Rotating Platform Ground Cart for Skid Aircraft Crosswind Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Skid-equipped aircraft face challenges in ground operations due to vulnerability to cross winds, handling issues during launch and recovery, and lack of adequate support for transportation and maintenance, with existing ground carts lacking features like cross wind compensation and environmental control.
Innovation Solution
A ground cart with a load-bearing chassis, a rotating and reciprocating platform, and outriggers for stability, equipped with lifters for secure aircraft mounting, and a control system for braking and steering, allowing for safe transportation, cross wind compensation, and ancillary services like ventilation and cooling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple wheeled support cart is used to transport skid-equipped aircraft, then the cart structure is simple and easy to operate, but it lacks cross wind-counteracting capability and cannot maintain control during takeoff
Solution Approach 1:
The cart incorporates a movable platform that can tilt laterally to counteract crosswinds during takeoff and landing. The platform is mounted on trunnions allowing it to rotate about a horizontal axis, enabling dynamic adjustment to compensate for wind forces acting on the aircraft's large wing area.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the orientation parameter of the platform relative to the ground, allowing the platform to angle upward into the wind during takeoff and landing operations. This parameter adjustment enables the cart to counteract crosswind effects without requiring complex active control systems.
2Ease of operation
If additional support equipment like cranes are used to lift aircraft onto the cart, then the cart can handle aircraft loading, but the overall system complexity and equipment requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cart features an adjustable platform that can be tilted to a steep angle, allowing the aircraft to roll or slide onto the platform using its own weight and momentum. The platform then levels out to secure the aircraft, eliminating the need for external cranes or hoists.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable platform on trunnions provides dynamic loading capability where the platform angle can be changed during the loading process. This allows the aircraft to be rolled or slid on by tilting the platform, then leveled for securement without additional lifting equipment.
3Ease of manufacture
If the cart is designed with basic functionality only, then the cart is simpler to manufacture, but it lacks additional services like cabin environmental control and ventilation
Solution Approach 1:
The cart is designed with multiple functions including transportation, crosswind compensation during takeoff/landing, and provision of environmental control services to the aircraft cabin. The platform structure can accommodate vents, ducts, and equipment for heating, cooling, and pressurization functions.
4Device complexity
If the cart uses a fixed platform design, then the structure is simpler and more stable, but it cannot compensate for cross winds during ground maneuvers
Solution Approach 1:
The platform is mounted on trunnions that allow it to rotate about a horizontal axis, making it movable rather than fixed. This enables the platform to tilt and angle upward to counteract crosswind forces during ground maneuvers, takeoff, and landing operations.
Data Source
AI summary
Ground carts to support skid equipped aircraft and to maneuver these craft safely on the ground during taxiing for take off, recovery, servicing, and transport to maintenance or storage. The ground carts provide the capability to minimize risks of damage to aircraft during towing by lifting the aircraft off the ground. Further, an embodiment of the ground cart of the invention includes the ability to rotate the aircraft on a cart platform up to 90° from the direction of forward motion of the cart to facilitate movement in and around the airport apron/hanger and to counter cross winds during take off. In addition, carts may be controlled from the aircraft, for example to provide for steering control until the aircraft is launched, cart braking, platform rotation, and other maneuvers.