Helicopter Skid Lifting Lever with Tread Section
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ground manoeuvering devices with hydraulic apparatuses are cumbersome to operate and not user-friendly, requiring operators to position themselves directly above the skids, making them difficult to access and maintain.
Innovation Solution
The ground manoeuvering device features a lever aligned perpendicular to the skid axis, allowing convenient operation by stepping on a tread section beside the helicopter, with the ability to swivel the lever for raising and lowering the skid, and includes a drainage valve for controlled lowering without additional levers or engagement positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the lever is aligned parallel to the skid axis (conventional design), then the hydraulic apparatus can be operated, but the operator must position themselves directly above the skids making it cumbersome and not user-friendly
Solution Approach 1:
The lever is repositioned from a conventional alignment parallel to the skid axis to an alignment perpendicular to the skid axis, extending in the wheel axle direction toward the outer wheel. This dimensional change in lever orientation allows the operator to access and operate the hydraulic apparatus from the side of the helicopter rather than from above, significantly improving ease of operation while maintaining functional effectiveness
2Ease of operation
If the lever extends in the wheel axle direction toward the outer wheel, then side accessibility is improved, but the lever must be swivelled to access different functions
Solution Approach 1:
The lever is designed with swivelling capability that allows it to rotate about the engagement shaft axis. This dynamic feature enables the lever to access different engagement positions and functions (such as raising, lowering, and positioning the skid) while maintaining the primary perpendicular alignment for side accessibility. The swivelling mechanism integrates seamlessly with the hydraulic apparatus, allowing multi-functionality without compromising the improved accessibility
3Productivity
If a drainage valve is integrated into the lever swivelling mechanism, then lowering function is achieved, but additional lever positions are required
Solution Approach 1:
The lever is designed as a multi-functional control element where a single swivelling lever performs multiple functions: raising the skid, lowering the skid via integrated drainage valve, and positioning the skid at intermediate heights. By integrating the drainage valve functionality into the lever's swivelling mechanism rather than requiring separate controls, the system achieves rapid lowering while maintaining simplicity in operation. The lever's rotational movement about the engagement shaft provides access to all necessary engagement positions for complete skid control
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 design enhances user-friendliness by allowing easy access and operation from the side, reducing the need for complex lever positions, and facilitates convenient transportation and maintenance, with the ability to raise and lower the skid efficiently while maintaining accessibility and safety.
Implementation Method 1
a hydraulic apparatus with an extendable piston and a first engagement shaft
Implementation Method 2
a first engagement shaft, to which a lever is attached in a swivellable manner for the transmission of a torque
Data Source
AI summary
A ground manoeuvering device comprises a housing with a fastening device for the skid, a hydraulic apparatus as well as an outer wheel and an inner wheel on two aligned horizontal axles on the hydraulic apparatus, respectively one on the inside and one on the outside beside the skid. The hydraulic apparatus comprises an extendable piston and an engagement shaft with a lever attached in a swivellable manner. When the lever is rocked, the piston is extended from the hydraulic apparatus and thereby lifts the housing vertically upwards. The engagement shaft is aligned in the wheel running direction and the lever extends, in the operating state, in the wheel axle direction of the outer wheel. In addition, the lever comprises a tread section, in order to raise the fastened skid onto the two wheels using the hydraulic apparatus while standing conveniently beside the helicopter repeatedly stepping with the foot on the tread section.