Aerospace Tow Plate Automated Load Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tow plate designs for aerial cargo extraction rely heavily on operator experience to ensure a sufficiently high extraction force is generated, which can lead to risks of damage to cargo and aircraft due to inconsistent release conditions.
Innovation Solution
A tow plate equipped with load sensors and a central data processing unit that measures the load acting on a load transmission unit and only releases it when the measured load exceeds a predetermined value, ensuring a safe and consistent extraction force is achieved.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If manual operation by operator experience is used to release the load transmission unit, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of extraction force consistency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical operation system with an automated electronic control system. Load sensors electronically detect the extraction force, and a control unit automatically actuates the locking element when the predetermined force threshold is reached, eliminating reliance on operator experience and ensuring consistent extraction force.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where load sensors continuously monitor the extraction force and provide electronic signals to the control unit. When the measured force exceeds the predetermined value, the control unit automatically triggers the release mechanism, creating a closed-loop feedback system that ensures reliable and consistent extraction.
2Reliability
If load sensors and automated control are added to the tow plate, then the extraction force consistency is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces electronic load sensors and a control unit to replace manual operation, adding measurement and automation capabilities. While this increases device complexity, it ensures consistent extraction force by automatically detecting when the predetermined force threshold is reached and triggering the release mechanism accordingly.
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 ensures that the load transmission unit is released only when a sufficiently high extraction force is generated, reducing the reliance on operator experience and enhancing safety by providing a precise and reliable method for cargo extraction.
Implementation Method 1
at least one load sensor adapted for measuring a load acting on a load transmission unit by an extraction unit
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A tow plate (1) for retaining and releasing an extractable unit (35) from an aerospace vehicle comprises a base plate (7), an actuating assembly (3) and a retaining assembly (5). The actuating assembly and the retaining assembly releasably hold a load transmission unit (17) attached to the tow plate. The actuating assembly comprises a locking element (9) movable between a retaining position and a releasing position. The load transmission unit can be detached from the tow plate when the locking element has been moved to the releasing position. The retaining assembly comprises at least one load sensor adapted for measuring a load acting on the load transmission unit. The tow plate comprises a central data processing unit (30) adapted to move the at least one locking element from the retaining position to the releasing position when the load acting on the load transmission unit measured by the load sensor exceeds a predetermined value. Further, a load extraction system and a method for releasing a load transmission unit are described.