Suspended Load Control System Thrust Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for controlling suspended loads from helicopters or cranes are inadequate in managing unstable and hazardous motions such as yaw, lateral, and pendular movements, which complicate lift operations and pose risks to crew and ground personnel, and often require costly and complex countermeasures.
Innovation Solution
A suspended load control system (SLCS) that estimates state information like mass, cable length, inertia, and disturbance forces to dynamically exert thrust using electric ducted fans or other thrust sources, allowing independent control of load position and rotation, and provides telemetry data for improved operational safety and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If traditional countermeasures are used to control suspended load motion, then load stability may be improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical countermeasures with an electric ducted fan system that uses aerodynamic forces to control load motion. The fan array, controlled by a decision and control module, generates thrust to counteract unwanted load movements, substituting mechanical stabilization systems with a more compact and controllable aerodynamic system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts fan thrust parameters (speed, direction, magnitude) based on real-time load state information to control load motion. By changing the operational parameters of the electric ducted fans, the system achieves load stabilization without requiring complex mechanical structures.
2Reliability
If remote load control equipment is deployed, then operational safety improves, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The electric ducted fan system serves multiple functions: it controls load position, stabilizes load orientation, and provides telemetry data. This multi-functional approach improves operational safety without requiring separate specialized equipment for each function, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The load control system includes onboard sensors and processing capabilities that enable it to autonomously monitor its own state and make control decisions. The decision and control module processes sensor data and adjusts fan thrust automatically, reducing the need for complex external control systems and improving operational independence.
3Productivity
If precise load control is achieved through active intervention, then productivity improves, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electric ducted fans operate in periodic cycles, providing thrust only when load stabilization is required rather than continuous operation. The system monitors load motion and activates fans intermittently to counteract unwanted movements, reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining operational efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies partial thrust from the electric ducted fans only when necessary to correct specific load deviations, rather than applying full thrust continuously. This selective application of control force achieves precise load positioning while minimizing energy expenditure.
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
The SLCS enhances mission safety and operational performance by stabilizing and precisely controlling suspended loads, reducing hazards and costs associated with traditional countermeasures, and can be used across various carrier types without destabilizing the load.
Implementation Method 1
dynamically exert thrust using electric ducted fans or other thrust sources
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are systems, apparatuses, and methods to determine, communicate, and/or respond to state information of at least one of a suspended load control apparatus, carrier, or load suspended by a cable from the carrier, wherein response to the state information may be to control at least one of the suspended load control apparatus, carrier, or load suspended by a cable from the carrier.