A motion mechanism

EP4731516A1Pending Publication Date: 2026-04-29TUSAS TURK HAVACILIK VE UZAY SANAYII ANONIM SIRKETI
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
EP · EP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
TUSAS TURK HAVACILIK VE UZAY SANAYII ANONIM SIRKETI
Filing Date
2024-06-20
Publication Date
2026-04-29

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing load carrying systems for helicopters lack flexibility and adaptability to adjust the position, configuration, and storage of external pods, which affects aerodynamic performance and mission versatility.

Method used

A motion mechanism utilizing a bellows structure on the pod that can expand or fold to adjust height, angle, and orientation of equipment, allowing for optimal positioning without compromising flight stability and enabling easy storage and transportation.

Benefits of technology

Enhances the flexibility and adaptability of load carrying systems, maintaining aerodynamic efficiency and stability, while allowing for versatile use in various missions and reducing storage space requirements.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

This invention relates to a body (2) located on the aircraft, at least one carrier (3) that is removably mounted on the body (2) and allows equipment to be integrated onto the body (2), at least one load (4) mounted on or inside the carrier (3) and carried by the carrier (3).
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Description

[0001] A MOTION MECHANISM

[0002] The present invention relates to load carrying systems that enable load carrying in aircraft.

[0003] By means of the load carrying systems in helicopters, especially large-sized loads can be transported from one place to another by air. In helicopters, the term "pod" refers to an external module designed for extra equipment or special purposes. Pods are separate components, usually with a aerodynamic shape, that is mounted under or on the side of the helicopter fuselage. Pods can serve a variety of purposes. For example, pods allow sensor systems (radar, electro-optical camera, etc.) or weapon systems (missiles, machine guns, etc.) to be integrated into the helicopter. These pods are mounted on the fuselage of the helicopter, minimising the aerodynamic effects of extra equipment and enabling the helicopter to perform a specific function without affecting its stability and performance. Pods can also be used in search and rescue operations, medical emergency services or reconnaissance missions. For example, pods can be used to transport and access supplies such as life jackets, first aid supplies, rescue equipment, or emergency medical equipment. Pods provide a flexible solution for extra equipment often mounted on helicopters. This way, changes to the helicopter body are minimised and pods can be easily changed to suit different missions or needs.

[0004] An autonomous, helicopter-assisted mobile construction / emergency capsule system is mentioned in the United States patent document numbered US5190250 in the state of the art. This system is structurally and functionally designed and configured to quickly and effectively deploy self-supporting equipment capsules that can operate independently using the operational capabilities of helicopters. The AHP system is configured for integration with a helicopter external load support station. The AHP system includes a dual cable winch and rack (DCWR) assembly and an equipment pod that is configured for provisioning remote and / or inaccessible locations with a full complement of mission specific power actuated equipment and a self-contained power source to facilitate extended mission operations without external support. The DCWR assembly includes a winch subassembly and a suspension rack that provides the mechanical and functional interface between the equipment pod and the winch subassembly and which is operative to lock the equipment pod in combination with the DCWR assembly for up-loading and recovery operations and to release the equipment pod from the DCWR assembly after deployment.

[0005] In the United States patent document numbered US2021078701 in the state of the art, an aircraft capable of vertical take-off and landing is mentioned. The aircraft comprises a fuselage which has a nose end, a tail end, and a plurality of seats disposed in the interior. A pair of rear wings extend outwardly from opposing sides of the fuselage between a cockpit and the tail end, and a pair of front wings extend outwardly from opposing sides of the fuselage between the cockpit and the nose end. Each of the pair of rear wings and front wings includes an adjustably mounted turbine. This turbine comprises a statically mounted fan pod, a duct rotatably connected to the fan pod, and an adjustable nozzle rotatably connected to the duct. The nozzle can be adjusted to a variety of configurations ranging between a vertical position and a horizontal position via the duct. The adjustably mounted turbine enables the aircraft to adjust thrust through vectors ranging between horizontal and vertical.

[0006] By means of a motion mechanism developed with this invention, the bellows structure on the pod in the helicopter provides flexibility and mobility for various purposes. These bellows structures are used to change the position and configuration of materials or equipment on the pod.

[0007] Another aim of this invention is that bellows structures can be used to change the height of the pod. This is necessary to adjust the distance of the pod from the helicopter fuselage. It ensures that the pod is in the optimum position without affecting the helicopter's flight performance and stability.

