Retractable Helicopter Tank Assembly Without Cargo Space Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current firefighting systems in Chinook helicopters, such as the underslung long-line bucket system and internal tank system, face limitations in maneuverability, require costly modifications, and occupy valuable cargo space, making them cumbersome and risky for firefighting operations.
Innovation Solution
A retractable tank assembly that attaches to the Chinook helicopter using three cargo hook mounts and landing gears, featuring a flexible bag and a retraction system, allowing easy installation and minimal space usage, with controlled substance release via pneumatic bomb doors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an internal tank system is used, then firefighting capability is provided, but significant modifications to the helicopter are required and cargo compartment space is occupied
Solution Approach 1:
The tank assembly is divided into separate components: a collapsible tank body, a support structure with cargo hook mounts, and a retraction mechanism. This segmentation allows the tank to be installed externally without modifying the helicopter's cargo compartment, avoiding expensive structural modifications while maintaining firefighting capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The tank is positioned externally on the helicopter fuselage, utilizing the external space dimension rather than occupying internal cargo compartment space. This external mounting arrangement provides firefighting capability without compromising cargo transport capacity or requiring internal structural modifications.
2Reliability
If an internal tank system is used, then firefighting capability is provided, but cargo compartment space is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The tank assembly is segmented into external components that do not interfere with the cargo compartment. The collapsible tank body and support structure are positioned externally, allowing the cargo compartment to remain fully accessible for personnel and cargo operations while providing firefighting capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The tank is relocated from the internal three-dimensional cargo space to an external mounting position on the fuselage. This dimensional relocation preserves the full cargo compartment volume for its intended purposes while externally providing the firefighting tank capacity.
3Reliability
If a bucket system with long cables is used, then firefighting capability is provided, but maneuverability is limited and cable entanglement risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tank assembly is extracted from the traditional bucket system configuration and mounted directly to the helicopter fuselage using cargo hook mounts. This eliminates the long cables that cause maneuverability restrictions and entanglement risks, while the tank remains accessible for firefighting operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The tank assembly incorporates a collapsible design that can dynamically adjust its configuration. The tank body can collapse when not in use and deploy when needed, while the support structure with cargo hook mounts allows for flexible positioning that adapts to different operational requirements without the constraints of long cables.
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a tank assembly for a helicopter. The tank assembly comprises a retractable tank for storing liquid or other substances, a first attachment mechanism, a second attachment mechanism and a third attachment mechanism. The retractable tank has an upper frame structure with forward and rearward ends. The first attachment mechanism, is attached to the upper frame structure towards the forward end and configured to engage a first cargo hook mount. The second attachment mechanism is attached to the upper frame structure towards the rearward end and configured to engage a second cargo hook mount. The third attachment mechanism is attached to the upper frame structure between the first and second attachment mechanisms and configured to engage a third cargo hook mount.