Load Carrying Assembly Thrust Control for Rotary Wing Aircraft
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing load carrying assemblies for rotary wing aircraft face challenges in controlling the position of the load without moving the aircraft, stabilizing loads during flight, and operating independently of the aircraft.
Innovation Solution
A load carrying assembly comprising a cargo cable and a load engaging system with thrust producing devices, allowing the load engaging system to move relative to the aircraft and stabilize loads by controlling movements along and rotation around all three axes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the aircraft moves to control the position of the rescue hoist, then the position control is achieved, but the rescue speed and accuracy are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the position control function from the aircraft by introducing an independent load engaging system with its own thrust producing devices. The aircraft only needs to hover stably while the load engaging system autonomously positions itself and the load, dividing the control tasks between two independent subsystems.
Solution Approach 2:
The load engaging system is equipped with autonomous positioning capability through thrust producing devices that can independently move the system and load without requiring aircraft maneuvering. The system serves itself by self-positioning within the cargo cable's reach area.
2Productivity
If the load is suspended below the aircraft using conventional sling load system, then the load can be transported, but the load oscillates and rotates causing unstable flight
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates sensors that detect the position and orientation of the load engaging system and load, with a controller that processes this information and adjusts the thrust producing devices to maintain stable positioning. This closed-loop feedback control prevents oscillation and rotation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters by using active thrust producing devices to dynamically adjust the position and orientation of the load engaging system, transitioning from passive suspension to active controlled positioning, thereby stabilizing the load during transport.
3Length of moving object
If a long rope is used for sling load operations, then the load can be transported over distance, but the load is carried out of the pilot's sight and the rope may interfere with the rotor
Solution Approach 1:
The load engaging system acts as an intermediary between the aircraft and the load, equipped with its own sensing and control systems. This intermediary can autonomously monitor and manage the cargo cable deployment, reducing the need for long cables and improving safety by preventing rotor interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces the traditional mechanical reliance on long cables with active control systems including sensors and thrust producing devices. This substitution allows for shorter cable lengths while maintaining operational capability through active positioning, thereby improving safety and visibility.
4Measurement precision
If the load engaging system is equipped with autonomous positioning capability, then the positioning precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The load engaging system is designed as a multi-functional integrated unit that combines thrust producing devices, sensors, and control systems into a single autonomous positioning platform. This universal system performs multiple functions (positioning, stabilizing, sensing) simultaneously, reducing overall system complexity compared to separate systems.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables precise positioning and stabilization of loads during flight, reducing pilot workload and eliminating the need for ground personnel, while ensuring safe operation by avoiding rotor interference and downwash regions.
Implementation Method 1
at least two first thrust producing devices that are attached to the connecting apparatus and produce thrust in a second direction that is orthogonal to the first direction, and at least two second thrust producing devices that are attached to the connecting apparatus and produce thrust in a third direction that is orthogonal to the first and the second directions
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A~2B
AI summary
The present embodiments relate to a load carrying assembly 190 for carrying a load with a rotary wing aircraft 100. The load carrying assembly 190 includes a cargo cable 175 and a load engaging system 200. The cargo cable 175 may have a first end 176 that is attachable to a hoist 170 or a cargo hook arrangement 180. The load engaging system 200 may include a first attachment 230 that is attached to the second end 177 of the cargo cable 175, a second attachment 235 that is adapted for receiving a load, a connecting apparatus 240 that connects the first attachment 230 with the second attachment 235, and at least two first and second thrust producing devices 210a, 210b, 220a, 220b that are attached to the connecting apparatus 240 and produce thrust in a direction that is orthogonal to the cargo cable extension.