Helicopter Emergency Glide Support System

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Helicopters face a high risk of crash landing due to rotor failure at low altitudes, as existing safety systems lack control over descent and rely on parachutes that may not deploy effectively in time to slow the aircraft safely.

Innovation Solution

A motor-driven helicopter flight support system that deploys a wing-like configuration using threaded shafts, outer and inner supports, and tensioned support cables to provide controlled descent and stability, allowing the helicopter to glide safely in emergency situations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If a parachute is deployed from the top of the helicopter, then the helicopter can be slowed during descent, but the parachute requires hundreds of feet to deploy and slow the helicopter effectively

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedescent speedVSAvoiddeployment time

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The glide support structure is pre-positioned and stored within the helicopter fuselage, ready for immediate deployment. The structure includes pre-assembled outer supports and inner supports that can be quickly deployed without requiring complex assembly during the emergency situation, thus reducing deployment time while achieving the speed reduction effect.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a glide support structure as an intermediary device between the helicopter and the ground. This structure includes outer supports and inner supports that form a stable framework, along with a fabric surface that creates aerodynamic lift. The glide support acts as a mediator that extends the descent time and reduces speed without requiring the helicopter to directly rely on a parachute.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If an ejection seat or capsule is used to eject the pilot/passengers, then the occupants can be removed from the helicopter quickly, but there is no control over the descent

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoccupant safetyVSAvoiddescent control capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The glide support structure is designed with movable and adjustable components. The inner supports can pivot relative to the outer supports, allowing the structure to adapt to different deployment conditions and provide dynamic control over the descent. This dynamic design enables the pilot to adjust the glide path and landing position, providing descent control that static ejection systems cannot offer.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The glide support structure is divided into multiple segments including outer supports, inner supports, and a fabric surface. This segmentation allows for compact storage within the helicopter and enables controlled deployment. The segmented design also allows for independent adjustment of different parts during operation, providing fine control over the descent trajectory and landing configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If the helicopter flies at low altitudes during routine use, then the helicopter can operate in versatile environments, but rotor failure quickly leads to crash landing due to reduced height

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational flexibilityVSAvoidsafety in rotor failure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The glide support structure serves as a pre-prepared safety mechanism that cushions the impact of potential rotor failure. By having this structure stored within the helicopter and ready for deployment, the system provides beforehand protection against the harmful effect of uncontrolled crash landing. The structure creates a controlled glide path that extends the descent time and reduces impact speed, thereby cushioning the blow of rotor failure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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 enables a controlled, slower descent and increased stability during rotor failure, allowing pilots to manage the landing and potentially reuse the system after deployment.

Implementation Method 1

a motor (204) which causes a threaded shaft (214) to turn which is coupled to an underside of the helicopter. This causes outer supports (206) and inner supports (208) to be deployed

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectScrew mechanism: Screw

Implementation Method 2

The interior of the wing comprises a plurality of support cables (702) for tensioning the wing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTension: Tension

Implementation Method 3

The helicopter flight support further comprises upper and lower support cables (404, 406) mounted to the tips of the wing to provide horizontal stability

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAerodynamic stability: Aerofoil

Data Source

PatentUS11905022B2Helicopter flight support

Publication Date: 2024.02.20 LOLATCHY SCHAIN

AI summary

Disclosed herein is a helicopter flight support for use in case of emergencies. The helicopter flight support comprises a motor which causes a threaded shaft to turn which is coupled to an underside of the helicopter. This causes outer supports and inner supports to be deployed until they reach a wing-like configuration. The interior of the wing comprises a plurality of support cables for tensioning the wing. The helicopter flight support further comprises upper and lower support cables mounted to the tips of the wing to provide horizontal stability.