Modular Aircraft Winch Segmentation for Mass Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current winches for aircraft, particularly helicopters, are designed for specific missions, leading to oversized and heavy equipment that is inefficient for missions requiring shorter cable lengths and lighter lifting capacities, resulting in excessive fuel consumption and reduced range.
Innovation Solution
A modular winch system with interchangeable modules for varying cable length, diameter, power, and winding/unwinding speed, allowing adaptation to different mission requirements by combining a basic mechanical assembly with a cable module, motorization module, and electronic module.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a winch is designed with maximum performance to satisfy all mission constraints, then the winch can handle the most demanding missions, but the winch mass increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The winch system is divided into a basic mechanical assembly and interchangeable mission-specific modules. Each module contains components tailored to specific mission requirements (cable length, diameter, motor power), allowing the system to be segmented into a permanent base and variable add-ons that can be swapped based on operational needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The winch configuration is made dynamic through interchangeable modules that can be quickly attached and detached. This allows the system to adapt its performance characteristics (cable capacity, motor power) in real-time based on mission requirements, rather than being fixed at maximum capacity for all scenarios.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a winch is designed for long cable lengths and high lifting capacities, then it can perform demanding missions, but it becomes oversized and too heavy for missions requiring shorter cables and lighter capacities
Solution Approach 1:
The cable system is segmented into modular sections that can be independently configured. Different cable lengths and diameters can be selected and installed based on specific mission parameters, eliminating the need to always carry maximum-length, maximum-diameter cable assemblies.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the winch system have different qualities optimized for specific functions. The basic mechanical assembly provides universal mounting and structural support, while interchangeable modules provide mission-specific cable capacities and motor powers, ensuring each component's properties are locally optimized rather than globally maximized.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a helicopter carries an oversized winch with excessive mass, then it has the capability for all missions, but fuel consumption increases and range of action decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static, fixed-configuration winch to a dynamic, reconfigurable system. Modules can be quickly swapped to match actual mission requirements, ensuring the helicopter always carries the minimum necessary mass for the current task, thereby optimizing fuel efficiency and extending operational range.
Solution Approach 2:
The winch system allows changing of key parameters (cable length, cable diameter, motor power) by swapping modules. This enables the operational parameters to be adjusted to match mission requirements rather than always operating with maximum parameters, reducing unnecessary mass and associated fuel consumption.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a modular hoist (1) on board an aircraft, comprising at least one cable (7a) wound onto a drum (7). Said hoist comprises a basic mechanical assembly (2) to be attached to the aircraft, said basic mechanical assembly being suitable for detachably receiving at least one module (3, 4) allowing the variation of at least one of the characteristics of the performances of said hoist.