Helicopter Ordnance Mounting Beam Above Floor Obstructions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aircraft ordnance mounting systems cannot be used in helicopters with upwardly projecting obstructions like fuel cells, as they require securement to the cabin floor, which is not feasible with such obstructions present.
Innovation Solution
A specially designed elongated support beam system with pivotal end portions that can be secured to the aircraft's door sill structures and ceiling or side walls, allowing the beam to be positioned above obstructions, enabling flexible mounting without modifying the cabin floor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the support beam center section is secured to the cabin floor in close adjacency thereto, then the ordnance mounting system achieves stable support and proper weaponry positioning, but it cannot be used when obstructions like fuel cells project upwardly from the floor
Solution Approach 1:
The support beam is elevated from the floor plane to a higher dimension, positioned above the obstruction rather than adjacent to it. The beam spans across the obstruction at an elevated level, transforming the mounting geometry from floor-level to overhead positioning, thereby clearing the obstruction while maintaining structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
Upper and lower support structures act as intermediaries between the beam and the aircraft fuselage. These structures bridge the gap created by the obstruction, providing attachment points above and below the beam that enable secure mounting without direct floor contact
2Adaptability or versatility
If the support beam is positioned above the obstruction rather than adjacent to the floor, then the system can be installed in aircraft with fuel cells, but the beam must accommodate flexure under flight loads
Solution Approach 1:
The support apparatus incorporates dynamic elements including pivotal connections and flexure accommodations. The beam and its supports are designed to allow controlled movement and flexing in response to flight loads, transforming from a static rigid structure to a dynamic system that adapts to operational stresses
Solution Approach 2:
The system accommodates changes in structural parameters under load by allowing the beam to flex and the support apparatus to pivot. This includes controlled changes in position, orientation, and stress distribution that enable the structure to withstand flight conditions while maintaining its elevated configuration
3Ease of manufacture
If the beam member is secured to door sill structures and ceiling or side walls, then the system avoids modifying the cabin floor, but requires multiple attachment points and support apparatus
Solution Approach 1:
The support apparatus is designed with multi-functional attachment capabilities, able to connect to various aircraft structures including door sills, ceiling, and side walls. This universal mounting capability allows the same basic support structure to adapt to different aircraft configurations without requiring floor modifications
Data Source
AI summary
An ordnance mounting system for a helicopter operatively supports a weaponry support beam above an upwardly projecting floor obstruction in a cabin area of the helicopter, between opposite cabin door openings, with the support beam longitudinally extending transversely through the cabin area, and outer weaponry mounting end portions of the support beam projecting outwardly through the door openings beyond opposite fuselage side walls of the helicopter. The mounting system may be secured to door opening sill structures, or the cabin ceiling or side walls, and permits vertical bending flexure of the installed support beam due to flight and weaponry weight loads on the outer ends of the support beam.