Claims:CLAIMS:
We Claim:
1. A system for secure actuation of emergency equipment in aircrafts, comprising:
an emergency kit storage unit placed beneath each seat in the aircraft and stored with an emergency kit, and wherein the emergency kit storage unit comprises:
a platform holds the emergency kit and configured with a release-locking mechanism that activates and unlocks the platform to be accessible by a passenger behind the seat;
an emergency kit activation unit positioned on the seat configured to prompt the passenger behind the seat to activate the emergency kit storage unit during emergency situations; and
a controller configured to:
receive an emergency signal,
enable the emergency kit activation unit to prompt the passenger to activate the emergency kit storage unit based on the received emergency signal, and
control the release-locking mechanism to unlock and lock the platform automatically for accessing the emergency kit by the passenger based on the activation of the emergency kit storage unit, and for retrieving the platform back to normal position; and
whereby said system for secure actuation provides a multi-step confirmation for activating the emergency kit storage unit.
2. The system for secure actuation of emergency equipment in aircrafts as claimed in claim 1, wherein said emergency kit activation unit comprises an activator and an indicator to prompt the passenger to activate the emergency kit storage unit.
3. The system for secure actuation of emergency equipment in aircrafts as claimed in claim 2, wherein the activator comprises at least one of a button, a switch, and a lever, and wherein the indicator comprises at least one of a visual indicator and an audible indicator.
4. The system for secure actuation of emergency equipment in aircrafts as claimed in claim 1, wherein said release-locking mechanism comprises an electromagnetic scissor and a rail mechanism that drops down and moves the platform forward to be accessed by the passenger behind the seat.
5. The system for secure actuation of emergency equipment in aircrafts as claimed in claim 1, wherein said platform is positioned with a detecting unit to detect whether the emergency kit is removed by the passenger and transmit a command to the controller to control the release-locking mechanism to automatically move the platform backward and flush into the seat.
6. The system for secure actuation of emergency equipment in aircrafts as claimed in claim 5, wherein the detecting unit is configured to detect the presence of the emergency kit and transmit a command to the controller for alarming aircraft personnel.
7. The system for secure actuation of emergency equipment in aircrafts as claimed in claim 1, wherein said controller receives the emergency signal either from the aircraft personnel or from automatic emergency detecting sensors of the aircraft.
8. The system for secure actuation of emergency equipment in aircrafts as claimed in claim 1, wherein said emergency kit storage unit is placed with a visual indicating means such as blinking light for better visual interaction for passengers.
9. The system for secure actuation of emergency equipment in aircrafts as claimed in claim 1, wherein said emergency kit comprises at least one of lifejackets, parachutes, oxygen masks and other safety devices.
10. A method for secure actuation of emergency equipment in aircrafts, comprising:
placing an emergency kit storage unit beneath each seat in the aircraft, and wherein the emergency kit storage unit comprises a platform;
holding an emergency kit by the platform;
receiving an emergency signal and enabling an emergency kit activation unit which is positioned on the seat, by using a controller;
prompting the passenger behind the seat to activate the emergency kit storage unit during emergency situations, by using the emergency kit activation unit; and
unlocking and locking the platform for accessing the emergency kit by the passenger behind the seat and for retrieving the platform back to normal position, by using a release-locking mechanism. , 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 a system and method for secure actuation of emergency kits in an aircraft only during emergencies and prevent misuse by passengers.
Background of the invention:
[0002] At present, continuous development along with the World Airways industry, the continuous increase of global air transportation amount, and constantly increase in air passenger traffic, has led to various faults and accidents in aircrafts. In modern commercial aircrafts, airplane seats in addition to a high comfort factor for the passengers are equipped with high safety systems. During launch phase, landing phase and during turbulence in cruising flight, there are different safety devices to meet the high safety standards for the passengers.

[0003] Existing aircraft seats contribute considerably to the weight of aircraft interiors. To save fuel costs, lightweight designs are preferred for aircraft interiors. As the aircraft seat is one of the main factors affecting passenger comfort, the challenge is to design a lightweight aircraft seat without compromising on comfort. Studies indicate that increasing the contact area between human and seat can have a positive effect on comfort.

[0004] In general, in the airplanes, emergency kits such as life-jackets and masks are provided below and above the passenger’s seat. There may be a chance of misusing those emergency kits by the passengers. Even though, the flight cabin crew members explain the usage and importance of those emergency kits, they are misused by the passengers without the case of emergency.

[0005] Some existing systems use life-jacket pockets and the main requirement that the life jacket pockets have to meet are that the opening edge of the bag is normally securely closed, so that the life jacket contained in the bag is protected and for one use case is intact. With the current usual construction, with the closure device one at the opening edge of the bag provided, flat adhesive closure, which by a fleece and Hook tape is formed, between which the tear tab extends, the bag is easy and quick to open if necessary. However, the closure device does not offer sufficient security against unwanted opening.

