Adjustable Aircraft Tie-Down with Pivoting Talons
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tie-down devices for aircraft are not adjustable and cannot accommodate varying or unknown concrete slab thicknesses, limiting their versatility and effectiveness, especially in wartime scenarios where advance knowledge of pavement thickness is unavailable.
Innovation Solution
A novel tie-down device with a rectangular body and pivoting talons featuring nut and bolt depth adjustment mechanisms, allowing for approximately ±3 inches of vertical adjustability, which can be easily installed on concrete slabs of different thicknesses, and can be retrofitted to existing constructions without requiring extensive pavement modifications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing fixed tie-down devices are used, then installation is simple, but they cannot accommodate varying concrete slab thicknesses
Solution Approach 1:
The tie-down device incorporates adjustable components that allow the anchoring mechanism to adapt dynamically to different slab thicknesses. The device transitions from a fixed configuration to an adjustable one, enabling the same device to work across varying pavement conditions without requiring multiple specialized devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the fixed geometric parameters of traditional tie-down devices by introducing adjustable elements that can modify their dimensions. This allows the device to accommodate different slab thicknesses by adjusting its configuration, thereby resolving the contradiction between adaptability and structural simplicity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable tie-down mechanisms are added to accommodate varying thicknesses, then versatility improves, but installation time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable components are pre-configured and designed to be easily adjusted during installation. The mechanism allows for quick setup by preparing the adjustment elements in advance, enabling rapid adaptation to different slab thicknesses without requiring complex on-site modifications or extensive installation procedures.
3Ease of manufacture
If fixed-depth anchors are used, then manufacturing is simple, but they require precise knowledge of slab thickness in advance
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor device is divided into multiple segments or adjustable sections that can be configured to match different slab thicknesses. This segmentation allows the manufacturing process to remain relatively simple while producing a device that can be field-adjusted to various depths, eliminating the need for precise pre-knowledge of slab thickness.
4Ease of operation
If existing tie-down devices are used, then device structure is simple, but they lack vertical adjustability for different slab depths
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment mechanism is designed to be self-regulating or self-adjusting, allowing the operator to easily configure the device to the correct depth without requiring complex tools or procedures. The device essentially adjusts itself to the appropriate configuration based on the slab thickness, maintaining ease of operation while adding necessary functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, tie-down assembly is provided for securing a parked aircraft to a slab of an aircraft mooring area. The assembly includes a support structure having a first side wall, a second side wall, a first end cover coupled with the first side wall and the second side wall, and a second end cover coupled with the first side wall and the second side wall. The assembly also includes a connector rod coupled with the first side wall and the second side wall, a talon pivot rod coupled with the first side wall and the second side wall, a first talon rotatably coupled with the talon pivot rod, a second talon rotatably coupled with the talon pivot rod, a first depth adjustment mechanism coupled with the first talon, and a second depth adjustment mechanism coupled with the second talon.