[0008] Another aim of this invention is to provide configuration change. Bellows structures can be used to change the angle or orientation of equipment or sensors on the pod. This allows the pod to be properly adjusted for airborne missions. For example, when camera systems need to look in different directions or angles, bellows structures can be used to direct the equipment in or on the pod towards the target. Another aim of this invention is to provide ease of storage and transportation. Bellows structures allow the pod to be folded or stored in a collapsible manner. This allows the pod to take up less space during storage or transportation.

[0009] Another aim of this invention is to use bellows structures to increase the functionality of the equipment on the pod, minimise aerodynamic effects and maintain the performance of the helicopter at its best. These structures provide versatile use by allowing helicopters to adapt to different missions and needs.

[0010] The motion mechanism defined in the first claim and the claims dependent on this claim, which is realised to achieve the aim of the invention, comprises a body that forms the outer surface of the aircraft, at least one load that is removably loaded by the user on the body, and at least one carrier located on the outer surface of the body facing the outside of the body and on which the user places a load, thus allowing the load to be carried.

[0011] The motion mechanism of the invention comprises at least one bellows structure on a carrier that can expand or fold up to the movement range determined by the user. This bellows structure allows the carrier to expand or shrink. While the bellows structure opened up to the distance determined by the user is in the open position (I) and it moves into the closed position (II) by folding. When it is brought from the closed position (II) to the open position (I), the bellows structure is held mutually by at least one support element placed on the carrier, and is fixed on the carrier. The carrier is made of metal material and has a rigid structure. The bellows structure surrounds the carrier at least partially from the lateral walls of the carrier.

[0012] In one embodiment of the invention, the motion mechanism comprises at least one rail on the carrier and support element and the support element that slides on this rail. In addition, at least one pin ensures that the bellows structure and support element slide on the rail. The bellows structure is expanded by sliding it on the rail while it is brought to the open position (I). There is a support element that supports the expanded bellows structure and ensures it has a rigid structure. In an embodiment of the invention, the motion mechanism provides support to the bellows structure from inside or outside the body by means of the support element that moves together with the bellows structure that is brought to the open position (I).

[0013] In one embodiment of the invention, the motion mechanism comprises a bellows structure that is located close to the centre of gravity of the carrier and expands when the carrier is in the open position, allowing the carrier to expand on the axis it extends. When the bellows structure, located almost exactly in the middle of the carrier, is brought to the open position (I), it ensures that the carrier expands in a balanced way so that both parts of the centre of gravity are almost equal in size. A supporting element is located opposite the opened part of the bellows structure.

[0014] In one embodiment of the invention, the motion mechanism is removably mounted on at least one wing that provides the necessary carrying force for the aircraft to fly, allowing the load to be carried via the carrier.

[0015] In one embodiment of the invention, the motion mechanism comprises a connecting element that allows the carrier to be removably mounted on the wing. In this way, the carrier is made suitable for carrying loads.

[0016] In an embodiment of the invention, the motion mechanism comprises a bellows structure that has an open position (I) by expanding the bellows structure to a distance predetermined by the user, depending on the load dimensions, and a bellows structure that has a closed position (II) by folding it by a distance predetermined by the user. In this way, the carrier has adjustable dimensions according to the load dimensions.

[0017] In an embodiment of the invention, the motion mechanism is expanded and brought to the open position (I) by the user by pulling both parts connected to the bellows structure carrier. The bellows structure is closed from both sides where it is connected to the carrier and brought to the closed position (II).

[0018] In one embodiment of the invention, the motion mechanism comprises load that has equipment, sensor systems, and weapon systems. In one embodiment of the invention, the motion mechanism comprises a bellows structure consisting of foldable panels connected to each other sequentially.

[0019] In one embodiment of the invention, the motion mechanism comprises a bellows structure made of flexible material. In this way, there is a carrier that can be expanded to the desired size.

[0020] In one embodiment of the invention, the motion mechanism comprises a support element removably attached to the carrier. This prevents it from creating weight on the aircraft.

[0021] The motion mechanism realised to achieve the aim of this invention is shown in the attached figures, and of these figures;

[0022] Figure 1 - is the view of the bellows structure in the open position (I).

[0023] Figure 2 - is the view of the bellows structure in the closed position (II).

[0024] Figure 3 - is the perspective view of the carrier.

[0025] Figure 4 - is the schematic view of the bellows structure.