[0006] Therefore, there is a need for a system for secure actuation of emergency kits in aircraft only in case of an emergency. There is a need for an activation process for emergency equipment/ kits in aircraft to prevent misuse and provide the emergency kits accessible to the passengers during emergency. There is a need for an automatic controlled mechanism that automatically provides access to emergency kit based on emergency situation.
Objectives of the invention:
[0007] The primary objective of the invention is to provide a system for secure actuation of emergency kits in aircrafts only in case of emergencies.

[0008] Another objective of the invention is to provide a multi-step confirmation for activation process of emergency kits in aircraft to prevent misuse of the emergency kits and provide the kits accessible to passengers at the time of emergency.

[0009] The other objective of the invention is to provide a system with an automatic controlled mechanism that automatically provides access to the emergency kits during emergency situations.

[0010] The other objective of the invention is to enable the activation process of emergency kits based on emergency signal from aircraft personnel or emergency detecting sensors.

Summary of the invention:
[0001] The present disclosure proposes a system and method for secure actuation of 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.

[0002] In order to overcome the above deficiencies of the prior art, the present disclosure is to solve the technical problem to provide a system for secure actuation of emergency equipment in aircrafts to prevent misuse of emergency kits at the time of emergency.

[0003] According to an aspect, the invention provides a system for secure actuation of emergency equipment in aircrafts. The system comprises an emergency kit storage unit, an emergency kit activation unit, and a controller. The emergency kit storage unit is placed beneath each seat in the aircraft and stored with an emergency kit. Further, the emergency kit storage unit is placed with a visual indicating means such as blinking light for better visual interaction for passengers. The emergency kit storage unit comprises a platform that holds the emergency kit, and is configured with a release-locking mechanism that activates and unlocks the platform to be accessible by a passenger behind the seat. The emergency kit comprises at least one of lifejackets, parachutes, oxygen masks and other safety devices.

[0004] In specific, the release-locking mechanism comprises an electromagnetic scissor and a rail mechanism that drops down and moves the platform forward to be accessed by the passenger behind the seat. Further, the platform is positioned with a detecting unit to detect whether the emergency kit is removed by the passenger and transmit a command to the controller to control the release-locking mechanism to automatically move the platform backward and flush into the seat. The detecting unit is configured to detect the presence of the emergency kit and transmit a command to the controller for alarming aircraft personnel.

[0005] The emergency kit activation unit is positioned on the seat, and configured to prompt the passenger behind the seat to activate the emergency kit storage unit during emergency situations. The emergency kit activation unit comprises an activator and an indicator to prompt the passenger to activate the emergency kit storage unit. Further, the activator comprises at least one of a button, a switch, and a lever, and wherein the indicator comprises at least one of a visual indicator and an audible indicator.

[0006] The controller is configured to receive an emergency signal, and thereby enables the emergency kit activation unit to prompt the passenger to activate the emergency kit storage unit based on the received emergency signal. The controller also controls the release-locking mechanism to unlock and lock the platform automatically for accessing the emergency kit by the passenger based on the activation of the emergency kit storage unit, and for retrieving the platform back to normal position. In specific, the controller receives the emergency signal either from the aircraft personnel or from automatic emergency detecting sensors of the aircraft.

[0007] According to another aspect, the invention provides a method for secure actuation of emergency equipment in aircrafts. First, the emergency kit storage unit is placed beneath each seat in the aircraft. Next, the emergency kit is held by the platform. Subsequently, the emergency signal is received by the controller and the emergency kit activation unit is enabled which is positioned on the seat, by using the controller. Later, the passenger behind the seat is prompted to activate the emergency kit storage unit during emergency situations, by using the emergency kit activation unit. Finally, the platform is unlocked for accessing the emergency kit by the passenger behind the seat, by using a release-locking mechanism based on the activation of the emergency kit storage unit.

[0008] 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:
[0009] 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.

[0010] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary block diagram of system for secure actuation of emergency equipment in aircrafts in accordance to an exemplary embodiment on the invention.

[0011] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary method for secure actuation of emergency equipment in aircrafts in accordance to an exemplary embodiment on the invention.
Detailed invention disclosure:
[0012] 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.

[0013] 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 a system for secure actuation of emergency equipment in aircrafts to prevent misuse of emergency kits at the time of emergency.

[0014] According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, FIG. 1 refers to an exemplary block diagram of a system 100 for secure actuation of emergency equipment in aircrafts. The system 100 comprises an emergency kit storage unit 102, an emergency kit activation unit 110, and a controller 116. The emergency kit storage unit 102 is placed beneath each seat in the aircraft and stored with an emergency kit. Further, the emergency kit storage unit 102 is placed with a visual indicating means 108 such as blinking light for better visual interaction for passengers.

[0015] In an embodiment, the emergency kit storage unit 102 comprises a platform 104 that holds the emergency kit, and is configured with a release-locking mechanism 106 that activates and unlocks the platform 104 to be accessible by a passenger behind the seat. The emergency kit comprises at least one of lifejackets, parachutes, oxygen masks and other safety devices.

