Helicopter Transport Skid for Load Redistribution and Gear Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The shipment of aircraft, such as helicopters, poses challenges in securing the aircraft during transport and managing downward-force loads to avoid damage to landing gear and other components.
Innovation Solution
The aircraft-transport skid system, which includes a framework of parallel frame rails and lateral support rails, redistributes downward-force loads by utilizing jack points and nose landing gear as attachment points, and incorporates features like detachable wheels, chain-lock systems, and main-rotor-lockout systems to ensure secure transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the aircraft is secured during transport using conventional methods, then the aircraft can be transported, but downward-force loads may cause damage to landing gear and other components
Solution Approach 1:
The transport system divides the load support function into multiple segments: the skid system supports the main body weight, while the landing gear supports only the nose portion. This segmentation allows each component to handle appropriate loads, preventing damage to the landing gear from excessive downward forces during transport.
Solution Approach 2:
The aircraft transport skid system acts as an intermediary between the aircraft and the transport platform. It distributes the downward-force loads across multiple attachment points including jack points and nose landing gear, preventing concentrated loads that could damage aircraft components.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid support structure is used to prevent aircraft movement during transport, then stability is improved, but the system cannot accommodate different aircraft configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The transport skid system incorporates adjustable and detachable components that can be configured dynamically to match different aircraft types. The lateral support rails and clamps can be repositioned along the frame rails to accommodate various aircraft widths and configurations while maintaining transport stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The skid system is designed as a universal platform that can accommodate multiple aircraft configurations through adjustable attachment points and modular components. The same basic structure can be adapted to different helicopter models by repositioning support elements and adjusting clamp positions.
3Strength
If the landing gear is used to support the aircraft during transport, then the aircraft structure is utilized, but the landing gear may be damaged by excessive downward-force loads
Solution Approach 1:
The weight support function is segmented between the skid system and landing gear. The skid system carries the majority of the aircraft weight through dedicated attachment points, while the landing gear supports only the nose portion, preventing excessive loads that could damage the landing gear components.
Solution Approach 2:
The transport skid system provides protective support before potential damage can occur to the landing gear. By distributing loads through multiple attachment points and limiting the portion of weight carried by the landing gear, the system prevents harmful forces from reaching damaging levels.
Data Source
AI summary
An aircraft-transport skid system includes a first outer frame rail, a second outer frame rail, a first lower inner frame rail, a second lower inner frame rail, and a plurality of lateral support rails connecting the first outer frame rail, the second outer frame rail, the first lower inner frame rail, and the second lower inner frame rail. The first outer frame rail, the second outer frame rail, the first lower inner frame rail, and the second lower inner frame rail are parallel to one another;