Mobile Tail Support Vehicle for Swing Tail Cargo Door
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for moving and positioning swing tail cargo doors on aircraft are manually intensive, prone to stress on the door, and slow to close, especially in high wind conditions, and may add unnecessary weight to the aircraft.
Innovation Solution
A mobile tail support vehicle with a vertical support system, horizontal support system, and coupling mechanism that isolates loads and provides controlled movement of the swing tail cargo door, using an accumulator unit for vertical support and a cross track slide system to prevent unacceptable loads on the hinge during movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual equipment and personnel are used to move the swing tail cargo door, then the door can be repositioned, but the process becomes manually intensive and places unnecessary stress on the door
Solution Approach 1:
A mobile tail support vehicle with coupling mechanism serves as an intermediary device between the swing tail cargo door and the ground. The vehicle includes a support system with vertical support legs and horizontal support arms that couple to the door, providing controlled movement and positioning without direct manual handling. This intermediary system distributes and controls the forces applied to the door, preventing stress concentration and structural damage while reducing manual labor intensity.
2Extent of automation
If a door control/support mechanism is built into the aircraft, then door movement is automated, but the aircraft weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The door support and control mechanism is extracted from the aircraft structure and implemented as a separate mobile ground-based vehicle. The support system with vertical legs, horizontal arms, and coupling mechanisms is housed in a transportable platform that can be positioned as needed. This externalization provides automated door movement control without adding permanent weight to the aircraft, allowing the aircraft to maintain its original weight characteristics while still benefiting from automated operation.
3Speed
If current systems are used to close the swing tail cargo door, then the door can be closed, but the closure is slow especially in high wind conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile support vehicle incorporates sensors and control systems that provide real-time feedback on door position, wind conditions, and force requirements. The system monitors the door's movement during closure and adjusts the support forces dynamically to maintain optimal closure speed while compensating for high wind conditions. This feedback control ensures reliable and rapid closure by continuously adapting to changing environmental conditions and door state.
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 efficient, stress-free movement and rapid closure of the swing tail cargo door, reducing manual labor and weight addition to the aircraft, while maintaining structural integrity and operational efficiency in various conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a vertical support system capable of controlling a vertical load of the swing tail cargo door... vertical support system includes an accumulator unit capable of providing substantially constant vertical loading support
Implementation Method 2
a horizontal support system capable of isolating horizontal and rotational motions of the swing tail cargo door... cross track slide system capable of isolating the motions of the swing tail cargo door to prevent the unacceptable load transfer from occurring
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for a mobile tail support vehicle moving a swing tail cargo door of a swing tail aircraft. A mobile tail support apparatus is engaged to the swing tail cargo door on the swing tail aircraft. The swing tail cargo door is moved from a first position to a second position using the mobile tail support apparatus. Vertical reaction occurs to vertical loads on the swing tail cargo door during movement of the swing tail aircraft by the mobile tail support apparatus. Loads on a hinge and/or swing tail cargo door are reduced during the movement of the swing tail cargo door using the mobile tail support apparatus.