US20010050035A1 - Load drop platform for damping loads during a load drop - Google Patents
Load drop platform for damping loads during a load drop Download PDFInfo
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- US20010050035A1 US20010050035A1 US09/792,051 US79205101A US2001050035A1 US 20010050035 A1 US20010050035 A1 US 20010050035A1 US 79205101 A US79205101 A US 79205101A US 2001050035 A1 US2001050035 A1 US 2001050035A1
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- upper plate
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- parachute
- platform
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- 238000013016 damping Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 27
- 238000000151 deposition Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 35
- 239000002759 woven fabric Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 16
- 230000006835 compression Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 3
- 238000007906 compression Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 3
- 230000001105 regulatory effect Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 3
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 claims description 3
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 claims description 2
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 claims description 2
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 claims description 2
- 230000035939 shock Effects 0.000 claims 3
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims 2
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 4
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000006073 displacement reaction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000002787 reinforcement Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000010008 shearing Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000015572 biosynthetic process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000008859 change Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000009514 concussion Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000035699 permeability Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000003014 reinforcing effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 description 1
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Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B64—AIRCRAFT; AVIATION; COSMONAUTICS
- B64D—EQUIPMENT FOR FITTING IN OR TO AIRCRAFT; FLIGHT SUITS; PARACHUTES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF POWER PLANTS OR PROPULSION TRANSMISSIONS IN AIRCRAFT
- B64D1/00—Dropping, ejecting, releasing, or receiving articles, liquids, or the like, in flight
- B64D1/02—Dropping, ejecting, or releasing articles
- B64D1/08—Dropping, ejecting, or releasing articles the articles being load-carrying devices
- B64D1/14—Absorbing landing shocks
Definitions
- the invention relates to a load drop platform for damping impact forces exerted on a load during a parachute drop from an aircraft.
- Known load drop platforms of this type have a plate to which the load to be dropped (for example, a land vehicle) is securely clamped, and a plurality of damping elements is fitted between the load and the plate. During the impact of the plate with the load, the damping element are irreversibly compressed because of the weight and the inertia force.
- the load to be dropped for example, a land vehicle
- One object of the invention is to provide a single, reusable load drop platform for damping loads during a load drop.
- the load drop platform according to the invention which has a damping mechanism that ensures that sensitive loads can also land without being damaged.
- the load drop platform can be easily manipulated after the landing, so that the load can easily be removed from the platform. It is another advantage that the load depositing platform according to the invention can be reused.
- the load drop platform has an upper plate that is connected with at least one parachute and a lower plate.
- the upper plate and the lower plate are connected with one another by means of a scissor-type linkage, and by at least one damper element having a woven-fabric shell which defines an interior air space therein, so that relative motion of the two plates toward each other causes a compression of the air space.
- the damper element has a passage ring, which has at least one air passage hole therein which permits a regulated flow of air into and out of the interior air space.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective representation of the load depositing platform according to the invention in a moved-apart condition, in which the platform must be shortly before impact on the ground, to ensure a sufficient damping of the carried-along load (the upper plate being shown as transparent);
- FIG. 2 is a perspective representation of the load depositing platform in its retracted condition, the upper plate being drawn to be transparent;
- FIG. 3 is a frontal view (X-direction) of the load depositing platform, which is in its extended position of FIG. 1, with a first embodiment of damping elements;
- FIG. 4 is a frontal view of the load depositing platform of FIG. 3 in its retracted condition
- FIG. 5 is a lateral view (Y-direction) of the load depositing platform of FIG. 1 in its extended condition, with the first embodiment of damping elements;
- FIG. 6 is a view of the load depositing platform in the representation of FIG. 5 in its retracted condition
- FIG. 7 is a view of a first embodiment of the damping element in the extended condition
- FIG. 8 is a view of the damping element of FIG. 7 in its retracted condition
- FIG. 9 is a view of a second embodiment of a damping element in its extended condition
- FIG. 10 is a view of the damping element of FIG. 9 in its retracted condition
- FIG. 11 is a view of a third embodiment of the damping element in its extended condition
- FIG. 12 is a view of the damping element of FIG. 11 in its retracted condition
- FIG. 13 is a view of variants of the air passage ring which is used in the damping elements according to the invention.
