Helicopter Blade Support Apparatus with Adjustable Cradles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for transporting and storing helicopter blades are inefficient, requiring removal and recalibration, which is time-consuming and labor-intensive, and do not securely support blades during transport, especially in hostile environments.
Innovation Solution
A blade support apparatus with vertically and radially adjustable supports and contoured padded cradles that can adjust to match the curvature and angle of the blades, allowing for secure loading, transport, and unloading in a protective container or while attached to the aircraft, distributing weight uniformly and preventing point loads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If helicopter blades are removed and stored separately for transport, then the transport footprint is reduced, but the process becomes time-consuming and labor-intensive due to removal and recalibration requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The blade support apparatus is designed to perform multiple functions: it can support blades in both removed and attached states, provide both transport and storage capabilities, and eliminate the need for recalibration. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to reduce transport footprint while avoiding time-consuming removal and recalibration processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The support apparatus incorporates adjustable support structures that can dynamically adapt to different blade configurations and positions. This dynamic capability allows the system to efficiently handle blades whether removed or attached, reducing the time required for setup and recalibration while maintaining compact transport footprint.
2Volume of moving object
If blades are transported in a non-flight position with reduced footprint, then storage space is optimized, but blade security and stability during transport are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The blade support apparatus divides the support function into multiple independent support points and structures. These segmented support elements work together to securely hold the blade in a non-flight position, providing both compact storage and reliable security during transport without requiring the blade to be in its full extended configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The support apparatus acts as an intermediary structure between the blade and the transport container. It provides a stable intermediate platform that secures the blade in a compact, non-flight position while maintaining blade integrity and security, thus resolving the contradiction between reduced storage volume and transport reliability.
3Ease of operation
If manual folding systems are used to position blades in non-flight position, then blade transport is enabled, but the systems are complex and require precise locking mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The blade support apparatus is designed to be easily operable without complex manual folding systems. The support structures automatically position and secure blades in non-flight positions through simple loading procedures, eliminating the need for complex locking mechanisms and precise manual adjustments while maintaining ease of operation.
4Loss of time
If blades remain attached to the aircraft during transport, then recalibration is avoided, but the structural envelope occupies excessive space
Solution Approach 1:
The blade support apparatus provides universal support capabilities that work whether blades are removed or attached to the aircraft. This multi-functionality allows the system to maintain blade position and orientation without recalibration needs while enabling compact transport configuration, thus resolving the contradiction between avoiding recalibration and reducing structural envelope.
Data Source
AI summary
The blade support apparatus relates to capturing and stabilizing airfoils such as helicopter blades to enable ground transport without requiring removal of airfoils or blades with the blade support apparatus and blades in a protective container. The blade support apparatus captures and stabilizes helicopter blades utilizing a support frame with vertical and radial adjustable supports. These supports have contoured padded cradles and means of adjusting the height and angle of the cradles to match the profile being captured. The blade support apparatus enables loading, transport, and unloading of the airfoils for transport in a separate blade container which may either be stand alone or attaches to a helicopter transport apparatus. An alternate embodiment utilizes a support frame which is vertically and radially adjustable. Within the support frame are the same contoured padded swivel cradles which also adjust to the height and angle of the profile being captured.