[0026] The parts in the figures are numbered one by one and the equivalents of these numbers are given below.

[0027] 1. Motion Mechanism

[0028] 2. Body

[0029] 3. Carrier

[0030] 4. Payload

[0031] 5. Bellows Structure

[0032] 6. Support Element

[0033] 7. Rail

[0034] 8. Pin

[0035] 9. Wing

[0036] 10. Connector

[0037] (P) Panel

[0038] (I) Open Position (II) Closed Position

[0039] The motion mechanism (1) comprises a body (2) located on the aircraft, at least one carrier (3) that is removably mounted on the body (2) and allows equipment to be integrated onto the body (2), at least one load (4) mounted on or inside the carrier (3) and carried by the carrier (3).

[0040] The motion mechanism (1) of the invention comprises at least one bellows structure (5) located on the carrier (3) that expands or folds almost completely as much as the range of movement predetermined by the user, thus allowing the carrier (3) to expand or contract, an open position (I) in which the bellows structure (5) expands to a distance predetermined by the user, a closed position (II) in which the bellows structure (5) folds, at least one support element (6) placed on the bellows structure (5) to remain opposite the bellows structure (5) that is brought from the closed position (II) to the open position (I), thus keeping the bellows structure (5) fixed on the carrier (4).

[0041] The aircraft comprises a body (2) that forms its aerodynamic surface, at least one load (4) that is removably mounted on the body (2) by the user, and at least one carrier (3) located on the body (2), on which a load (4) is removably attached, thus allowing the load (4) to be carried. It comprises a body (2), which forms the outer surface of the aircraft and is the surface that first comes into contact with the air, at least one payload (4) that is detachably attached to the body (2) and is useful, and at least one carrier (3) on which the load (4) is removably mounted and on which the load (4) is carried. The load (4) can be removably mounted on the carrier (3). The load (4) can be carried via the carrier (3) during the aircraft flight. The carrier (3) is located on the outer surface of the body (2) where it comes into contact with the air, and is generally located at the bottom of the aircraft because it carries the load (4). The load (4) is attached to the carrier (3) by the user while the aircraft is on the ground. After the load (4) is completed by the user during flight or while the aircraft is on the ground, the load (4) is removed from the carrier (3). (Figure - 1 , Figure - 2, Figure - 3) The bellows structure (5) comprises a bellows structure (5) that allows the carrier (3) to expand or contract by expanding from the parts where it is connected to the carrier

[0042] (3) or by folding from the parts where it is connected to the carrier (3), thus enabling the load (4) to be placed in the desired size and amount on the carrier (3). It includes an open position (I), where the bellows structure (5) opens in order to place the load

[0043] (4) on the carrier (3), and a closed position (II), where the bellows structure (5) folds in order to minimise the aerodynamic disadvantage. It comprises a support element (6) placed on the carrier (3) almost completely opposite the bellows structure (5) and on or inside the carrier (3) when the bellows structure (5) is opened by the user and brought to the open position (I). The bellows structure (5) surrounds the carrier (3) all around. There is a support element (6) in order to keep the bellows structure (5) fixed on the carrier (3) in every part that forms the lateral walls of the carrier (3) where the bellows structure (5) is located and not to damage the rigid structure of the carrier (3) along its length. Depending on the range of motion determined by the user, the bellows structure (5) can be fully expanded or folded. By means of this feature, the carrier (3) can be adjusted to the desired width according to the needs of the user. Thus, flexibility is provided for transporting or storing loads (4) of different sizes. The bellows structure (5) is in the closed position (II) when folded. In this way, the carrier (3) can be stored or transported in a way that takes up minimum space. Users can easily fold the carrier (3) when they are not using it or want to carry it and save space. The support element (6) is placed on the bellows structure (5) and fixes the carrier (3). In this way, the bellows structure (5) is held securely and stably on the carrier. Users ensure that the load (4) or material moves safely during the transportation process. The bellows structure (5) expands, opens or folds according to the distance determined by the users. In this way, users can quickly and easily adjust the carrier (3) to the desired position. It saves time while improving the user experience. In this way, it increases the mobility of the carrier (3) and its suitability for the user's needs. It provides flexibility, ease of storage, safe holding and ease of use. (Figure - 4).

