Flexible Vessel Mounting Straps for Load Distribution and Orientation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional aviation fire extinguisher mounting systems require vessels to be oriented at non-optimal discharge angles and concentrate weight-bearing loads on vessel-attached lugs, which can compromise the vessel's integrity.
Innovation Solution
A flexible strap system circumscribing the vessel in multiple directions with overlapping straps and coupling devices to distribute load-bearing lugs, allowing optimal orientation and secure attachment to aircraft structures without damaging the vessel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional vessel-attached mounting lugs are used to support the vessel, then the vessel can be securely mounted to the aircraft structure, but the lugs bear a majority of the vessel's weight causing increased stress and potential compromise of vessel integrity
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system divides the weight-bearing function into multiple independent support points (first and second mounting lugs instead of single lug, multiple attachment points per lug), distributing the vessel weight across multiple locations to reduce stress concentration on any single point of the vessel
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces mounting brackets as intermediary components between the vessel lugs and the aircraft structure. These brackets bear the primary load from the vessel weight, transferring it to the aircraft structure, while the vessel lugs only need to support the weight of the discharge mechanism and hose assembly, significantly reducing the stress on the vessel itself
2Reliability
If vessel-attached lugs are used for mounting, then the vessel can be secured to the structure, but the mounting hardware requires the vessel to be oriented at a non-optimal discharge angle
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system uses adjustable mounting brackets with multiple attachment points and flexible positioning capabilities, allowing the brackets to be configured at various angles and positions to accommodate different discharge angle requirements while maintaining secure vessel mounting
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting brackets are designed as multi-functional components that can adapt to different mounting configurations and orientations, enabling the system to achieve both secure mounting and optimal discharge angle positioning through a single versatile mounting solution
3Strength
If thick vessel walls are used to withstand mounting stress, then vessel integrity is improved, but the overall weight of the vessel increases
Solution Approach 1:
By introducing mounting brackets as intermediary load-bearing components, the system protects the vessel walls from bearing the full mounting stress, allowing the use of thinner, lighter vessel walls while maintaining both vessel integrity and mounting security
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A vessel mounting system for a vehicle includes a first flexible strap configured to circumscribe the vessel in a first direction, a second flexible strap configured to circumscribe the vessel in a second direction such that the second flexible strap and the first flexible strap overlap in at least one location, a strap mating coupler securing the first flexible strap to the second flexible at the at least one location, and at least one coupling device connected to the first flexible strap configured to mate with a structure on the vehicle. Each of the first flexible strap and the second flexible strap includes a plurality of clamp sleeves connected in an end-to-end manner.