Rotary Wing Load Carrying Apparatus with Carrier Star
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing load carrying apparatuses for rotary wing aircraft lack configurability with interchangeable seat-type and net-type platforms, often requiring straps for securing foldable arms or seats, which can become entangled and fail to prevent rotation back to a folded position, and are typically oversized and not adaptable for special forces operations.
Innovation Solution
A modular load carrying apparatus featuring a tube with interchangeable seat and net platforms, utilizing a carrier star with docking devices that allow for rotatable reception of seats or carrier beams, eliminating the need for straps and enabling quick configuration changes between seat-type and net-type platforms, with integrated safety lugs and a tension rod system to manage loads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If straps are used to secure foldable arms or seats, then the load carrying apparatus can be assembled, but the straps can become entangled and fail to prevent rotation back to a folded position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the strap-based securing mechanism with a mechanical locking system consisting of locking arms, locking lugs, and cam mechanisms. This mechanical substitution eliminates the entanglement problems associated with straps while providing positive locking action that prevents rotation back to the folded position. The locking arms engage with complementary features on the tubes to create a rigid, tool-free assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is designed to be self-securing through spring-loaded locking arms that automatically engage with locking lugs when the platform is assembled. The cam mechanism provides self-latching action that maintains the locked position without requiring continuous external force or complex control systems, making the system self-sufficient and reliable.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the load carrying apparatus is designed with fixed configuration, then it is simple to manufacture, but it lacks adaptability for different operations such as personnel transport and cargo delivery
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the load carrying apparatus into modular segments including interchangeable platforms (personnel platform, cargo platform, stretcher platform), foldable arms, and standardized tube components. Each platform can be independently manufactured and then assembled with the common tube structure through the locking mechanism, allowing versatility while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through standardization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal base structure with standardized tubes and locking mechanisms that can accommodate multiple platform types. The foldable arms and locking system serve multiple functions: structural support, platform attachment, and configuration adjustment. This multi-functionality enables a single apparatus design to handle various operations including personnel transport, cargo delivery, and medical evacuation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the load carrying apparatus uses oversized design, then it provides sufficient capacity for various loads, but it is not adaptable for special forces operations requiring compact and lightweight equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements foldable arms that can transition between extended and retracted positions, allowing the apparatus to dynamically adjust its size and weight profile. When not in use, the arms can be folded against the tubes to create a compact configuration suitable for special forces operations. The locking mechanism ensures structural integrity when extended for load-carrying operations, providing both compactness and full operational capacity as needed.
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A
AI summary
The present embodiments relate to a modular load carrying apparatus 200 for a rotary wing aircraft 100 and to a rotary wing aircraft with such a modular load carrying apparatus 200. The modular load carrying apparatus 200 may include a tube 210, first and second caps 410, 420 at first and second axial ends 211, 212 of the tube 210, a carrier star 280 with docking devices 285 that are adapted for rotatably receiving a seat 223 or a carrier beam 236 that may be folded against the tube 210 in a stowed position 287 or unfolded from the tube 210 in a deployed position 288. A tension rod 440 may be spanned between the first and second caps 410, 420 and transfer tension loads from the carrier star 280 via the second cap 420 towards the first cap 410.