Helicopter Pendant Hook for Safe Cargo and Personnel Lift
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current helicopter payload pick-up methods require precise positioning and pose safety risks for ground crew, especially during low visibility operations, as they must connect cargo nets to airframe-mounted hooks while exposed to helicopter movement and lack a safe method for crew extraction without a second helicopter.
Innovation Solution
A multi-purpose helicopter pendant hook allowing ground crew to attach cargo and personnel from a safe distance, with simultaneous pick-up capability, featuring D-rings for personnel attachment, a communications link, and a configuration that enables cargo release while retaining the cargo net, reducing the need for precise helicopter positioning and enhancing safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the helicopter positions itself precisely above the cargo load for hook-up, then the connection can be made, but the ground crew member is exposed to safety risks from helicopter movement and landing gear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a pendant hook assembly as an intermediary device between the helicopter and the cargo load. The assembly includes a pendant line suspended from the helicopter, a hook at the end for connecting to cargo suspension gear, and a platform for the ground crew member to stand on. This intermediary structure allows the ground crew to perform hook-up operations from a safer position away from the helicopter landing gear while maintaining reliable connection capability.
2Measurement precision
If the helicopter hovers at a precise altitude of five or six feet above the cargo load, then the crewman can connect the suspension gear, but there is very little slack for the crewman to compensate for position errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic adjustment capabilities through the pendant system. The pendant line can be extended or retracted to provide appropriate slack, and the platform can be positioned at varying distances from the helicopter. This dynamic flexibility allows the ground crew member to compensate for helicopter position errors and maintain ease of operation while the helicopter hovers at the required precision altitude.
3Productivity
If the ground crew member stands on the cargo load to connect the suspension gear, then the hook-up can be completed, but there is no safe method for extracting the crewman without a second helicopter
Solution Approach 1:
The pendant hook assembly serves as a safe intermediary platform that is directly attached to the helicopter via the pendant line. The ground crew member stands on this platform during hook-up operations rather than on the cargo load. The platform includes safety rails and is securely connected to the helicopter, providing a safe extraction method - the crewman can be retrieved by simply repositioning the helicopter or adjusting the pendant line, eliminating the need for a second helicopter.
4Reliability
If extended communications are required between the crewman and pilot due to position errors, then the hook-up can eventually be completed, but the hook-up time is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The pendant hook assembly acts as a stable intermediary platform that reduces the frequency and duration of communication requirements. The platform provides a stable base for the ground crew member to work from, reducing position errors and the need for extended communications with the pilot. This leads to faster hook-up times while maintaining reliable connection completion.
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-purpose helicopter pendant hook assembly is provided. The pendant hook assembly allows cargo load attachment by a ground crewman from positions either on the load itself or standing on the ground next to the load. In both cases, a stand-off from the helicopter improves safety for the ground crewmen. The hook assembly combines the capability to pick up cargo and personnel, or both, simultaneously. This multi-purpose feature reduces the need for more than one helicopter during recovery operations. The pendant has multiple D-rings for attachment of personnel and has a communications link for ground crew to pilot communications. The hook assembly also has a flange and hook configuration which allows release of the cargo load while retaining the cargo net.