[0016] In an embodiment, the release-locking mechanism 106 comprises an electromagnetic scissor and a rail mechanism that drops down and moves the platform 104 forward to be accessed by the passenger behind the seat. Further, the platform 104 is positioned with a detecting unit to detect whether the emergency kit is removed by the passenger. In an embodiment, the detecting unit may comprise at least one of ultrasonic sensors, infrared sensors, proximity sensors and other such sensors.

[0017] If the emergency kit is removed by the passenger, then the detecting unit transmits a command to the controller 116. The controller 116 controls the release-locking mechanism 106 based on the command received from the detecting unit, the release-locking mechanism 106 automatically gets locked by moving the platform 104 backward and flushing into the seat. Further, the detecting unit is configured to detect the presence of the emergency kit and transmit a command to the controller 116 for alarming aircraft personnel before the aircraft is scheduled to start.

[0018] In an embodiment, the emergency kit storage unit 102 opens as a drawer and the platform 104 elevates and moves up and make the emergency kit access to the passenger.

[0019] In an embodiment, the emergency kit activation unit 110 is positioned on top of the seat which can be accessed by the passenger seated behind the seat. The emergency kit activation unit 110 is configured to prompt the passenger behind the seat to activate the emergency kit storage unit 102 during emergency situations. Further, the emergency kit activation unit 110 may act as a dummy/non-functional unit when no emergency exists.

[0020] In an embodiment, the emergency kit activation unit 110 comprises an activator 112 and an indicator 114 to prompt the passenger. The activator 112 may comprise at least one of a button, a switch, and a lever which can be easily operated by the passenger. In an embodiment, the activator 112 may be a self-illuminated button.

[0021] In an embodiment, the indicator 114 may comprise at least one of a visual indicator and an audible indicator. The visual indicator may comprise a light source that gets activated to indicate the passenger to press the activator 112 during emergency situations.

[0022] The audible indicator may comprise an alarm system that gives an alarm to the passenger to press or activate the activator 112. In an embodiment, combination of the visual indicator and the audible indicator may get activate together to prompt the passenger.

[0023] In an embodiment, the controller 116 is configured to receive an emergency signal, and thereby enable the emergency kit activation unit 110 to prompt the passenger to activate the emergency kit storage unit 102 based on the received emergency signal. The controller 116 controls the release-locking mechanism 106 to unlock and lock the platform 104 automatically for accessing the emergency kit by the passenger and for retrieving the platform 104 back to normal position.

[0024] In an embodiment, the controller 116 receives the emergency signal either from the aircraft personnel or from automatic emergency detecting sensors of the aircraft. The controller 116 allows an aircraft personnel to transmit a control command in the emergency situations to enable the functionality of the emergency kit activation unit 110, so that the passenger can access the emergency kit from the he emergency kit storage unit 102.

[0025] This, the proposed system 100 provides a two-step confirmation process for secure activation of the emergency kit storage unit 102. The two-step confirmation process comprises an emergency signal command from the aircraft personnel or automatic emergency detecting sensors and activation of the activator 112 by the passenger.

[0026] In an embodiment, the system 100 may also employ a multi-step confirmation process, where the inputs may also comprise activation of emergency doors of the aircraft, and pilot authentication, in addition to the emergency signal command from the aircraft personnel or automatic emergency detecting sensors and activation of the activator 112 by the passenger.

[0027] According to another exemplary embodiment of the invention, FIG. 2 refers to a method 200 for secure actuation of emergency equipment in aircrafts. At step 202, the emergency kit storage unit is configured with the platform and is placed beneath each seat in the aircraft. At step 204, the emergency kit is held by the platform. At step 206, the emergency signal is received by the controller and the emergency kit activation unit is enabled which is positioned on the seat, by using the controller.

[0028] At step 208, the passenger is prompted behind the seat to activate the emergency kit storage unit during emergency situations, by using the emergency kit activation unit. At step 210, the platform of the emergency kit storage unit is unlocked, by using a release-locking mechanism, based on the activation of the emergency kit storage unit.

[0029] Thus, the platform drops down and moves forward for accessing the emergency kit by the passenger behind the seat. Later, the detecting unit of the platform detects the removal of the emergency kit and commands the controller to lock the platform. The controller thereby activates the release-locking mechanism, upon which the platform is retrieved back to normal position.

[0030] Numerous advantages of the present disclosure may be apparent from the discussion above. In accordance with the present disclosure, a system for secure actuation of emergency equipment in aircrafts to prevent misuse of emergency kits at the time of emergency is disclosed here.

[0031] The proposed system provides secure actuation of emergency equipment in aircraft only in case of an emergency. The proposed system provide a multi-step activation process for emergency equipment/ kits in aircraft to prevent misuse of emergency kits and provide the emergency kits such as life-jackets, oxygen masks, parachutes etc. to be accessible to passengers at the time of emergency.

[0032] The proposed system may be integrated with artificial intelligence that enables the activation of emergency equipment. The system with an automatic controlled mechanism automatically provides access to the emergency kits during emergency situations. The system enables the activation process of emergency kits based on emergency signal from aircraft personnel or emergency detecting sensors.

[0033] 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.