Automated Aircraft Retrieval via Circulating Line Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for launching, retrieving, and servicing hovering aircraft, especially in turbulent wind or on irregularly-moving platforms like ships in rough seas, are complex, require substantial infrastructure, and involve manual operations, which are not suitable for fully autonomous operations.
Innovation Solution
An automated apparatus and method using a boom with a circulating line or a lightweight pole to capture and constrain hovering aircraft, allowing for fully automated launch, retrieval, and servicing without manual intervention, capable of operating in rough conditions with modest piloting accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional Beartrap or RAST systems are used for helicopter retrieval, then retrieval safety is improved, but device complexity and infrastructure requirements increase substantially
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential retrieval function from complex traditional systems by using a simple circulating line that can be easily deployed and stowed. Instead of installing permanent Beartrap or RAST infrastructure, the system uses a portable line that circulates through a pulley on the ship's boom, capturing the helicopter rotor blade and pulling it onto the deck without requiring substantial fixed installations.
Solution Approach 2:
The circulating line acts as an intermediary element between the ship and the helicopter, enabling retrieval through a simple mechanical connection. The line passes through a pulley and attaches to the rotor blade, serving as a flexible mediator that transfers force and enables capture without requiring direct mechanical coupling between ship and aircraft.
2Ease of operation
If manual operations are used for helicopter retrieval and servicing, then operational flexibility is maintained, but automation level remains low and labor requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service operation where the circulating line automatically captures the helicopter as it approaches, and the aircraft's own rotor thrust provides the lifting force during retrieval. The helicopter essentially retrieves itself by flying into the circulating line, which then guides it onto the deck without requiring complex manual coordination between ship and aircraft crews.
3Ease of operation
If helicopters carry complete undercarriages, then landing capability is ensured, but aircraft weight and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the undercarriage function from the helicopter by using the circulating line and ship's deck as the landing support mechanism. Instead of relying on the helicopter's own wheels and landing gear, the system uses the external circulating line to capture and pull the aircraft onto the deck, eliminating the need for a complete undercarriage system.
4Adaptability or versatility
If traditional retrieval systems are used on ships in rough seas, then retrieval can be performed, but the systems require substantial fixed infrastructure that limits ship mobility and deck space
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces fixed, static retrieval infrastructure with a dynamic, movable circulating line that can be deployed and stowed as needed. The line circulates through a pulley on the boom and can be quickly positioned to match ship movement and sea conditions, providing adaptability without requiring permanent installations that consume deck space.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for automated launch, retrieval, and servicing of a hovering aircraft is provided. The apparatus includes a line which is elevatable while maintaining a principally horizontal axis. For retrieval, the aircraft translates principally spanwise over the line, following a path which is principally horizontal and normal to the line. At an appropriate moment, the line is elevated and contacts the aircraft's wing. As the aircraft continues translating, the line slides along the wing until captured in a cleat. The aircraft is then stably tethered in hover, and its position can be manipulated by articulating the line, such as to guide the aircraft into a docking station. For launch the aircraft lifts itself into hover while tethered to the line. Articulation of the line guides the aircraft into a launch position, at which point the line is disconnected from the cleat, thereby releasing the aircraft.