Aircraft Container Clamp Release Mechanism for Low-Drag Ejection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional container retention and release apparatuses for aircraft suffer from aerodynamic drag, structural weight, and reduced payload volume due to protruding lugs and hangers, and lack control over container roll and yaw during ejection.
Innovation Solution
A container retention and release apparatus that uses a swaybrace and clamp mechanism, integrated with an actuator, to retain and release containers without external attachment points, providing a smooth aerodynamic surface and adjustable clamping force, while controlling container orientation during ejection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If protruding lugs and hangers are used for container attachment, then container retention is achieved, but aerodynamic drag increases and structural weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the traditional protruding lugs and hangers from the container design. Instead, it uses a swaybrace mechanism with clamps that attach to the container body without requiring external attachment points, thereby eliminating the aerodynamic drag caused by protruding structures while maintaining secure retention
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the retention function into an integrated swaybrace and clamp system that works together as a unified mechanism. The clamp arms work in conjunction with the swaybrace to provide both retention and aerodynamic fairness, merging previously separate functions into a single streamlined system
2Reliability
If protruding lugs and hangers are used for container attachment, then container retention is achieved, but structural weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need for heavy protruding lugs and hangers by using a clamp mechanism that attaches to the container body. This extraction of unnecessary structural elements reduces the overall weight of the retention system while maintaining effective container securing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a dynamic clamp mechanism with pivotable arms that can adjust and adapt to the container, providing retention without requiring heavy static structural elements. The dynamic nature of the clamp system allows for effective retention with reduced structural weight compared to rigid protruding attachment points
3Reliability
If conventional retention apparatus is used, then container retention is achieved, but payload volume is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes external attachment points (lugs and hangers) that would otherwise protrude from the container, thereby maximizing the internal payload volume. The retention function is achieved through an integrated clamp system that does not require additional external structural elements that would reduce usable space
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp mechanism is designed to nest within or alongside the container structure, with clamp arms that can be positioned within the container body or along its surface without requiring external protrusions. This nesting approach preserves maximum payload volume while maintaining retention capability
4Reliability
If conventional retention apparatus is used, then container retention is achieved, but control over container roll and yaw during ejection is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the clamp mechanism to perform multiple functions: not only does it retain the container during flight, but it also controls the container's orientation during ejection. The pivotable clamp arms can be actuated to guide the container's roll and yaw, providing multi-functional capability that combines retention with orientation control in a single system
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 solution reduces aerodynamic drag, minimizes structural weight, increases payload volume, and improves the accuracy of container ejection by eliminating the need for external attachment points and enhancing control over container orientation.
Implementation Method 1
a piston movable relative to a cylinder between a first stroke position and a second stroke position
Implementation Method 2
a clamp pivotally coupled to the swaybrace. The clamp includes a first arm pivotally coupled to the first leg of the swaybrace via a first pivot; and a second arm pivotally coupled to the second leg of the swaybrace via a second pivot
Data Source
AI summary
Container retention and release apparatus are disclosed. An example container retention and release apparatus includes an actuator, a swaybrace coupled to the actuator, and a clamp pivotally coupled to the swaybrace. The clamp pivots between a clamping position to retain a container and a release position to release a container.