- FIG. 14 is a view of a combination of two load depositing platforms according to the invention for depositing larger loads.
- the load depositing platform 1 according to the invention illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 6 is carried by a parachute system from the time of its drop from the aircraft (thus also after a first flight phase) until it touches down on the ground.
- the parachute system can be a self-controlling or remote-controlled paraglider system or a round cap system with one or several parachutes. Such a parachute system is not shown in the figures.
- the load depositing platform 1 has a lower plate 3 and an upper plate 5 .
- FIG. 1 shows a system of coordinates 7 which defines the X- or longitudinal direction, the Y- or lateral direction and the Z- or vertical direction.
- a parachute system is fastened in a conventional manner on the upper plate 5 , so that, viewed from the upper plate 5 , the parachute extended after the drop is in the positive y-direction.
- the lower plate 3 and the upper plate 5 are connected in an extendable or retractable manner by way of a scissor-type linkage, which is constructed to absorb shearing forces (forces in the X/Y-plane).
- a scissor-type linkage which is constructed to absorb shearing forces (forces in the X/Y-plane).
- the scissor-type linkage 9 is preferably constructed of a first pair of struts 11 having a first strut 11 a and a second strut 11 b , and a second pair of struts 12 having a first strut 12 a and a second strut 12 b.
- At least one pair of struts 11 or 12 can be reinforced transversely to the movement of the shears by means of a reinforcement 13 (FIG. 1) in order to stabilize the load depositing platform 1 with respect to shearing forces, during impact.
- the respective first struts 11 a , 12 a are rotatably connected with the respective second struts 11 b and 12 b by way of pivot bearings 14 , 15 provided in the center.
- the two struts of a pair of struts extend parallel to one another; that is, the two struts 11 a , 11 b and 12 a , 12 b of each pair of struts 11 and 12 extend on opposite sides of the lower plate 3 and the upper plate 5 .
- the ends of the first and second pairs of struts 11 , 12 are rotatably disposed in pivot bearings 31 a , 31 b , 33 a , 33 b on the lower plate 3 and the upper plate 5 .
- the ends of the struts 11 a , 11 b and 12 a , 12 b are disposed in links, which are provided in pairs at the ends of the lower and upper plates 3 , 5 . These links compensate for the change of the length component of the individual struts of the pairs of struts 11 , 12 which occurs as a result of the relative Z-displacement of the upper plate 5 to the lower plate 3 .
- the first strut 11 a of the first pair of struts 11 is rotatably disposed by means of its one end in a first pivot bearing 31 a on the upper plate 5 and is rotatably as well as, to a limited extent, longitudinally displaceably disposed by means of its other end in the link 32 a on the lower plate 3 .
- the second strut 11 b of the first pair of struts 11 is disposed by means of a bearing 31 b on the upper plate 5 and by means of a link 32 b (not shown) on the lower plate 3 .
- the pivot bearings 31 a , 31 b , 33 a , 33 b can be interchanged with the links 32 a , 32 b , 34 a , 34 b , as long as the described method of operation is maintained.
- the lower and upper plates 3 , 5 are displaceable in a parallel movement toward and away from one another.
- the scissor-type linkage may also have a different construction according to the prior art, as long as the described method of operation is maintained.
- the links 32 a , 32 b , 34 a , 34 b can be replaced by pivot bearings if the struts of the pairs of struts 11 , 12 have a telescope-type construction, such as by means of concussion springs.
- the scissor-type linkages 9 the upper plate 5 and the lower plate 3 cannot be displaced relative to one another in the X/Y-plane.
- the optional reinforcement 13 provides the scissor-type linkage 9 with additional stability.
- the upper plate 5 and the lower plate 3 can move relative to one another only in the Z-direction.
- damper elements 30 are fastened between the upper plate 5 and the lower plate 3 .
- a total of 4 damper elements 30 a , 30 b , 30 c , 30 d are provided, which are symmetrically arranged between the lower plate 3 and the upper plate 5 .
- two damper elements 30 a , 30 b and 30 c , 30 d respectively are arranged on each side of the reinforcing plate 13 .
