Helicopter Rear Hatch Slides Sideways to Clear Loading Area
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Solution Overview
Problem
The loading area in helicopters is obstructed by hinged rear hatches, making it difficult to load stretchers or other material, especially when the main rotor is running, as the hatches clutter the space and hinder clear access.
Innovation Solution
A rear hatch design featuring a bottom and top wall that slides and rotates to clear the loading area, allowing the walls to be completely out of the way when open, enabling unobstructed access for loading and unloading, facilitated by a variable-length actuator and manual operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a hinged rear hatch is used to close the loading opening, then the loading opening can be sealed when closed, but the hatch clutter s the loading area when open, obstructing access for loading stretchers and material
Solution Approach 1:
The hatch is designed to swing open in a sideways direction rather than the conventional upward or downward arc, moving the hatch to the side of the fuselage where it does not obstruct the loading area. This dimensional change in the opening trajectory resolves the conflict between maintaining a sealed opening and keeping the loading area clear.
2Ease of operation
If the rear hatch swings outwards of the cabin to open, then the loading opening remains accessible, but the hatch occupies space in the loading area, especially problematic when the main rotor is running
Solution Approach 1:
The hatch is extracted from the conventional opening path that occupies the loading area and relocated to swing open sideways to the fuselage. This removes the hatch from the problematic space during operation, particularly when the main rotor is running and clear access is critical.
3Reliability
If a hinged hatch mechanism is implemented, then the loading opening can be effectively closed and opened, but the mechanism adds complexity to the hatch structure and operation
Solution Approach 1:
The hatch utilizes the aerodynamic forces and pressure differentials that naturally occur during helicopter operation to assist in holding the hatch closed during flight and to facilitate opening during hover or ground operations. This self-service approach reduces the need for complex mechanical locking and actuation mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
An aircraft capable of hovering, and having a fuselage in turn having a nose, a tail portion at the opposite end to the nose, and a cabin interposed between the nose and the tail portion; the cabin has a loading opening at the opposite end to the nose, and a first wall movable between a closed position engaging at least one portion of the loading opening, and an open position allowing free access to the portion of the loading opening; and, working from the tail portion towards the nose, the first wall in the open position extends on the opposite side of a first edge of the loading opening with respect to a second edge, opposite the first edge, of the loading opening.