Collapsible Self-Supporting Cargo Frame for Enclosed Rotorcraft Transport
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cargo transport devices for rotorcraft lack a self-supporting inner cargo storage area that is easily accessible for loading and unloading, and do not provide a closed internal space for safe transport of human cargo without prior instruction or special safety equipment.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible self-supporting cargo transport device with a skeletal frame, collapsible platform support structure, and collapsible spreading structure, equipped with a telescopic rod and tensioning cables, allowing easy attachment to a rotorcraft and providing a secure, enclosed space for cargo transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If existing cargo transport devices are used, then they can be attached to rotorcraft, but they lack a self-supporting inner cargo storage area that is easily accessible for loading and unloading
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into distinct functional segments: a self-supporting skeletal frame forming an enclosed cargo storage area, collapsible platform support structures for access, and separate cargo securing means. This segmentation allows the cargo storage area to be self-supporting and accessible while keeping each component's complexity manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The platform support structures are designed to be collapsible, allowing the device to transition between an operational state with accessible platforms for loading/unloading and a collapsed state for compact storage. This dynamic feature provides ease of operation during cargo operations while reducing complexity in storage mode.
2Reliability
If existing cargo transport devices are used, then they can transport cargo, but they do not provide a closed internal space for safe transport of human cargo without prior instruction or special safety equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The skeletal frame is designed as a self-supporting enclosed structure that forms a closed internal space, separating the cargo storage function from the support functions. This enclosed space provides inherent safety for human cargo without requiring additional complex safety equipment or extensive training.
Solution Approach 2:
The self-supporting skeletal frame inherently provides structural integrity and safety without requiring external support structures or complex safety mechanisms. The device serves its own safety needs through its enclosed design, eliminating the need for additional safety equipment that would increase complexity.
3Volume of moving object
If the transport device is designed to be collapsible for storage, then it can accommodate storage constraints, but it must maintain structural integrity during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The platform support structures are designed to be collapsible, allowing the device to transition between an operational state with extended platforms and a collapsed state for compact storage. During operation, the platforms extend to provide access while maintaining structural integrity through the self-supporting skeletal frame that preserves strength regardless of platform configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The collapsible platform support structures are separated from the self-supporting skeletal frame, allowing the platforms to be collapsed for storage without compromising the structural integrity of the enclosed cargo storage area. The skeletal frame maintains its strength independently while the platforms can be reconfigured or collapsed.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a collapsible self-supporting human and/or non-human cargo transport device (10) for use with a rotorcraft, comprising: an inner cargo storage area (10c) for accommodating human and/or non-human cargo for transportation; a self-supporting skeletal frame (11), and collapsible cargo securing means (12) mounted to the self-supporting skeletal frame (11) for delimiting the inner cargo storage area (10c). The self-supporting skeletal frame (11) comprises a collapsible platform support structure (15), a collapsible spreading structure (16), a telescopic rod (17) connecting the collapsible platform support structure (15) to the collapsible spreading structure (16), an attachment (9) connected to the telescopic rod (17) to enable attachment of the self-supporting skeletal frame (11) to a rotorcraft, and a plurality of tensioning cables (13) connecting the attachment (9) to the collapsible spreading structure (16) and the collapsible platform support structure (15).