Deployable Wire Cutter for Air Vehicle Cable Strike Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Air vehicles, such as helicopters, are prone to accidents when hitting obstacles like electrical wires or telephone cables during flight, leading to potential damage and crashes.
Innovation Solution
A wire cutter system with a movable wire cutter that extends outward from the body based on rotor rotational speed, retracting when necessary, and includes a sensor and actuator system to manage its position, ensuring minimal aerodynamic impact and preventing wing collision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the wire cutter is fixed in an extended position to ensure obstacle cutting capability, then the wire cutter can effectively cut wires and cables, but it causes aerodynamic drag and may collide with wings when they bend under weight or atmospheric conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The wire cutter is designed with movable components that allow it to transition between extended and retracted positions. The guiding pieces can telescope and the cutting blade can be positioned to extend only when needed, enabling the system to adapt its configuration based on flight conditions rather than remaining fixed in one position.
2Productivity
If the wire cutter is extended outward to cut obstacles, then it can intercept wires and cables in the flight path, but it increases the risk of collision with bent wings when the air vehicle is on the ground
Solution Approach 1:
The wire cutter system incorporates movable guiding pieces and a telescopic structure that allow the cutting blade to be positioned outward only when obstacle detection indicates wires or cables are present. When not in use, the components can be retracted or positioned to minimize the risk of collision with bent wings during ground operations.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the wire cutter structure is made compact to reduce aerodynamic impact, then it minimizes drag during flight, but it may reduce the strength available for cutting high-tension cables
Solution Approach 1:
The wire cutter employs a nested structure where the cutting blade and guiding pieces can be housed within or alongside the air vehicle's existing structural components when not in use. This nesting approach allows the system to maintain a compact profile during flight to minimize aerodynamic drag, while still providing access to high-strength cutting elements when obstacle detection triggers deployment.
4Strength
If the wire cutter is designed with high cutting strength to sever thick cables, then it can cut through high-tension obstacles, but it increases the device complexity and aerodynamic profile
Solution Approach 1:
The wire cutter system is designed to perform multiple functions using a single integrated structure. The same guiding pieces and mounting bracket that provide structural support and guidance during cutting operations also serve as the housing and mounting structure, eliminating the need for separate protective casings or complex deployment mechanisms. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity while maintaining high cutting strength.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a body (2) which is an air vehicle; at least one rotor (3) on the body (2), which allows the body (2) to move; at least one wire cutter on the body (2), which cuts various obstacles such as electrical wires or telephone cables contacting the body (2) while moving, and thus prevents the body (2) from getting damaged.