Holding device, drag cone system and aircraft test methods

Abstract

This invention relates to a holding device for holding a tow cone and includes: a base for supporting the holding device on a bearing surface; and a holding portion fixed to the base and including a bracket and a plurality of flexible holding members arranged circumferentially around the bracket. Each flexible holding member has a first end and an opposing second end, wherein the first end is fixed to the bracket, and the second end is a free end extending toward the interior of the bracket to form a holding opening in the towing direction. The circumferential dimension of the holding opening is smaller than the circumferential dimension of the base of the tow cone. This holding device is used to hold or fix the cone of a tow cone on the runway before aircraft takeoff, preventing damage to airport runway facilities, aircraft, etc., due to accidental movement of the cone. Simultaneously, during aircraft takeoff, the cone of the tow cone can be smoothly disengaged from the holding device, ensuring flight test safety. Furthermore, this invention also relates to a tow cone system and an aircraft testing method.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of aircraft flight testing and relates to a holding device, particularly a holding device for holding a drag cone. Furthermore, this invention also relates to a drag cone system and an aircraft testing method. Background Technology

[0002] During civil aircraft test flights, it is necessary to conduct test flights to reduce the minimum vertical separation (RVSM) and tow cone calibration, among other test flight maneuvers. These test flight maneuvers typically require the use of a tow cone system.

[0003] Currently, during flight tests of these subjects, before takeoff, test modification personnel need to remove the cone and piping attached to the aircraft's belly and place the cone on the runway behind the aircraft. To prevent the cone from accidentally moving (e.g., being blown away by the wind) and damaging facilities on either side of the runway or the aircraft, sandbags or similar objects are usually used to weigh it down. However, due to the shape of the towed cone, sandbags cannot guarantee that they will remain firmly in place before takeoff, and there is still a risk of the cone accidentally moving and damaging facilities on either side of the runway or the aircraft. Therefore, test modification personnel need to check the status of the towed cone near the rear of the aircraft after placing the sandbags. If it is found that the sandbags have failed to hold the cone down, the test pilot needs to be contacted to shut down the engines and go back onto the runway to re-weigh the cone. This operation method affects both flight test efficiency and flight test safety.

[0004] To ensure flight test safety and the smooth conduct of test missions, there is an urgent need for a device for holding or securing a tow cone on an airport runway. This device is used to hold or secure the tow cone on the runway before aircraft takeoff, preventing damage to airport runway facilities, aircraft, etc., should the cone move accidentally. Simultaneously, it allows the tow cone to smoothly detach from the securing or holding device during takeoff, thereby overcoming one or more drawbacks of existing technologies. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a holding device that can hold a drag cone on an airport runway, for example, during flight tests of flight subjects that require the use of a drag cone system, such as RVSM.

[0006] According to one aspect of the invention, a retaining device is provided for retaining a drag cone and may include: a base for supporting the retaining device on a bearing surface; a retaining portion fixed to the base and including a support and a plurality of flexible retaining members arranged circumferentially around the support, the flexible retaining members having a first end and an opposing second end, wherein the first end is fixed to the support, and the second end is a free end extending toward the interior of the support to form a retaining opening in the dragging direction, the circumferential dimension of the retaining opening being smaller than the circumferential dimension of the base of the drag cone.

[0007] This retaining device is used to hold or secure the tow cone on the runway before takeoff, preventing damage to airport runway facilities, aircraft, etc., due to accidental movement of the cone (e.g., being blown away by the wind). Simultaneously, it allows the tow cone to smoothly detach from the retaining device during takeoff, ensuring flight test safety.

[0008] According to the above aspects of the invention, preferably, the support of the retaining portion may include a notch and a closure for closing the notch, and a hose attached to the top of the drag cone can enter the retaining opening through the notch. This allows for quick fixation of the drag cone, improving operational efficiency and avoiding the complex and time-consuming operation of having to use the end of the hose to pass through the retaining opening.

[0009] According to the above aspects of the present invention, preferably, the plurality of flexible retainers can be a plurality of plastic bundles, each plastic bundle comprising a plurality of plastic strips, and the plurality of plastic bundles being spaced apart around the support.

[0010] This arrangement reliably holds the tow cone before takeoff and, after takeoff, allows the cone to pass through holding openings formed by multiple plastic bundles by the elastic deformation of the plastic strips. Furthermore, this arrangement reduces friction as the cone passes through the holding openings and lowers the cost of the holding device.

