement of the emergency equipment by a simple activation process.

[0048] The proposed actuating mechanism utilize a scissor mechanism to elevate the emergency equipment to a passenger-accessible position that enables the user to easily pick up the emergency equipment. The emergency equipment is positioned below a front seat to the passenger that is easily accessible by a passenger without much effort. The life jacket storage unit can reliably protect the life jacket until it is used. For the passengers in the bulkhead seats the emergency equipment is positioned in the bulkheads (or cabin walls) to be easily accessible by a passenger.

[0049] According to another exemplary embodiment of the invention, the carrying means is positioned at the rear side of the lumbar support of the front seat of the passenger, which will be accessed with a single soft touch from the passenger after activation of the actuation mechanism for emergency equipment. The sliding mechanism may comprise a scissor mechanism to aid in horizontal movement of the carrying means beneath the front seat. The sensor may be a weight sensor or infrared sensor to detect the emergency equipment. Carrying means may include multiple plates and sockets or mountings to enable storing of multiple emergency equipment such as oxygen masks, oxygen cylinders, and fire extinguishers thereof. The actuation mechanism can be applied to various vehicles such as ships, boats, trains, buses, mini-buses, helicopters thereof. Further, the actuation mechanism may be used in personal vehicles such as cars, three wheelers and thereof.

[0050] It will readily be apparent that numerous modifications and alterations can be made to the processes described in the foregoing examples without departing from the principles underlying the invention, and all such modifications and alterations are intended to be embraced by this application. , Claims:CLAIMS:
We Claim:
1. An actuation mechanism for emergency equipment, comprising:
a first magnet positioned on rear side beneath a front seat of a passenger;
a carrying means positioned beneath said front seat of said passenger configured with a second magnet on rear end to store an emergency equipment;
a support means positioned below said carrying means configured to support said carrying means and aid in horizontal movement of said carrying means beneath said front seat;
a sliding mechanism connected to said support means configured to move said carrying means back and forth by utilizing attraction and repulsion between said first magnet and said second magnet;
a third magnet positioned at rear side of a lumbar support of said front seat;
an elevating means positioned between said carrying means and said support means and configured to elevate and lower said carrying means by utilizing attraction and repulsion between said second magnet and said third magnet to provide said emergency equipment to said passenger at an accessible position; and
at least one sensor positioned on rear side of said lumbar support and configured to detect presence of said emergency equipment in said carrying means,
whereby said mechanism provides easy access of emergency equipment to said passengers in an emergency situation.
2. The actuation mechanism for emergency equipment as claimed in claim 1, wherein said carrying means comprises either a container or a plate or any other enclosure to contain said emergency equipment.
3. The actuation mechanism for emergency equipment as claimed in claim 1, wherein said emergency equipment comprises either a lifejacket or a parachute or an oxygen mask or other safety devices or combinations thereof.
4. The actuation mechanism for emergency equipment as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first magnet, said second magnet and said third magnet comprise either an electromagnet or any other magnets with variable polarity to achieve attraction and repulsion when required.
5. The actuation mechanism for emergency equipment as claimed in claim 1, wherein said actuation mechanism utilizes an activator and a controller to change polarities of said first magnet, said second magnet, and said third magnet.
6. The actuation mechanism for emergency equipment as claimed in claim 1, wherein said elevating means comprises either a scissor mechanism or a pneumatic lift or any other mechanism to achieve elevation of said carrying means.
7. The actuation mechanism for emergency equipment as claimed in claim 1, wherein said sliding mechanism comprises either a roller and slide rails or a rack and pinion or slider crank mechanism or any other mechanism to achieve sliding of said carrying means.
8. The actuation mechanism for emergency equipment as claimed in claim 1, wherein said lumbar support comprises at least one rail means configured to aid said carrying means in said vertical movement and wherein said carrying means comprises at least one groove configured to move over said at least one rail means for vertical movement of said carrying means.
9. The actuation mechanism for emergency equipment as claimed in claim 1, wherein when said activator is triggered, said controller charges said first magnet and said second magnet to obtain repulsion to slide said carrying means and said controller charges said second magnet and third magnet to obtain attraction to elevate said carrying means.
10. The actuation mechanism for emergency equipment as claimed in claim 1, wherein when said at least one sensor detects the absence of said emergency equipment, said controller changes the polarities of said third magnet and said second magnet to obtain repulsion to lower said carrying means and controller changes the polarities of said first magnet and said second magnet to obtain attraction to slide said carrying means beneath said front seat.