Helicopter Belly Bar Clasp for External Cargo
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional helicopter operations for external cargo handling, such as installing and maintaining utility lines, face challenges with reaction time in emergency releases and inadvertent cargo release due to the need for pilots to relinquish flight controls to activate release mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
The belly bar apparatus, featuring an articulated tubing tool connected to the aircraft's airframe with a primary and secondary external catch system, allows for manual or electronic release of external cargo, enabling temporary emergency carriage and secure attachment via cyclic and collective controls.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the pilot uses the integrated release mechanism for cargo release, then the release function is achieved, but the pilot must relinquish flight controls which increases reaction time in emergencies and risks inadvertent release
Solution Approach 1:
The release system is segmented into two independent control mechanisms: a primary release mechanism integrated with cyclic controls and a secondary release mechanism integrated with collective controls. This segmentation allows the pilot to access release functions without relinquishing primary flight control, thereby maintaining emergency response capability while enabling cargo release operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary control system where the release mechanism is mediated through the collective control interface rather than requiring direct manipulation of flight controls. This intermediary approach allows cargo release to be triggered through a dedicated control element that does not interfere with primary flight control stability, resolving the contradiction between ease of release operation and emergency response reliability.
2Productivity
If the primary external catch is used for cargo attachment, then cargo carriage is achieved, but there is risk of inadvertent release without emergency backup
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a secondary external catch mechanism that serves as a pre-positioned safety backup before any cargo release can occur. This redundant catch system is integrated with collective controls and remains engaged unless deliberately released, providing beforehand cushioning against inadvertent release while maintaining full cargo carriage capability through the primary catch system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the safety parameter from single-catch to dual-catch configuration, where the secondary catch provides an additional retention state. This parameter change in the attachment system reliability ensures that cargo cannot be released unless both catch mechanisms are disengaged, thereby preventing inadvertent release while maintaining normal cargo carriage operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A belly bar method and apparatus use to attach, carry and release external cargo from a hovering aircraft. The belly bar apparatus has articulated tubing tool connected to an airframe of the hovering aircraft at a first mounting end and at a second mounting end. The articulated tubing tool has a first external catch and a second external catch mounted on the articulated tubing tool. The first external catch is manually configured for optional attach, carry and release of the external cargo via the cyclic. The second external catch is electronically configured for optional attach, carry and release of the external cargo proximate the collective.