Aircraft Handling Winch Control System for Nautical Vessels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aircraft handling systems on nautical vessels face lag times in compensating for rapid changes in cable tensions and associated loads, particularly in adverse sea conditions, due to the inherent limitations of hydraulic systems.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing electromotors and a control system that adjusts torque and speed of winches to maintain target hauling and rendering torques, ensuring cable tension remains below aircraft maximum load limits, with a control console for user input and a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) managing winch operations based on torque, speed, and winding temperature to maintain precise control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If hydraulic winches are used for aircraft handling, then the system can provide sufficient power and force control, but the system exhibits lag times that cannot effectively compensate for rapid changes in cable tensions and loads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the hydraulic drive system with an electric motor drive system. This substitution eliminates the inherent lag times of hydraulic systems while maintaining sufficient power output for aircraft handling operations. The electric motors provide rapid response to tension changes and load variations, enabling real-time compensation during adverse sea conditions.
2Measurement precision
If multiple winches are used to control aircraft movement, then precise control of aircraft position and tension can be achieved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs multiple winches that can dynamically switch between different functional modes (hauling and rendering). Each winch is equipped with sensors and control systems that enable it to adapt its function based on real-time aircraft position and tension requirements. This multi-functionality allows precise tension control while managing system complexity through flexible role assignment rather than dedicated specialized winches.
3Loss of time
If electromotors are used instead of hydraulic systems, then response time to rapid tension changes improves, but the control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements comprehensive feedback systems with sensors monitoring cable tensions, aircraft position, and motor parameters in real-time. This feedback enables the control system to rapidly detect tension changes and adjust motor output accordingly, achieving superior response time. The feedback loops are managed through sophisticated control algorithms that coordinate multiple electromotors, balancing the increased control complexity with improved dynamic performance.
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
This solution enables precise control of aircraft movement, maintaining optimal tension and load balance, even in adverse conditions, reducing the risk of damage and ensuring safe handling of helicopters on nautical vessels.
Implementation Method 1
A system for handling an aircraft on a nautical vessel includes a plurality of winches each associated with a corresponding one of a plurality of electromotors
Data Source
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AI summary
A system for handling an aircraft on a nautical vessel includes a plurality of winches each associated with a corresponding one of a plurality of electromotors and a plurality of cables associated with the plurality of winches. Each of the plurality of cables is configured to attach to an aircraft positioned on a deck of the nautical vessel. A control system is configured to receive a target aircraft hauling speed and direction and operate the winches to achieve the target speed in the selected direction while maintaining load on the aircraft to below a maximum limit and also maintaining the cables in tension.