Aircraft Bomb Rack Adapter for Reduced-Size Munitions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aircraft bomb racks require separate systems for larger and smaller cargo, leading to inefficiencies in maintenance, loading, and simulation of bomb dropping, as they are not designed to handle reduced-size loads effectively.
Innovation Solution
A compact adapter rack is designed to attach to conventional full-size aircraft racks, featuring a planar adapter plate with laterally extending arms for stability and a valve system that utilizes low-pressure gas from the main rack's ejector pistons to securely and efficiently release small cargo, maintaining compatibility with the existing ejection mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a separate secondary rack is used for smaller cargo, then smaller bombs or stores can be handled, but the device complexity increases and maintenance becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter rack is nested within the existing primary rack structure. The adapter plate fits into the primary rack's cargo receiving space, and the ejection piston is nested within the adapter rack assembly. This nesting approach allows the system to handle multiple cargo sizes using a single integrated structure rather than requiring separate racks.
Solution Approach 2:
The primary rack is designed to serve multiple functions: it can directly handle large cargo, or it can accommodate the adapter rack for small cargo. The adapter rack itself is universal, able to support various small munitions and stores. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated racks for different cargo sizes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a secondary rack is used for smaller cargo, then smaller bombs or stores can be handled, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in maintenance and loading
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into modular components: the primary rack, the removable adapter rack, and the ejection piston assembly. The adapter rack can be easily removed and installed as needed, and the ejection piston can be serviced independently. This segmentation makes maintenance and loading operations simpler compared to a fully integrated complex rack system.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a separate secondary rack is used for smaller cargo, then smaller bombs or stores can be handled, but the simulation accuracy of bomb dropping deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter rack merges the ejection mechanism with the primary rack's existing ejection system. The ejection piston is positioned to directly engage the adapter rack's cargo support, creating a unified ejection path that accurately simulates real bomb dropping conditions. This integration ensures that the release mechanism functions identically to full-size bomb ejection.
4Device complexity
If the adapter rack blocks the venting of main rack pistons, then the ejection function is impaired, but the adapter rack structure is simplified
Solution Approach 1:
A valve mechanism acts as an intermediary between the primary rack's ejection piston and the adapter rack's cargo support. The valve controls and directs the pressurized gas flow from the piston to the cargo, ensuring proper ejection function while allowing the adapter rack structure to remain relatively simple. The valve mediates the interaction between the piston and cargo without requiring complex structural modifications.
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
Enables efficient and stable support and release of reduced-size bombs or stores on existing aircraft racks, reducing maintenance complexity and allowing a single person to easily install the adapter, while ensuring the integrity of the main rack's venting system.
Implementation Method 1
an ejection mechanism, such as a pneumatically or hydraulically driven piston, for driving the support member from a retracted position to an extended position
Implementation Method 2
pressurized gases released by the ejection pistons of the main rack cooperate with valve means carried by the adapter rack to effect ejection of a small size cargo
Data Source
AI summary
An adapter for converting a full size aircraft bomb rack into a rack capable of supporting reduced size bombs or stores. The full size bomb rack includes a bomb ejection mechanism capable of delivering an ejection force to a full size bomb. The adapter includes an elongated plate having a body portion defining a planar center portion and end portions. The end portions include laterally extending sway braces for reducing lateral swaying of the reduced size store or bomb. The adapter plate is mounted between the reduced size store and the full size adapter rack. The body portion of the adapter rack includes apparatus for ejecting a reduced size store from the elongated plate. A first opening is arranged adjacent to one end portion of the elongated plate for receiving fasteners carried by the reduced size store which attach the store to the full size bomb rack. These fasteners are passed through an opening in the elongated plate. An ejection mechanism at an end of the elongated plate operates to transfer the ejection force from the full size bomb rack to the store.