[0011] According to the above aspects of the invention, preferably, the support can be a circular ring, and a plurality of plastic bundles are arranged along the entire inner periphery of the support. This arrangement allows for better conforming to the external shape of the drag cone and allows the drag cone to disengage from the holding portion at any position in the circumferential direction.

[0012] According to the above aspects of the invention, preferably, the opening can be formed as a circular opening, and the diameter of the circular opening is smaller than the diameter of the base of the cone.

[0013] In this way, the tow cone can only be disengaged from the holding opening when the cone is subjected to a relatively large pulling force, such as when the aircraft takes off and the cone is pulled through the hose. The frictional force experienced during the disengagement process is basically balanced in the circumferential direction, ensuring that the cone will not accidentally disengage or be blocked by the support.

[0014] According to the above aspects of the invention, in order to allow the cone to smoothly disengage from the retaining opening of the support, preferably, the inner diameter of the support is larger than the diameter of the base of the cone of the drag cone.

[0015] According to the above aspects of the invention, preferably, the holding device may further include a handle fixed to the upper part of the support. The handle facilitates the test personnel to move or place the holding device to the desired test position by hand.

[0016] According to another aspect of the invention, a tow cone system is provided, which may include: a retaining device according to the above aspects; and a tow cone, which may include: a cone body including a base and an opposing top; and a hose, which may include a first attachment end and an opposing second attachment end, wherein the first attachment end is attached to the top of the tow cone and the second attachment end is attached to the tail of an aircraft.

[0017] This tow cone system enables safer and more efficient RVSM test flights and tow cone tower calibration tests.

[0018] According to another aspect of the invention, an aircraft testing method is proposed, which may include: providing a tow cone system according to the above invention, removing the cone and hose from the aircraft while the aircraft is parked on the runway, wherein the hose is attached to the aircraft via a second attachment end, unfolding the hose in the reverse heading direction of the aircraft and placing the cone on the runway, placing a retaining device on the runway in front of the cone, and allowing the hose attached to the top of the tow cone to enter the retaining opening.

[0019] According to the above aspects of the invention, preferably, after the aircraft takes off, the aircraft tows the cone via a hose to allow the cone to pass through the holding opening of the holding device in the towing direction.

[0020] Therefore, the holding device for the drag cone of the present invention can meet the usage requirements, overcome the shortcomings of the prior art, and achieve the intended purpose. Attached Figure Description

[0021] To further describe the holding device according to the present invention clearly, the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments, in which:

[0022] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a tow cone system according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention is shown, the tow cone system being connected to an aircraft;

[0023] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An enlarged view of a portion of the drag cone system shown;

[0024] Figure 3 A schematic side view of a holding device according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention is shown; and

[0025] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 Front view of the retaining device shown.

[0026] The above figures are for illustrative purposes only and are not drawn to scale.

[0027] The reference numerals in the figures are listed in the figures and embodiments:

[0028] 1000-Drag Cone System, including:

[0029] 100 - Holding device, comprising:

[0030] 10 - Base;

[0031] 20 – Retention section, including:

[0032] 21 - Stent, including:

[0033] 21A – Gap;

[0034] 22 - Flexible retainer, including:

[0035] 22A – First end;

[0036] 22B – Second end;

[0037] 23 - Keep it open;

[0038] 24 - Closure element;

[0039] 30 - Handle;

[0040] 200 - Drag cone, including:

[0041] 201 - Cone, comprising:

[0042] 201A - Base;

[0043] 201B - Top;

[0044] 202 - Hose, comprising:

[0045] 202A – First Attachment Terminal;

[0046] 202B – Second Attachment Terminal;

[0047] 300 - Airplane;

[0048] A – Open axis;

[0049] T – Towing direction;

[0050] G – Bearing surface. Detailed Implementation

[0051] It should be understood that, unless explicitly stated otherwise, the invention may employ various alternative orientations and sequences of steps. It should also be understood that the specific apparatus shown in the drawings and described in the specification are merely exemplary embodiments of the inventive concept disclosed and defined herein. Therefore, unless expressly stated otherwise, the specific orientations, directions, or other physical features involved in the various disclosed embodiments should not be considered limiting.

[0052] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a tow cone system 1000 according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention is shown, which is connected to an aircraft 300, and Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A detailed drawing of a portion of the drag cone system 1000 shown.

[0053] As shown in the figure and as a non-limiting example, the tow cone system 1000 may mainly include: a holding device 100 and a tow cone 200, wherein the tow cone 200 has been held or restrained by the holding device 100 and is connected to the aircraft 300.

