Helicopter Subfloor Cargo Sling Beam Nesting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cargo hook arrangements on helicopters are aerodynamically disadvantageous and compromise crashworthiness due to external mounting, leading to increased drag, reduced performance, and higher certification efforts.
Innovation Solution
A cargo sling beam system mounted inside the subfloor region of a helicopter, with a cargo hook that minimally protrudes from the fuselage, allowing for efficient load transfer and easy assembly/disassembly, using fiber-reinforced composite materials for lightweight and durable construction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the cargo hook arrangement is externally mounted on the helicopter, then the cargo can be easily attached and suspended, but the aerodynamic performance deteriorates due to increased drag and unfavorable flight mechanics
Solution Approach 1:
The cargo hook arrangement is nested within the subfloor region of the helicopter, specifically within an equipment bay or alongside fuel tanks, rather than being externally mounted. This nesting approach allows the cargo hook to be concealed during flight, eliminating aerodynamic drag, while remaining accessible for cargo attachment when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The cargo hook arrangement is relocated from the external three-dimensional space to the internal subfloor region, utilizing the vertical dimension within the fuselage. This dimensional transition allows the cargo hook to be positioned inside the helicopter structure, eliminating its adverse aerodynamic effects while maintaining cargo suspension capability.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the cargo hook arrangement is installed below the fuselage in the subfloor region, then the aerodynamic performance improves, but the structural load transfer complicates the design
Solution Approach 1:
The subfloor frame structure serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the fuselage, accommodates fuel tanks or equipment bays, and acts as the load transfer path for the cargo hook arrangement. By making the subfloor structure multi-functional, the patent eliminates the need for separate dedicated load-bearing structures, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The cargo hook arrangement is merged with the existing subfloor frame structure, combining the cargo suspension function with the structural support and fuel tank accommodation functions. This merging approach integrates the cargo hook into the existing structural framework, simplifying the overall design by eliminating separate structural elements.
3Strength
If the cargo hook arrangement is attached to the mainframe via subfloor frame structure, then the load transfer is structurally sound, but the overall device weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The subfloor frame structure serves multiple functions including structural support, fuel tank accommodation, and cargo load transfer. By making this structure multi-functional, the patent avoids adding separate dedicated load-bearing components, thereby minimizing the weight increase associated with the cargo hook arrangement.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention is related to an aircraft (1) with a fuselage (2) and a floor structure (5) that is arranged inside said fuselage, said floor structure accommodating an apparatus for carrying cargo. The apparatus for carrying cargo may include two brackets (20) that are rigidly attached between two structural components (80, 85) of the aircraft, a cargo hook (40), and a cargo sling beam (10). The cargo sling beam may have a circular shape at the ends (15) and a constriction region (190) at a predetermined location between the ends. The cargo sling beam may include a suspension device (75) in the constriction region that receives the cargo hook and attachments (30) that connect the ends of the cargo sling beam removably and at least partially pivotably around a longitudinal axis (160) with the brackets.