Electromechanical Deck Landing System for Aircraft
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing deck landing systems for aircraft, particularly those using hydraulic power, are inadequate for newer electric-powered rotating wing aircraft, as they do not efficiently manage kinetic energy from sea waves and lack reliability and cost-effectiveness in maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A modular deck landing system utilizing a linear electromechanical actuator driven by an electronic control unit, integrating a Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS) with super-capacitors, and a laser-guiding tracking system for precise hooking, replacing hydraulic components with electric and electromechanical technologies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hydraulic actuators and high-pressure accumulators are used to provide static tensional load and dampen ship motion, then the helicopter can be locked safely to the deck under heavy sea conditions, but the system complexity and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the hydraulic actuation system with an electromechanical actuator that uses an electric motor to drive a screw mechanism. This substitution eliminates the need for hydraulic fluid, high-pressure accumulators, and associated hydraulic components, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining the ability to provide static tensional load and dampen ship motion under heavy sea conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the high-pressure accumulator and hydraulic system components from the deck landing system. By taking out these complex hydraulic elements and replacing them with a simplified electromechanical system, the patent reduces maintenance requirements and system complexity while preserving the essential function of providing static tensional load
2Reliability
If hydraulic systems with high-pressure accumulators are used to dampen pressure variations and provide emergency hooking, then operational reliability under emergency conditions is improved, but the weight and volume of the system increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the heavy hydraulic system with an electromechanical actuator that uses an electric motor and screw mechanism. This substitution significantly reduces the weight and volume required to provide the same emergency hooking capability and dampening function, as electromechanical systems are more compact and lighter than their hydraulic counterparts
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters from hydraulic pressure-based operation to electric motor-based operation. This parameter change allows for a more compact and lighter system design while maintaining the ability to provide sufficient force for emergency hooking and dampening pressure variations
3Adaptability or versatility
If hydraulic actuators are used to extend and retract the harpoon rod, then the deck landing system can secure aircraft to the deck, but the system is incompatible with electric-powered rotating wing aircraft
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the hydraulic actuator with an electromechanical actuator that uses an electric motor to drive the harpoon rod extension and retraction. This substitution makes the system compatible with electric-powered rotating wing aircraft by eliminating the hydraulic system, thereby improving adaptability and versatility across different aircraft types
Solution Approach 2:
The electromechanical actuator design provides universal compatibility with both traditional hydraulic-powered aircraft and modern electric-powered aircraft. By using an electric motor that can be directly integrated with electric power systems, the patent creates a multi-functional system that adapts to different aircraft power sources without requiring complex hydraulic-mechanical interfaces
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 system ensures reliable and cost-effective securement of aircraft to the deck under various conditions, including heavy seas, with enhanced energy management and reduced maintenance needs, supporting a wide range of aircraft weights and operational conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a linear electromechanical actuator (8) which actuates said rod (2)
Implementation Method 2
integrating a Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS) with super-capacitors
Data Source
AI summary
A deck landing system for aircrafts, in particular rotating wing aircrafts, apt to implement a hook between the aircraft and the deck of a ship or of a floating platform, the deck being equipped with a target grid plate, it does not require the use of hydraulic systems and it comprises: a telescopic actuator (1) with a harpoon (3) having, at its own distal end, hooking grippers (7); and a control unit (9) which actuates said telescopic actuator (1), wherein the telescopic actuator (1) comprises a linear electromechanical actuator (8) having: a main battery (13) fed through a unit (12) for converting and conditioning the energy and connected to said telescopic actuator (1); and a device (10) for recovering and releasing the kinetic energy generated by the waves with the aircraft locked on said deck, is of the type acting with super-capacitors, which feeds said main battery (13).