[0044] In one embodiment of the invention, the motion mechanism (1 ) comprises at least one rail (7) located on the carrier (3) and the support element (6), on which the support element (6) moves by sliding, and at least one pin (8) located on the bellows structure (5), support element (6) and carrier (3), allowing the support element (6) to slide on the rail (7). The bellows structure (5) moves left and right along the axis along which the carrier (3) extends by means of the rail (7) on the carrier (3) when moving from closed position (II) to open position (I) or from open position (I) to closed position (II), Along with the bellows structure (5), the support element (6) also moves on the rail (7) and provides support to the bellows structure (5) by remaining behind or in front of the bellows structure (5). The rail (7) passes through the pin (8) and moves by sliding inside the pin (8). The pin (8) may also have a hooked structure. The rail (7) located on the carrier (3) and support element (6) is a structure in which the support element (6) moves by sliding. The pins (8), which enable the support element (6) to slide on the rail (7), ensure that these components are connected to each other securely. By means of the rail (7) and sliding support element (6), the carrier (3) system is enabled to move in the desired direction. This means that the carrier (3) can expand or shrink flexibly. The sliding of the support element (6) on the rail (7) increases the stability of the carrier (3) and enables it to move safely on the carrier (3). This increases the durability of the parts in the system. The use of pins (8) ensures that the connection between the rail (7), support element (6), bellows structure (5) and carrier (3) is strong. This facilitates the assembly and disassembly processes of the system and facilitates maintenance operations. However, it allows the use of different sizes and types of carriers (3) and support elements (6). In this way, the system can be designed and used to suit various application needs. It ensures safe and effective operation of the carrier (3) and support element (6) and is important for mobility and functionality in the system.

[0045] In an embodiment of the invention, the motion mechanism (1 ) comprises a support element (6) that acts simultaneously with the bellows structure (5) and provides support for the bellows structure (5) while the bellows structure (5) is brought to the open position. When the bellows structure (5) is pulled by the user, the support element (6) moves simultaneously and is positioned to remain opposite the bellows structure (5). The simultaneous movement of the bellows structure (5) with the support element (6) while bringing it to the open position (I) ensures the stability and durability of the bellows structure (5). The support element (6) supports the bellows structure (5) and increases its stability during the expansion or folding. In this way, it ensures that the bellows structure (5) stands safely in the desired position and performs the desired task. The movement of the support element (6) helps the bellows structure (5) maintain its structural integrity and provide optimum performance.

[0046] In one embodiment of the invention, the motion mechanism (1 ) comprises a bellows structure (5), which is located almost completely close to the centre of gravity of the carrier (3) and expands and opens when the carrier (3) is in the open position (I), allowing the carrier (3) to expand along the axis it extends. In this way, a portable and transportable motion mechanism (1) is provided, regardless of the aircraft type. The fact that the bellows structure (5) is located close to the centre of gravity of the carrier (3) increases the balance and stability of the carrier (3). When the carrier (3) is in the open position (I), when the bellows structure (5) expands and opens, it expands evenly along the axis where the carrier (3) expands. In this way, the balance of the carrier (3) is ensured while the load (4) or material is carried and it becomes resistant to undesirable shifts or bending. The bellows structure (5) increases the carrying capacity by enabling the carrier (3) to expand. The bellows structure (5), which expands and opens when in the open position (I), expands along the axis along which the carrier extends and allows more load (4) or material to be carried. In this case, the carrying capacity of the carrier (3) increases and it becomes possible to carry larger or heavier loads (4) safely. The bellows structure (5) enables the carrier (3) to expand along the axis it extends, allowing the carrier (3) to be used at long ranges. The user can expand or narrow the carrier (3) according to the predetermined range of motion. In this way, it ensures that the carrier (3) can be used appropriately for different tasks and provides flexibility to the users.

[0047] In an embodiment of the invention, the motion mechanism (1 ) comprises at least one wing (9) located on the body (2) that provides the necessary carrying force to the aircraft during flight, and the load (4) placed on the wing (9) and carried by the wing (9). The load (4) is carried on the wing (9) by means of the carrier (3).

[0048] In an embodiment of the invention, the motion mechanism (1 ) comprises at least one connecting element (10) that enables the carrier (3) to be removably mounted on the wing (9). The carrier (3) is removably mounted on the wing (9) via the connector (10). In one embodiment of the invention, the motion mechanism (1 ) comprises a bellows structure (5) located on the carrier (3), which allows the carrier to be lengthened or shortened by the user according to the dimensions of the load (4), up to the range of movement predetermined by the user along the axis on which the carrier (3) extends. Depending on the area occupied by the load (4), the bellows structure (5) is moved by the user to the desired size.

