Aircraft Floatation Hood Extensible Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of inflatable floats on aircraft for water landing and stability is complex and poses risks due to issues with cover ejection and interference during deployment, which can cause damage and hinder the deployment process.
Innovation Solution
The use of extensible connecting means to attach the cover to the aircraft compartment allows for transverse displacement during float inflation, preventing cover ejection and ensuring the cover remains attached, while also being removable for maintenance and reducing mass by allowing the cover to be detached before flight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If a rigid ejectable cowl is used to close the compartment, then aerodynamic performance and aesthetics are improved, but the cowl may be ejected towards the aircraft or water surface causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The cowl is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to rotate open during float deployment. This dynamic mechanism enables the cowl to clear the deployment path and avoid damaging the aircraft or water surface, while maintaining aerodynamic performance when closed
Solution Approach 2:
The compartment closure system is divided into separable components: the cowl and the compartment structure. This segmentation allows the cowl to be independently controlled and rotated open during deployment, preventing it from interfering with the float inflation process
2Shape
If a rigid hinged cowl is used to close the compartment, then aerodynamic performance is improved, but the implementation becomes complex and the cowl may be jammed against the aircraft during water landing
Solution Approach 1:
The cowl is designed with rotational movement capability on hinges, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position. During float deployment, the cowl rotates open to clear the path; during water landing, it can move to avoid being jammed, simplifying the overall system while maintaining aerodynamic performance
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the cover is fixed to the inflatable float, then the risks of damaging the aircraft with the cowl are reduced, but folding the float becomes difficult and accessibility to the compartment is complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The cowl is extracted from the float structure and made independent. Instead of being fixed to the float, the cowl is separately mounted on the compartment with rotational capability. This separation allows the float to be easily folded and stored while the cowl independently clears the deployment path, reducing damage risk without complicating float folding
4Ease of operation
If a soft tarpaulin cover is used to close the compartment, then the cover gives way under float pressure allowing deployment, but aerodynamic performance and aesthetics are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The cowl is designed as a rigid structure with rotational movement capability. During float deployment, the cowl rotates open on its hinges, providing a clear path for the expanding float. When closed, it maintains a smooth aerodynamic surface. This dynamic rigid structure combines the benefits of both soft and rigid covers
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a buoyancy system (10) for an aircraft (1), said buoyancy system (10) comprising an inflatable float (15) and a hood (20). Said buoyancy system (10) includes at least one extensible connecting means (25) attached to the hood (20) for connecting the hood (20) to a compartment (3) of an aircraft (1) by allowing the hood (20) to be retained and moved laterally during inflation of the float (15).