Wireless Controllable Carousel Grappling Hook for Multi-Location Payload Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cargo hook devices with single release mechanisms limit helicopters to delivering payloads to a single location per mission, requiring return trips to distribution centers, increasing expense and delivery time, and necessitating attendant personnel for payload attachment and detachment.
Innovation Solution
A controllable cargo hook arm release mechanism with independent arm actuation allows for individual capture and release of loads on each arm, enabling delivery to multiple locations without returning to the central distribution center and allowing unattended payload pickup and release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single release mechanism is used for cargo hook devices, then the device complexity is reduced, but the productivity is limited to single location delivery per mission
Solution Approach 1:
The cargo hook device is divided into multiple independent arm assemblies (first arm assembly, second arm assembly, third arm assembly, fourth arm assembly), each with its own release mechanism. This segmentation allows individual arms to be controlled independently, enabling delivery to multiple locations during a single mission without requiring the entire hook device to be released or controlled as a single unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The release mechanisms are designed to be dynamically controllable through wireless communication, allowing the release state of each arm to be changed in real-time based on mission requirements. The system can transition between different operational states (secured, released, partially released) to optimize delivery efficiency across multiple locations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a single release mechanism is used, then the ease of operation is simplified, but the adaptability is limited to single location delivery
Solution Approach 1:
Each arm assembly is designed with universal functionality to perform both securing and releasing operations independently. The wireless controllable release mechanism provides multi-functional capability, allowing the same mechanism to operate in different modes (single location delivery, multi-location delivery, partial delivery) based on mission requirements without requiring different mechanical configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The traditional mechanical linkage and manual control systems are replaced with wireless electronic control mechanisms. Each arm's release mechanism can be controlled independently through wireless signals, eliminating the need for complex mechanical linkages between arms and simplifying the overall operation while enabling multi-location delivery adaptability.
3Loss of time
If conventional cargo hook devices are used, then the device complexity is low, but the loss of time is increased due to return trips to distribution center
Solution Approach 1:
The cargo hook device is divided into multiple independent arm assemblies (first arm assembly, second arm assembly, third arm assembly, fourth arm assembly), each with its own release mechanism. This segmentation allows individual arms to be controlled independently, enabling delivery to multiple locations during a single mission without requiring the entire hook device to be released or controlled as a single unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The wireless controllable release mechanisms enable continuous operational capability throughout the mission. Arms can be selectively released and re-secured during flight, allowing the helicopter to continue delivering payloads to multiple locations without returning to the distribution center, thereby eliminating idle time and optimizing mission duration.
4Productivity
If conventional cargo hook devices are used, then the ease of manufacture is simpler, but the productivity is reduced due to multiple return trips
Solution Approach 1:
The cargo hook device is divided into multiple independent arm assemblies (first arm assembly, second arm assembly, third arm assembly, fourth arm assembly), each with its own release mechanism. This segmentation allows individual arms to be controlled independently, enabling delivery to multiple locations during a single mission without requiring the entire hook device to be released or controlled as a single unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The release mechanisms are designed to be dynamically controllable through wireless communication, allowing the release state of each arm to be changed in real-time based on mission requirements. The system can transition between different operational states (secured, released, partially released) to optimize delivery efficiency across multiple locations.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is a controllable hook assembly having an actuator operably connected to an arm motor assembly and a drive assembly configured to move independently a plurality of hook arms between an open and closed position capture and release a load. A controller is configured to operate each drive assembly to move the hook arms cooperating with screw threads in said actuator to provide rotation about a pivot point to drive each of the hook arms between an open and a closed position so as to allow for independent actuation of each of the hook arms.