Rotary Wing Load Carrying Assembly with Orthogonal Thrust Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional rotary wing aircraft hoist mechanisms face challenges in accurately controlling the position of external loads, particularly in windy conditions and steep terrain, with loads often oscillating or rotating, leading to unstable flight characteristics and the risk of interference with the aircraft's rotors.
Innovation Solution
A load carrying assembly with a cargo cable and load engaging system, featuring thrust-producing devices that allow independent control of the load's position relative to the aircraft, enabling stabilization and precise movement of loads using multiple fans and sensors, allowing remote operation and avoidance of the aircraft's downwash region.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a conventional hoist mechanism is used to carry external loads, then the aircraft can transport heavy loads, but the load position cannot be controlled accurately and the load oscillates or rotates
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the load control function into separate components: the aircraft hoist mechanism handles vertical lifting, while independent thrust producing devices (fans) handle horizontal positioning and attitude stabilization. This segmentation allows each subsystem to optimize its function without interfering with the other, achieving precise load position control while maintaining load stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary load engaging system with thrust producing devices that acts as a mediator between the aircraft and the load. This intermediary system independently controls the load's horizontal position and orientation through fan-generated thrust, preventing direct coupling between aircraft maneuvers and load movement, thereby eliminating oscillations and rotations.
2Ease of operation
If the load is carried below the aircraft in the downwash region, then the hoist mechanism can operate, but the rope interferes with the rotor and damages the aircraft
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves the load engaging system from a purely vertical arrangement (directly below the aircraft in the downwash) to a three-dimensional configuration where thrust producing devices enable horizontal positioning. This allows the load to be carried at optimized positions and orientations that avoid rotor interference while maintaining hoist operation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the load's position and orientation using controllable thrust producing devices. The fans can generate variable thrust forces that actively compensate for rotor wash effects and prevent the load rope from interfering with the rotor, enabling safe operation throughout the flight envelope.
3Measurement precision
If the aircraft moves to control the hoist position, then the load can be positioned accurately, but the pilot workload increases and flight stability is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The load engaging system is equipped with its own thrust producing devices that enable it to self-position and self-stabilize independently of the aircraft. The fans generate the necessary forces to control the load's horizontal position and attitude, allowing the hoist to self-service its positioning function without requiring continuous aircraft maneuvering or pilot intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical coupling between aircraft movement and hoist positioning with an independent thrust-based control system. Instead of relying on the aircraft's mechanical motion to position the load, the system uses fan-generated forces to actively control the load's position, substituting a simpler control mechanism for complex mechanical coupling.
4Length of moving object
If long ropes are used for sling load operations, then the load can be carried far from the aircraft, but the load is out of the pilot's sight and control is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates sensors that continuously monitor the load's position, orientation, and motion, providing real-time feedback to the control system. This feedback enables the thrust producing devices to dynamically adjust their output and maintain optimal load positioning, making long cable operations manageable through active control rather than passive observation.
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 reduces pilot workload, enhances safety by preventing rotor interference, and allows for precise load placement without ground personnel, improving operational efficiency and reducing the duration of hazardous missions.
Implementation Method 1
at least two first thrust producing devices that are attached to the connecting apparatus and produce thrust in a second direction that is orthogonal to the first direction
Data Source
AI summary
A load carrying assembly for carrying a load with a rotary wing aircraft. The load carrying assembly includes a cargo cable and a load engaging system. The cargo cable may have a first end that is attachable to a hoist or a cargo hook arrangement. The load engaging system may include a first attachment that is attached to the second end of the cargo cable, a second attachment that is adapted for receiving a load, a connecting apparatus that connects the first attachment with the second attachment, and at least two first and second thrust producing devices that are attached to the connecting apparatus and produce thrust in a direction that is orthogonal to the cargo cable extension.