Detachable Cargo Mirror Assembly for Rotorcraft
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rotorcraft cargo mirrors are either permanently installed, causing unnecessary air drag when not in use, or require complex stowage mechanisms, lacking an efficient detachable solution for viewing cargo hooks and loads during operations.
Innovation Solution
A detachable cargo mirror assembly featuring a bracket, elongated arm, and releasable connector that mounts to various rotorcraft surfaces, allowing for easy deployment and stowage, with a locking mechanism using a protrusion to secure the mirror in place and a detent pin for engagement, enabling clear viewing of cargo hooks and loads without aerodynamic hindrance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mirror is permanently installed to the fuselage, then the mirror is always available for viewing cargo, but unnecessary air drag occurs during flight when not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The mirror assembly is segmented into a detachable portion (mirror and arm) and a fixed portion (bracket with retainer). This allows the mirror to be separated from the fuselage when not needed, eliminating air drag while maintaining availability when required for cargo operations
Solution Approach 2:
The mirror assembly transitions from a static permanent installation to a dynamic detachable system. The releasable connector enables the mirror to be quickly attached or detached based on operational needs, optimizing both availability and aerodynamic efficiency
2Object-generated harmful factors
If a mirror is permanently mounted but stowable using a pull cable, then the mirror can be stowed when not in use, but the stowage mechanism becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The stowage mechanism is segmented into simple discrete components: a retainer with holes and a releasable connector. This simplified design eliminates complex cables and routing, reducing device complexity while achieving effective stowage
Solution Approach 2:
The mirror assembly is completely extracted from the fuselage during stowage rather than being folded or repositioned. This removal approach simplifies the mechanism by eliminating the need for complex folding joints or cable routing systems
3Object-generated harmful factors
If a detachable mirror assembly is used, then air drag is reduced when stowed, but the mounting and dismounting process becomes more involved
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is segmented into complementary parts that fit together through simple alignment of holes and engagement features. This segmentation enables quick connection and disconnection without complex procedures, maintaining ease of operation while allowing detachment for drag reduction
Data Source
AI summary
A detachable cargo mirror assembly for use on a rotorcraft surface that includes a bracket for mounting to a surface on the rotorcraft, the bracket comprising a base portion and a retainer portion having a first pair of opposing holes, an elongated arm having two opposing ends, a first end for coupling with the bracket and a second end coupled to a mirror apparatus, the first end having a passage; and a releasable connector that engages with the first pair of opposing holes and the passage in the elongated arm when the elongated arm is in a first position to display a desired image on the mirror apparatus. The detachable cargo mirror assembly can be removed or in a stowed position when not in use.