Hoist Hook Positioning Using Target Tracking and Local Thrust
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hoist and hook systems face challenges in accurately positioning a hook at the end of a cable due to tidal variations and uneven sea levels, causing delays and inaccuracies in targeting, especially in rescue operations where the target may be moving unpredictably.
Innovation Solution
A hoist and hook system equipped with a position sensor, communication device, and local thrust sources, along with an articulating boom and airframe, which uses real-time and projected target position data to reposition the hook assembly, ensuring precise delivery to the target through a tracking system and controller.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual processes are used to move the hook to a target, then the system is simple to operate, but the positioning precision and speed are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical positioning with an automated control system that uses position sensors to detect target location and communicates with the hoist to automatically adjust the hook's position. This substitution of manual mechanical operations with sensor-based automated control resolves the contradiction by achieving high positioning precision while maintaining operational simplicity through automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where position sensors continuously detect the hook's position and target location, transmit this information through a communication device, and the control system adjusts the hoist operations accordingly. This closed-loop feedback system ensures precise positioning while automating the complex coordination required between multiple system components.
2Speed
If the pilot moves the helicopter to deliver the hook to a target, then the system has simple control, but the hook moves with delay relative to the target
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses position sensors to detect and process target position information in advance, allowing the control system to calculate and prepare the required hoist movements before the hook actually needs to reach the target. This preliminary action of detecting and processing position data ahead of time compensates for the inherent mechanical delays in cable-based hoist systems, enabling the hook to arrive at the target location simultaneously with the moving target.
3Measurement precision
If real-time position data is captured and processed at high rate, then the positioning accuracy is improved, but the computational load and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex manual calculations and manual positioning adjustments with an automated control system that electronically processes position sensor data. This substitution of mechanical/manual operations with electronic automation handles the computational load of real-time position processing without proportionally increasing operational complexity, as the automated system performs complex calculations that would be cumbersome for human operators.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for operating a hoist and hook assembly may determine a position of a target using a position sensor. A hook assembly may be positioned in response to the position of the target as detected by the position sensor. Positioning the hook assembly may include articulating a boom coupled to a hoist, using one or more local thrust sources on the hook assembly, and/or moving an airframe relative to the position of the target.