Under-pallet Outriggers for Airdrop Tip-over Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Airdrop devices face challenges in reducing tip-over and maximizing cargo space, as traditional outriggers placed on top of the payload reduce available space and can cause the payload to interact adversely with the aircraft during delivery.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of outriggers positioned under a pallet that swing downward and outward or laterally from the pallet upon airdrop, allowing for a more compact design and reduced risk of tip-over, combined with the use of compressible airbags or honeycomb cardboard for impact absorption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If outriggers are placed on top of the payload to prevent tip-over, then roll-over protection is improved, but cargo space is reduced and the payload may interact adversely with the aircraft
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional outrigger placement from top-of-pallet to underneath the pallet. The outrigger main bodies are positioned under the pallet with fingers extending outward, and the system utilizes the center of gravity passing over the cargo bay edge to swing the outriggers downward and outward automatically during airdrop, eliminating the need for top-mounted structures while maintaining roll-over protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The outrigger system transitions from a static top-mounted structure to a dynamic under-pallet mechanism that automatically deploys. During airdrop, as the center of gravity passes over the cargo bay ramp edge, the platform teeters causing the outriggers to swing downward and outward, providing active roll-over protection only when needed during the critical delivery phase.
2Reliability
If protective materials are placed below the payload to absorb impact, then payload protection from ground impact is improved, but the height required reduces cargo bay space availability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves the protective function from the vertical dimension (thick materials below payload) to the horizontal dimension (outriggers extending outward). By positioning outrigger fingers laterally beyond the pallet edges, the system creates a stable base that prevents roll-over without requiring increased vertical height, thus preserving cargo bay space while maintaining protection effectiveness.
Data Source
AI summary
An airdrop platform is provided that includes a pallet. Under the pallet are a first outrigger main body and a second outrigger main body. The first outrigger main body and second main body each include at least one outrigger finger. When airdropped, the outrigger main bodies and outrigger fingers are configured to move from under the pallet.