Helicopter Float Pack Assembly Segmentation for Fuselage Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional helicopter floatation systems are inadequate for helicopters with landing gear, as they require extensive training for installation and removal, are prone to damage, and limit access to the fuselage, especially when dealing with muddy or non-open water landings.
Innovation Solution
A float pack assembly with a rigid support and integrated sleeve, allowing for easy installation and removal from the support frame separate from the inflation system, featuring a packed configuration with retainers that release upon inflation, enabling simplified handling and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If floatation bags are fixedly attached to landing skids and packed tightly within flexible fabric covers, then the floatation system provides buoyant support, but the floatation bags become worn and damaged during normal landings and require time-consuming removal by trained technicians
Solution Approach 1:
The floatation system is divided into separate components: a reusable rigid support structure attached to the landing skid, and a replaceable float pack assembly containing the inflatable float. This segmentation allows the float pack to be easily removed and replaced without affecting the permanent mounting structure, solving both durability and ease of operation concerns.
Solution Approach 2:
The floatation bag is extracted from its traditional integrated position and placed into a removable float pack assembly. This allows the float to be taken out, replaced, or maintained independently from the landing skid structure, eliminating wear damage during normal landings and simplifying installation/removal operations.
2Reliability
If floatation packs are positioned above the landing skid to provide support, then the floatation function is achieved, but access to the fuselage is limited and additional handling is required during maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The float pack assembly is segmented into a rigid support portion that attaches to the landing skid and a float portion that can be independently handled. This segmentation reduces the complexity of handling during maintenance, as only the float portion needs to be manipulated rather than the entire assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The float pack assembly is designed to be positioned laterally adjacent to the fuselage rather than directly above it. This dimensional change in positioning maintains the floatation support function while improving access to the fuselage and reducing handling complexity during maintenance operations.
3Reliability
If floatation bags completely surround the landing skid, then buoyant support is provided, but the floatation bags are ruined if the helicopter lands on muddy or non-open water areas
Solution Approach 1:
The floatation function is extracted from the landing skid structure itself and placed into a separate, removable float pack assembly. This allows the float to be positioned to provide buoyant support without completely surrounding the landing skid, reducing exposure to harmful factors like mud and debris during non-open water landings.
Solution Approach 2:
The float pack assembly is designed with a rigid support structure that provides localized attachment points, allowing the float to be positioned strategically for buoyant support without requiring complete surrounding of the landing skid. This localized approach reduces the float's exposure to harmful environmental factors.
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
Facilitates easy installation and removal of float packs without requiring extensive training, reduces damage risk, and maintains access to the fuselage, allowing for efficient maintenance and emergency floatation without transforming floats during installation.
Implementation Method 1
The float pack includes an inflatable float in a packed configuration
Implementation Method 2
a rigid support that extends through the sleeve. The rigid support supports the float in a packed configuration
Implementation Method 3
the use of floatation devices for buoyantly supporting a helicopter on a body of water
Data Source
AI summary
An emergency floatation system for attachment to a helicopter that includes a support frame, a float pack assembly and an inflation system. The float pack assembly includes a float in a packed configuration, a sleeve integrated into the float and a rigid support that at least partially extends through the sleeve. The float pack assembly is configured so that it may be installed and/or removed from the support frame separate from the inflation system.