Modular Aircraft Lifting Bag with Elastic Cushion Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aircraft lifting bags require intensive physical effort and are time-consuming to set up, especially in emergency situations, as they rely on rigid mechanical structures which are costly and difficult to handle.
Innovation Solution
A modular aircraft lifting bag design featuring a base structure composed of interconnected cushion groups connected by 3-point safety belts, allowing for quick assembly and disassembly, and utilizing spacer thread fabric for stability and even height when inflated.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If rigid mechanical structures (plates, pallets) are used as base structure, then structural stability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to time-consuming assembly and considerable physical effort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces rigid mechanical structures with a modular base structure made of flexible cushion groups that can be quickly connected and disconnected. The cushions are held together by elastic elements (bungee cords) instead of rigid mechanical fasteners, enabling rapid deployment without considerable physical effort while maintaining sufficient stability for aircraft rescue operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The base structure is divided into multiple individual cushion groups that can be independently handled, transported, and assembled. Each cushion group consists of several cushions connected by elastic elements, creating modular units that are easy to maneuver and可以快速 assemble at the accident site, directly addressing the ease of operation requirement.
2Stability of the object's composition
If rigid mechanical structures are used as base structure, then structural stability is improved, but loss of time increases due to time-consuming construction
Solution Approach 1:
The cushion groups are pre-assembled with elastic elements attached to their frames before deployment. This preliminary preparation allows the base structure to be rapidly deployed at the accident site without time-consuming on-site assembly, significantly reducing loss of time while maintaining structural stability through the pre-configured elastic connections.
3Strength
If rigid mechanical structures are used as base structure, then load-bearing capacity is improved, but weight increases making handling difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flexible cushion groups with fabric or synthetic material envelopes instead of rigid mechanical structures. These flexible cushions can be easily handled and transported by single operators despite providing sufficient load-bearing capacity when inflated, directly addressing the weight and handling difficulty issue while maintaining necessary strength.
4Ease of operation
If modular cushion groups are used instead of rigid structures, then ease of operation is improved, but structural stability may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The base structure transitions from a static rigid configuration to a dynamic modular system where cushion groups can be independently positioned and adjusted. The elastic elements provide flexible connections that allow the modular cushions to adapt to uneven terrain and aircraft positions while maintaining overall structural stability, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and stability.
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 rapid and efficient deployment with minimal physical effort, reducing setup time and cost while maintaining stability to lift aircraft safely and efficiently.
Implementation Method 1
The chambers have an air-fillable interior, accessible via a valve (34)
Implementation Method 2
Lifting bags work well as a base structure... they have the advantage of being significantly lighter
Implementation Method 3
The two main surfaces are preferably connected to one another by spacer threads. Due to the spacer thread fabric inside the lifting bag, an even height is achieved when inflated.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The aircraft lifting cushion has at least one upper cushion (54) and at least one base cushion (20), both of which are designed as lifting cushions and have airtight chambers. The chambers have an air-fillable interior, accessible via a valve (34), and walls made of flexible, rubber-like flat material. The base cushion (20) is composed of at least one first and one second cushion group (22, 24). The first cushion group (22) is positioned below the second cushion group (24) during operation. Each cushion group (22, 24) has at least one individual cushion (26). Each cushion group (22, 24) has at least one connecting element (38) comprising a first tensile-resistant, flexible element (40) with a coupling piece (44) and a second tensile-resistant, flexible element (42) with a coupling counterpart (46). The coupling piece (44) and the coupling counterpart (46) can be detachably connected to each other.