Suspended Load Control System Thrust Vectoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for controlling suspended loads, such as those lifted by helicopters or cranes, face challenges in managing unstable motion like yaw, pendular motion, and horizontal translation, which can lead to hazardous conditions for crew and ground personnel, and complicate load placement due to external factors like wind and obstacles.
Innovation Solution
A suspended load control system (SLCS) that uses electric ducted fans (EDFs) to exert thrust forces at the load location, allowing independent control of load motion, including yaw and horizontal translation, by vectoring thrust to counteract unwanted movements and position the load precisely relative to the carrier.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional hoist systems are used to suspend loads, then the load can be transported vertically, but the load becomes subject to unstable motion including yaw, pendular motion, and horizontal translation caused by wind and external forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies counteracting forces through active control mechanisms (thrusters, fans, or propellers) that generate thrust to oppose unwanted load motions. The control system continuously adjusts these counteracting forces to balance the effects of wind and external forces, stabilizing the load during suspension and transport operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs sensors to detect load position, orientation, and motion in real-time, feeding this information back to the control system. The controller processes this feedback and dynamically adjusts the thrust output of control elements to maintain desired load stability, creating a closed-loop control system that responds to changing external conditions.
2Ease of operation
If the load is allowed to move freely to its lowest energy position, then the system is simpler to operate, but the load may move in hazardous or unstable manners that complicate delivery and endanger personnel
Solution Approach 1:
Real-time sensor feedback on load position and motion enables the control system to detect hazardous movements and automatically apply corrective thrust, maintaining safety without requiring complex manual intervention. The system monitors load behavior continuously and responds autonomously to prevent dangerous conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The load control system autonomously manages its own stability by using onboard sensors and actuators to detect and correct unwanted motions without external intervention. The system self-regulates thrust to maintain safe and controlled load behavior throughout the operation.
3Reliability
If active control mechanisms are added to stabilize the load, then load stability and positioning precision improve, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is divided into modular functional components: sensors for detection, controllers for processing, and actuators (thrusters/fans/propellers) for execution. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and facilitates maintenance and scaling while managing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system is designed to handle multiple types of load motions (yaw, pendular motion, horizontal translation) and various load types using the same basic architecture of sensors, controllers, and thrust-generating actuators, reducing complexity through standardized multi-functional components.
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
Enhances safety and operational efficiency by dynamically controlling the load's position and orientation independently of the carrier's motion, reducing the risk of accidents and improving the precision of load placement, applicable to various suspension platforms.
Implementation Method 1
A suspended load control system (SLCS) that uses electric ducted fans (EDFs) to exert thrust forces at the load location
Implementation Method 2
vectoring thrust to counteract unwanted movements and position the load precisely relative to the carrier
Data Source
AI summary
Load control apparatuses, systems and methods to control a location, orientation, or rotation of a suspended load by imparting thrust vectors to the suspended load or to a structure that holds the load. The load control apparatuses, systems and method may be integrated into a structure that holds a load, such as a rescue litter. The load control apparatuses, systems, and methods may be modular. The modular load control apparatuses, systems, and methods may be secured to a load or to a structure that holds the load.