Helicopter Pitch Link Boot and Cap Cover Without Zippers
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pitch link covers in helicopters are prone to collecting atmospheric debris, require manual ice removal, and include components that add weight, complexity, and cost, with zippers that can deteriorate over time.
Innovation Solution
A covering system comprising a boot with a bellows and a removably secured cap, formed of flexible materials like thermoplastic elastomer, which covers the pitch link without a zipper, reducing the risk of material collection and weight, and allows easy access for inspection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a zipper is used in the cover to allow access to the pitch link, then the pitch link can be accessed for inspection and maintenance, but the zipper can be compromised by dust, sand, debris and deteriorate over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the zipper component entirely from the cover design. Instead of using a traditional zippered cover, the invention employs a cover that can be easily removed and reattached without requiring a zipper mechanism, thereby eliminating the reliability issues associated with zipper deterioration while maintaining ease of access to the pitch link
Solution Approach 2:
The cover is designed as a segmented system with a cover portion and a boot portion that can be separately removed and reattached. This segmentation allows for easy maintenance access without requiring complex fastening mechanisms like zippers, solving both the accessibility and durability concerns
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a waterproof shroud with additional components (aluminum ring, gasket) is used to protect the pitch link, then the pitch link is protected from atmospheric precipitation and debris, but the cover adds weight, complexity, and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the protective functions into a single integrated cover component made of flexible material. The cover portions are molded to work together as a unified structure, eliminating the need for separate aluminum rings, gaskets, and other fastening components while maintaining protection from environmental hazards
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a flexible material cover that can conform to the pitch link structure and provide protection without requiring rigid components like aluminum rings. The flexible nature of the material allows for effective sealing and protection while reducing overall complexity and weight
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a rigid cover is used to protect the pitch link, then the pitch link is protected from debris, but the cover forms a basin that allows water, snow, sand, dust, debris, and projectile fragments to collect therein
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible cover material that can dynamically respond to precipitation and debris. The flexible nature allows the cover surface to remain taut and prevent water, snow, and debris from pooling in basins, while still providing effective protection to the pitch link underneath
Data Source
AI summary
A covering system and method for a pitch link of a helicopter include a boot having a bellows, and a cap removably secured to the boot. The boot and the cap are configured to cover at least a portion of the pitch link. The cap is removable from the boot to provide access to the pitch link.