[0054] Figure 3 A schematic side view of a holding device 100 according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention is shown; while Figure 4 yes Figure 3 Front view of the retaining device 100 shown.

[0055] As shown in the figure, the retaining device 100 may mainly include a base 10 and a retaining portion 20. The tow cone 200 may include a cone 201 and a hose 202 attached to the cone 201. The cone 201 may include a base 201A and an opposing top 201B, while the hose 202 may include a first attachment end 202A and an opposing second attachment end 202B. The first attachment end 202A of the hose 202 may be attached to the top 201B of the tow cone 200, while the second attachment end 202B of the hose 202 may be attached to an aircraft 300, for example, to the tail of the aircraft 300.

[0056] The base 10 can be used to support the retaining device 100 on the bearing surface G, for example, placed on a runway. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the base 10 can be rectangular and have a sufficiently large mass (e.g., a metal base made of materials such as steel, aluminum, or their alloys) to ensure that the entire retaining device 100 stands stably on the bearing surface G.

[0057] The retaining portion 20 can be fixed to the base 10. For example, the retaining portion 20 can be manufactured separately and fixed to the base 10 by welding or threaded connection, or the retaining portion 20 can be integrally formed with the base 10 as a one-piece structure.

[0058] like Figure 4 As shown more clearly in the diagram, the retaining portion 20 may include a support 21 and a plurality of flexible retainers 22 arranged circumferentially around the support 21.

[0059] The support 21 may be generally annular and may include a notch 21A and a closure 24 for closing the notch 21A.

[0060] like Figure 1 and 2 As shown, the hose 202 attached to the top 201B of the tow cone 200 can enter the retaining opening 23 via the notch 21A. As an example, the closure 24 can be a hook and loop, such as a Vickers hook and loop.

[0061] After the cone 201 of the drag cone 200 has been placed on the ground behind the retaining device 100, the closure 24 can be opened to insert the hose 202 into the retaining part 20 through the notch 21A. After completion, the closure 24 can be locked (e.g., with a snap fastener).

[0062] Continue to refer to Figure 4 The flexible retainer 22 may have a first end 22A and an opposing second end 22B. The first end 22A may be fixed to the bracket 21, while the second end 22B is a free end extending toward the interior of the bracket 21 to form a retaining opening 23 in the dragging direction T.

[0063] For example, such as Figure 2 As shown, the opening axis A of opening 23 is kept substantially parallel to the bearing surface G. As used herein, unless otherwise specified, the terms “substantially” and “about” are interpreted as indicating a value or range of values ​​plus or minus five percent, or indicating a deviation of plus or minus five percent from the shape and / or position.

[0064] As a non-limiting embodiment, the plurality of flexible retainers 22 are plurality of plastic bundles, each plastic bundle including a plurality of plastic strips, and the plurality of plastic bundles are spaced apart around the support 21, for example, spaced equidistantly in the circumferential direction.

[0065] For example, preferably, the support 21 can be a circular ring, and multiple plastic bundles are arranged along the entire inner periphery of the support 21.

[0066] like Figure 4 As shown, the retaining opening 23 can be formed as a generally circular opening, and the diameter of the generally circular opening can be smaller than the diameter of the base 201A of the cone 201 of the drag cone 200, or the circumferential dimension of the retaining opening 23 can be smaller than the circumferential dimension of the base 201A of the cone 201.

[0067] In addition, it should be understood that the inner diameter of the support 21 should be larger than the diameter of the base of the cone 201 of the drag cone 200, so as to allow the cone 201 to pass through the support 21 under the pull of the aircraft 300.

[0068] like Figure 3 and 4 As shown, the holding device 100 may also include a handle 30, which can be fixed to the upper part of the bracket 21.

[0069] This invention also proposes an aircraft testing method that can be used for RVSM test flights and tow cone calibration and other test flight subjects.

[0070] Specifically, the method may first provide a drag cone system 1000 according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention.

[0071] Then, while the aircraft 300 is parked on the runway, the cone 201 and hose 202 are removed from the aircraft 300, with the hose 202 attached to the aircraft 300 via the second attachment end 202B. The hose 202 is deployed in the reverse direction of the aircraft 300 and the cone 201 is placed on the runway. The test personnel can place the retaining device 100 on the runway in front of the cone 201, so that the hose 202 enters the retaining opening 23 through the notch 21A of the retaining device 100.

[0072] Thus, before the aircraft 300 takes off, the retaining device 100 can fix or hold the cone 201 of the tow cone 200 to prevent accidental movement (e.g., being blown away by the wind), while the multiple flexible retainers 22 of the inner ring of the retaining device 100 can prevent the cone 201 from going forward.

