Suspension Cable Deployment for Stable Suspended Load Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for controlling suspended loads during helicopter or crane operations face challenges such as unstable load movements, increased risk of equipment loss, and complexity in deployment, leading to hazards for operators and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A suspended load control system (SLCS) that uses thrusters, fans, or propellers to independently control loads by exerting force at the load location, allowing for stabilization and precise movement, separate from the carrier's motion, and a deployment system that securely attaches to a suspension cable without imparting significant rotational force, enabling easy deployment and retrieval.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If equipment is deployed from a carrier to control suspended loads, then load control capability is improved, but deployment complexity and operator hazard increase
Solution Approach 1:
The deployment system is divided into separate functional components: a deployment apparatus with releasable jaw mechanism, a load control apparatus with thrusters, and a suspension cable system. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and deployed separately, reducing overall deployment complexity while maintaining load control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a deployment apparatus as an intermediary device that bridges the carrier and the load control apparatus. This intermediary contains the complex deployment mechanisms (releasable jaw, engagement mechanism) separately from the load control functions, allowing simplified deployment procedures while maintaining full load control capability.
2Stability of the object's composition
If complex equipment is used to control suspended loads, then load stabilization is improved, but operator training requirements and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The load control apparatus is designed to be self-contained with integrated power sources (battery packs), control systems, and thruster mechanisms. The system can autonomously stabilize loads without requiring complex external support equipment or extensive operator intervention, reducing training requirements while maintaining stabilization capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The deployment apparatus and load control apparatus are designed as universal systems that can be attached to different types of carriers (helicopters, cranes) and control various types of loads. This multi-functionality reduces the need for specialized equipment and training for different scenarios, simplifying operator requirements while maintaining load stabilization capability.
3Weight of moving object
If equipment weight is reduced in the carrier, then fuel consumption and carrier speed are improved, but equipment reliability may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates deployment functions from load control functions into distinct apparatuses. The deployment apparatus (with heavier mechanisms like releasable jaw and engagement mechanism) is used only during initial deployment, while the load control apparatus (with battery packs and thrusters) operates independently during load control. This segmentation reduces the weight that must be continuously carried while maintaining reliability through dedicated functional components.
Solution Approach 2:
The deployment apparatus is designed to be temporary and disposable after deployment is complete, while the load control apparatus with its battery packs and thrusters can be recovered and reused. This approach allows using heavier, more reliable components only when needed for deployment, then discarding them, while maintaining equipment reliability through recovery and reuse of critical load control components.
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 SLCS enhances mission safety and operational efficiency by dynamically controlling load position and rotation, reducing hazards and costs, and allowing widespread adoption across different carrier types.
Implementation Method 1
a spring system to bias the releasable jaw into the open state
Implementation Method 2
a thrust device to thrust the deployment apparatus along the suspension cable
Implementation Method 3
the releasable jaw is to secure the deployment apparatus to the suspension cable
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are systems, apparatuses, and methods to deploy a suspended load control apparatus onto a suspension cable and optionally allowing the suspended load control system to rotate about the suspension cable without imparting a significant rotational force on the suspension cable from rotation of the suspended load control system.