Integral Swaybrace Retention Assembly for Low-Drag Container Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional container retention and release systems for aircraft face issues with mechanical vibration during captive carry, leading to reduced system reliability and performance, as well as aerodynamic drag and weight penalties due to external lugs and hangers, which also compromise internal volume and loading efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A container retention and release apparatus with an integral swaybrace and retention assembly that pivots relative to an actuator, eliminating the need for external lugs and hangers by engaging internal receptacles, thereby reducing weight and aerodynamic drag while controlling container orientation during ejection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If external lugs and hangers are used for container retention, then container can be securely retained and released, but aerodynamic drag and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the swaybrace function and retention pin function into a single integrated assembly. The swaybrace and retention pin are combined such that the swaybrace itself serves as the retention mechanism, eliminating the need for separate external lugs and hangers. This integration reduces the overall number of components and decreases weight while maintaining retention reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The swaybrace assembly performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support (swaybracing), container retention, and release capability. The retention pin is integrated into the swaybrace structure, allowing the same component to both stabilize the container and secure it to the aircraft, thereby eliminating dedicated external retention structures.
2Reliability
If external lugs and hangers are used for container retention, then container can be securely retained and released, but aerodynamic drag increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integration of retention pins into the swaybrace structure eliminates protruding external retention elements. The combined assembly has a more streamlined configuration that reduces aerodynamic drag compared to separate external lugs and hangers, while still providing secure container retention through the integrated pin mechanism.
3Reliability
If conventional retention systems are used, then container can be retained, but internal volume and loading efficiency are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the retention pins into the swaybrace structure, the patent eliminates the need for separate external retention structures that would encroach on container internal volume. The combined assembly allows for more efficient use of container space while maintaining reliable retention capability.
4Weight of moving object
If swaybrace and retention assembly is integrated, then weight and aerodynamic drag are reduced, but mechanical vibration during captive carry may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated swaybrace and retention pin assembly provides structural rigidity that helps dampen mechanical vibrations during captive carry. The combined structure creates a more rigid load path compared to separate components, reducing vibration transmission while maintaining the weight and drag reduction benefits of integration.
Data Source
AI summary
A container retention and release apparatus includes an actuator a swaybrace and retention assembly pivotally coupled to the actuator. The swaybrace and retention assembly pivot relative to the actuator between a first position to retain a container and a second position to release the container.