Dual-Lock Cargo Hook Mechanism to Prevent Unintended Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cargo hook devices for rotorcrafts face a high risk of unintended release due to the reliance on a single primary quick release system and a back-up quick release system, which are critical for safety but also contribute to unintended release risks and weight penalties, especially when transporting human external cargo.
Innovation Solution
A cargo hook device with a single cargo hook and a housing that incorporates two independent blocking and releasing units, including an activatable locking lever and a safety locking device, each with redundant release functions, ensuring safety compliance with FAR 29.865-CS 27/29.865 by providing dual independent release capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single cargo hook with primary and back-up quick release systems is used, then safety requirements are met, but the risk of unintended release increases and weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cargo hook device is divided into two independent blocking units: a first blocking unit with a primary quick release system and a second blocking unit with a secondary quick release system. Each unit independently blocks the cargo hook, and both must be released simultaneously for cargo release. This segmentation eliminates the risk of unintended release from a single blocking unit while meeting safety requirements without requiring a back-up hook.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the primary and back-up quick release systems into a single integrated cargo hook device with two independent blocking units operating on the same hook. This allows both release systems to work together on one hook rather than requiring separate hooks, reducing weight while maintaining safety and eliminating unintended release risks through independent blocking mechanisms.
2Reliability
If a double cargo hook arrangement with back-up hook is used, then safety requirements for human external cargo are met, but weight increases due to additional back-up hook and Y-rope
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of two separate cargo hooks into a single cargo hook device with two independent blocking units. The first and second quick release systems operate independently on the same hook, eliminating the need for a second hook and Y-rope while maintaining safety compliance. This merging reduces the overall weight of the cargo hook device.
Solution Approach 2:
A single cargo hook device performs multiple functions by incorporating two independent blocking units with separate quick release systems. This multi-functional design meets safety requirements for human external cargo without requiring additional hooks, achieving weight reduction while maintaining universal safety compliance.
3Weight of moving object
If a single cargo hook is used instead of double cargo hook arrangement, then weight is reduced and integration is simplified, but safety requirements for human external cargo may not be met
Solution Approach 1:
The single cargo hook is enhanced with segmented blocking functionality through two independent blocking units, each with its own quick release system. This segmentation provides redundant safety mechanisms within a single hook structure, meeting safety compliance requirements while maintaining weight reduction and simplified integration benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple safety functions are merged into a single cargo hook device by integrating two independent blocking units with separate quick release systems. This merging achieves safety compliance equivalent to double hook arrangements while maintaining the weight and integration advantages of a single hook configuration.
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a cargo hook device (5) with a housing (6) that accommodates at least partly a cargo hook (8) and a cargo hook blocking and releasing mechanism (7) that is adapted for blocking, in a locked state, the cargo hook in a closed position and for releasing, in a released state, the cargo hook to enable rotation of the cargo hook (8) between the closed position and an open position; wherein the cargo hook blocking and releasing mechanism (7) comprises a blocking arm (9) that blocks, in the locked state, movement of the cargo hook (8), an activatable locking lever (10) that blocks, in the locked state, movement of the blocking arm (9), and an activatable safety locking device (11) that blocks, in the locked state, movement of one of the cargo hook (8), the blocking arm (9), or the activatable locking lever (10).