Aircraft Radar Support Pivoting Platform for Emergency Landing Clearance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing support systems for aircraft radars interfere with emergency landings by protruding and require complex modifications to the aircraft's primary structure, posing maintenance and compatibility issues.
Innovation Solution
A support device with a pivoting platform and locking mechanism that can be actuated to deploy or retract the radar, using a mechanical force and frangible zones to automatically adjust positions based on impact or operator command, minimizing interference and avoiding major structural modifications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the radar is mounted on the lower surface of the fuselage to minimize aerodynamic disruptions, then the radar can observe land or sea zones effectively, but the radar protrudes and interferes with the ground during emergency landing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the radar support platform movable rather than fixed. The platform can pivot between a deployed position (for aerodynamic integration and radar operation) and a retracted position (to minimize ground interference during emergency landing). This dynamic configuration allows the system to adapt its state based on operational requirements, resolving the contradiction between maintaining aerodynamic integration and preventing ground interference.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a hydraulic or electric elevator system is used to deploy or withdraw the radar, then the radar can be repositioned to minimize ground interference, but the system requires major modification of the primary structure and is incompatible with pressurized cabin configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the extraction principle by removing the radar support platform from the pressurized cabin environment and placing it in the unpressurized space below the fuselage. This extraction eliminates the incompatibility with pressurized cabin configurations and avoids the need for major structural modifications to the primary aircraft structure. The platform is instead attached to the external fuselage surface, where it can pivot independently without affecting the pressurized cabin integrity.
3Ease of operation
If a hydraulic or electric elevator system with control valves and sensors is implemented, then the radar can be automatically deployed or retracted, but the system becomes complex to maintain and costly due to failure risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the self-service principle by designing a passive gravitational system that automatically positions the radar platform without requiring active hydraulic or electric components. The platform naturally pivots to its retracted position when not in use due to gravity, and can be manually deployed when needed. This eliminates complex control systems, sensors, and actuators, thereby dramatically reducing maintenance requirements and operational costs while maintaining ease of operation through simple manual intervention when required.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution reduces radar interference during emergency landings, simplifies maintenance, and maintains aircraft sliding conditions, while being compatible with various aircraft configurations without requiring hydraulic or electric energy sources.
Implementation Method 1
the support platform is mounted pivoting on the fastening structure around a pivot axis between an operational position and a backup position
Implementation Method 2
said at least one locking finger comprises at least one frangible zone, configured to break under the effect of an impact on said radio equipment
Data Source
AI summary
A support device for a radio equipment of an aircraft, radio system and aircraft are provided. The support device includes a fastening structure (31), intended to be secured to a lower surface of a fuselage of an aircraft, and a support platform (33) of the radio equipment (25). The support platform (33) is mounted pivoting on the fastening structure (31) around a pivot axis (A) between an operational position and a backup position. The support device comprises a locking mechanism (56), able to be actuated from a locked configuration, in which said locking mechanism (56) keeps the support platform (33) in its operational position while preventing any pivoting of the support platform (33), to an unlocked configuration, in which the locking mechanism (56) allows the support platform (33) to pivot relative to the fastening structure (31).