[0073] In this way, when the aircraft 300 takes off, the aircraft 300 will pull the cone 201 of the tow cone 200 through the hose 202, and under the pulling force of the aircraft 300, the cone 201 will pass through the retaining device 100 and then detach from the retaining device 100.

[0074] like Figure 1 As shown and as a non-limiting example, after the aircraft 300 takes off, the aircraft 300 tows the cone 201 via the hose 202 to allow the cone 201 to pass through the holding opening 23 of the holding device 100 in the towing direction T.

[0075] It should be understood that the aircraft testing method steps described above are exemplary, and those skilled in the art can adjust the order of the method steps, add corresponding steps, or delete relevant steps without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0076] The terms “internal” and “external” used herein to indicate orientation or location, and “first” and “second” used to indicate sequence, are merely to enable those skilled in the art to better understand the concept of the invention as illustrated in preferred embodiments, and are not intended to limit the invention. Unless otherwise stated, all sequences, orientations, or locations are used only to distinguish one element / component / structure from another, and unless otherwise stated, do not indicate any particular order, sequence of operations, direction, or orientation. For example, in an alternative embodiment, “first attachment end” may be “second attachment end”.

[0077] In summary, the holding device 100 according to the embodiments of the present invention overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art and achieves the intended purpose of the invention.

[0078] While the holding device of the present invention has been described above with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should recognize that the above examples are merely illustrative and should not be construed as limiting the invention. Therefore, various modifications and variations can be made to the invention within the spirit and scope of the claims, and all such modifications and variations will fall within the scope claimed by the claims.

Claims

1. A retaining device (100) for retaining a drag cone (200) and comprising: A base (10) for supporting the retaining device (100) on a bearing surface (G); A retaining portion (20), said retaining portion being fixed to the base (10) and including a bracket (21) and a plurality of flexible retaining members (22) arranged circumferentially around said bracket, said flexible retaining members having a first end (22A) and an opposing second end (22B), The first end (22A) is fixed to the bracket (21), while the second end (22B) is a free end extending toward the interior of the bracket (21) to form a retaining opening (23), the circumferential dimension of which is smaller than the circumferential dimension of the base (201A) of the cone (201) of the drag cone (200).

2. The holding device (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bracket (21) includes a notch (21A) and a closure (24) for closing the notch, and a hose (202) attached to the top (201B) of the drag cone (200) can enter the retaining opening (23) via the notch (21A).

3. The holding device (100) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The plurality of flexible retainers (22) are a plurality of plastic bundles, each plastic bundle comprising a plurality of plastic strips, and the plurality of plastic bundles are spaced apart around the bracket (21).

4. The holding device (100) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The support (21) is a circular ring, and the plurality of plastic bundles are arranged along the entire inner periphery of the support (21).

5. The holding device (100) according to claim 4, characterized in that, The retaining opening (23) forms a circular opening, and the diameter of the circular opening is smaller than the diameter of the base (201A) of the cone (201).

6. The holding device (100) according to claim 4, characterized in that, The inner diameter of the bracket (21) is larger than the diameter of the base of the cone (201) of the drag cone (200).

7. The holding device (100) according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The holding device (100) also includes a handle (30) which is fixed to the upper part of the bracket (21).

8. A towing cone system (1000), the towing cone system comprising: The holding device (100) according to any one of claims 1-7; as well as A drag cone (200), the drag cone comprising: A cone (201), the cone comprising a base (201A) and an opposing top (201B); and A flexible hose (202), the hose including a first attachment end (202A) and an opposing second attachment end (202B), The first attachment end (202A) is attached to the top (201B) of the tow cone (200), while the second attachment end (202B) is attached to the aircraft (300).

9. An aircraft testing method, comprising: Provides the tow cone system (1000) according to claim 8; While the aircraft (300) is parked on the runway, the cone (201) and the hose (202) are removed from the aircraft (300), wherein the hose (202) is attached to the aircraft (300) via a second attachment end (202B). The hose (202) is deployed in the reverse heading direction of the aircraft (300), and the cone (201) is placed on the runway. The retaining device (100) is placed on the runway in front of the cone (201), so that the hose (202) attached to the top (201B) of the tow cone (200) enters the retaining opening (23).

10. The aircraft testing method according to claim 9, characterized in that, After the aircraft (300) takes off, the aircraft (300) tows the cone (201) via the hose (202) to allow the cone (201) to pass through the retaining opening (23) of the retaining device (100) in the towing direction (T).

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