[0049] In one embodiment of the invention, the motion mechanism (1) comprises an open position (I), in which the bellows structure (5) is connected to the carrier (3) by a distance predetermined by the user, and is opened by extending from both parts towards both ends of the carrier (3), and a closed position (II) in which the bellows structure (5) located on the carrier (3) is folded. The bellows structure (5) is expanded and brought to the open position (I) by the user by pulling it in different directions from both sides, where it is attached to the carrier (3). The bellows structure (5) is pulled by the user from the parts where it is attached to the carrier (3) in different directions towards the centre of gravity of the carrier (3) and folded into a closed position (II).

[0050] In an embodiment of the invention, the motion mechanism (1 ) comprises the load (4), which is equipment, sensor systems and weapon systems.

[0051] In an embodiment of the invention, the motion mechanism (1 ) comprises a bellows structure (5) consisting of multiple foldable panels (P) connected to each other.

[0052] In an embodiment of the invention, the motion mechanism (1 ) comprises a bellows structure (5) made of flexible material. In this way, it can be adjusted to the desired size.

[0053] In an embodiment of the invention, the motion mechanism (1 ) comprises a support element (6) that is removably attached to the carrier (3). While the support element (6) is attached when needed, it is removed when necessary and changes can be made according to the functions or intended use of the carrier (3).

Claims

CLAIMS1. A motion mechanism (1 ) comprising a body (2) located on the aircraft, at least one carrier (3) that is removably mounted on the body (2) and allows equipment to be integrated onto the body (2), and at least one load (4) mounted on or inside the carrier (3) and carried by the carrier (3), characterised by comprising at least one bellows structure (5) located on the carrier (3) and expands or folds almost completely as much as the range of movement predetermined by the user, thus allowing the carrier (3) to expand or contract, an open position (I) in which the bellows structure (5) expands and opens to a distance predetermined by the user, a closed position (II) in which the bellows structure (5) folds, and at least one support element (6) placed on the bellows structure (5) to remain opposite the bellows structure (5) that is brought from the closed position (II) to the open position (I), thus keeping the bellows structure (5) fixed on the carrier (4).

2. A motion mechanism (1 ) according to Claim 1 , comprising at least one rail (7) located on the carrier (3) and the support element (6), on which the support element (6) moves by sliding, and at least one pin (8) located on the bellows structure (5), support element (6) and carrier (3), allowing the support element (6) to slide on the rail (7).

3. A motion mechanism (1) according to Claim 1 or 2, comprising the support element (6) that moves simultaneously with the bellows structure (5) and provides support for the bellows structure (5) while the bellows structure (5) is brought to the open position (I).

4. A motion mechanism (1 ) according to any of the previous Claims, comprising the bellows structure (5), located almost completely close to the centre of gravity of the carrier (3), expands and opens when the carrier (3) is in the open position (I), allowing the carrier (3) to expand along the axis it extends.

5. A motion mechanism (1 ) according to any of the previous Claims, comprising at least one wing (9) located on the body (2) and providing the necessary carrying force to the aircraft during flight, and the load (4) placed on the wing (9) and carried by the wing (9).

6. A motion mechanism (1) according to Claim 5, comprising at least one connector (10) that enables the carrier (3) to be removably mounted on the wing (9).

7. A motion mechanism (1 ) according to any of the previous Claims, comprising the bellows structure (5) located on the carrier (3) and allows the carrier to be lengthened or shortened by the user according to the dimensions of the load (4), up to the range of movement predetermined by the user along the axis on which the carrier (3) extends.

8. A motion mechanism (1 ) according to any of the previous Claims, comprising an open position (I), where the bellows structure (5) is connected to the carrier (3) by a distance predetermined by the user, and is opened by extending from both parts towards both ends of the carrier (3), and a closed position (II) in which the bellows structure (5) located on the carrier (3) is folded.

9. A motion mechanism (1 ) according to any of the previous Claims, comprising a load (4) that is equipment, sensor systems, weapon systems.

10. A motion mechanism (1) according to any of the previous Claims, comprising the bellows structure (5) consisting of multiple foldable panels (P) connected to each other.

11. A motion mechanism (1) according to any of the previous Claims, comprising the bellows structure made of flexible material (5).

12. A motion mechanism (1 ) according to any of the previous Claims, comprising the support element (6) removably attached to the carrier (3).