Rotatable Support Elements for Aircraft Fire Extinguisher Tank Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing installation of fire extinguisher tanks in aircraft masts is cumbersome and difficult to handle due to the increased size and weight required by newer fire extinguishing agents, making it challenging to facilitate easy installation and removal.
Innovation Solution
The proposed assembly includes a mast with a frame and side walls, each with openings, and a support system with offset support elements that can rotate and tilt to facilitate easy installation and removal of the tanks, which are equipped with fixing means and support elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If newer fire extinguishing agents are used to replace older ones, then fire suppression effectiveness is improved, but tank volume and weight increase making installation difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The support elements are made rotatable relative to the mast frame, allowing them to move between a first position for easy tank installation and a second position for secure tank retention. This dynamic mechanism enables heavy tanks to be easily positioned by operators without requiring complex lifting equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The support elements act as intermediary components between the mast frame and the tank fixing means. These intermediaries provide a mechanical advantage that facilitates tank installation while maintaining secure retention during flight operations.
2Quantity of substance
If tank size is increased to accommodate newer fire extinguishing agents, then fire suppression capability is improved, but handling and positioning becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable support elements enable operators to easily position large, heavy tanks by rotating the supports into place rather than requiring manual positioning. The dynamic movement reduces physical strain on operators while accommodating increased tank volumes.
Solution Approach 2:
The installation system is segmented into the mast frame, rotatable support elements, and tank fixing means. This segmentation allows the heavy tank to be handled as a separate unit that is positioned using the mechanical advantage provided by the rotatable supports, rather than requiring the entire assembly to be moved together.
3Reliability
If fixed support structure is used for tanks, then installation security is improved, but installation and removal becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The support elements transition from a static fixed structure to a dynamic rotatable mechanism. During installation, the supports are rotated to facilitate easy tank positioning, then rotated to a second position to provide secure fixed retention. This dynamic behavior achieves both easy installation and secure retention.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotatable support elements are pre-positioned in a first configuration that facilitates easy tank installation. After the tank is installed and secured, the supports are rotated to a second configuration that provides secure retention. The preliminary positioning of the supports enables efficient installation before securing the tank.
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 allows for easier and safer handling and positioning of the tanks, reducing the risk of operator injury and improving the efficiency of tank installation and removal processes.
Implementation Method 1
each distal end is mounted so as to be able to rotate on the chassis around a horizontal axis of rotation perpendicular to the longitudinal direction
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention relates to an assembly (50) comprising a mast (12) with two side walls (12b) having openings, a fire extinguishing agent reservoir, and a support (111a) comprising two support elements (110a-b), each having a first upward-facing bearing surface (113) to which the reservoir is attached, a distal end (112b), and a proximal end (112a) fixed by a first removable fastening means (114), wherein the distal end (112b) is rotatable about a horizontal axis, and wherein each support element (110a-b) is movable between a working position where the first bearing surface (113) is horizontal and a deployment position where the first bearing surface (113) is tilted downward. Such an assembly allows for easy removal and installation of the reservoir inside the mast.