Low-Profile Floor Brace Mounting for Aircraft Payload Reconfiguration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aircraft mounting systems for C4ISR electronics and sensors require airframe modifications and compromise backend cargo operations, lack flexibility, and do not allow for 360-degree field of view or in-flight reconfiguration.
Innovation Solution
A low-profile floor brace system (LPFBS) with deployable payload support stanchions that are secured to the aircraft floor without modifications, allowing 360-degree field of view and in-flight extension/retraction, using bolts and a redundant manual retraction system, and integrating with existing aircraft structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a mounting pallet is used to absorb flight induced loads and transfer them to the aircraft floor structure, then the system can be mounted without airframe modifications, but it compromises backend cargo air drop operations that require use of the air deployment system rails
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a low-profile floor brace system as an intermediary load transfer mechanism. Instead of using a mounting pallet that blocks ADS rails, the floor braces transfer loads directly to the aircraft floor structure at locations that do not interfere with cargo air drop operations. This mediator component resolves the conflict between mounting capability and cargo operation compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional pallet mounting approach to a three-dimensional load transfer system using floor braces that extend vertically and laterally to distribute loads to multiple floor attachment points. This dimensional change allows load paths to be routed around cargo door areas, enabling both payload mounting and cargo air drop operations to coexist.
2Reliability
If a dedicated mounting system is used for specific aircraft, then the mounting is stable and reliable, but the system lacks flexibility and requires airframe modifications
Solution Approach 1:
The low-profile floor brace system is designed with universal attachment interfaces that can be configured for different aircraft types. The system uses standardized ADS rail mounting and floor attachment mechanisms that can accommodate various aircraft floor structures without requiring airframe modifications, achieving both reliability and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs adjustable and reconfigurable floor brace configurations that can be dynamically adapted to different aircraft types and payload requirements. The system allows for repositioning and reconfiguration of brace locations and angles, providing both stable mounting for each specific application and versatility across different aircraft platforms.
3Ease of operation
If a mounting system is installed that blocks the air deployment system rails, then payload mounting is simplified, but cargo air drop operations are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the load transfer function into separate components: the floor braces handle payload mounting loads, while the ADS rails remain clear for cargo air drop operations. This segmentation allows each system to operate independently without interference, maintaining both payload mounting simplicity and cargo air drop capability.
4Strength
If airframe modifications are made to accommodate wing or belly mounting pylons, then the mounting system is dedicated and stable, but the cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The low-profile floor brace system utilizes existing aircraft floor structures and load paths to achieve stable payload mounting. Instead of requiring airframe modifications to create new mounting points, the system services itself by leveraging the aircraft's existing structural capacity, thereby achieving stability without increased complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a method includes installing a payload mounting apparatus onto an aircraft by rolling the apparatus onto the aircraft using a transport and alignment carrier, aligning a deployable support stanchion with motor transmission housing brackets, pinning the stanchion to the brackets, rotating the stanchion off the transport and alignment carrier, placing the stanchion through an aperture, and securing the stanchion to an adaptive mounting plate.