- Each damper element 30 has an upper fastening ring 51 and a lower fastening ring 52 (FIGS. 7 - 12 ) which are fastened by means of fastening elements 53 on the upper plate 5 and the lower plate 3 .
- an air-permeable or impermeable woven fabric 35 (in the form of a woven-fabric shell) is fastened, forming an air space between the surfaces of the upper plate 5 and the lower plate 3 bounded by the fastening rings 51 , 52 . Since the plates 3 , 5 can be moved apart, the size of the air space depends on the relative position of the plates 3 , 5 .
- the woven fabric 35 forms a rotationally symmetrical structure.
- the fastening rings 51 and 52 are mounted in an almost airtight manner on the upper plate 5 and the lower plate 3 .
- a passage ring 37 is built into the woven fabric 35 .
- the passage ring 37 has several passage holes 39 which are uniformly distributed along its circumference; when the lower plate 3 and the upper plate 5 move apart, air can flow through holes 39 into the enlarging air space and, when the plates 3 , 5 move together, air can escape from the air space.
- the passage ring 37 can be arranged in the center between the upper fastening ring 51 and the lower fastening ring 52 (FIG. 7). As an alternative, the passage ring 37 can also be arranged in the proximity of the upper fastening ring 51 or the lower fastening ring 52 or directly on these. The last alternative is illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 11. However, the at least one passage hole 39 can also be provided in a different manner on the damper element 30 , thus not on the passage ring 37 , as long as the described function is carried out.
- the fastening rings 51 , 52 may also be eliminated if the woven-fabric shell 35 is directly fastened to the plates 3 , 5 (for example, glued on).
- the woven fabric 35 according to FIG. 7 is composed of several parts which are vulcanized onto one another in an overlapping manner.
- the resulting overlapping struts preferably extend in the longitudinal direction (that is, in the direction of the relative movements of the lower plate 3 and the upper plate 5 ).
- a predictable folding behavior can be achieved as in the case of a bellows-type cylinder.
- the folding can also take place as illustrated in FIG. 9.
- the woven fabric 35 will then form a so-called bellows-type cylinder. It is a disadvantage of this embodiment that a bellows-type cylinder requires high costs and some of its embodiments are less robust than the compared alternatives of FIGS. 7, 8 and 12 , 13 .
- the woven fabric 35 may also have a smooth construction and may be constructed along its height and its circumference in a uniform manner, without folds and in one piece (FIG. 11).
- the woven fabric according to FIG. 11 requires the lowest expenditures but has an unpredictable folding behavior when the damper elements 30 according to the invention are retracted.
- the load depositing platform 1 has several fittings 41 on its upper plate 5 in order to fasten or fixedly clamp the load to be deposited (not shown) on the upper plate 5 .
- the fittings 41 can be arranged in the form of lugs and are preferably arranged in a uniform manner along the edges 42 of the upper plate 5 .
- additional fastening devices or lugs can be provided along the side edges 42 of the upper plate 5 for positioning the load depositing platform 1 .
- the load depositing platform 1 is preferably designed to be coupled with other load depositing platforms of the same construction.
- corresponding fastening and connecting elements are provided along the edges 42 of the upper plate 5 as well as along the edges 43 of the lower plate 5 .
- FIG. 14 shows the coupling of two load depositing platforms 1 according to the invention.
- the load depositing platform 1 is dropped from the aircraft alone or in combination with at least one additional load depositing platform 1 together with the load which is mounted on it and is to be deposited.
- a parachute connected with the upper plate 5 or a parachute system is opened by conventional means. Because a braking force of the parachute or parachutes will then be applied to the upper plate 5 in the positive y-direction, the upper plate 5 and the lower plate 3 are pulled apart. This may also take place only after the unlocking of a locking device (not shown) operating between the lower plate 3 and the upper plate 5 .
- the at least one damper element 30 a , 30 b , 30 c , 30 d is also pulled apart, whereby this damper element or these damper elements are filled with air which flows into the at least one damper element through the at least one passage hole 39 .
- the at least one damper element filled with air causes the required damping of the load since, during this process, air escapes through the at least one passage hole 39 .
- the elasticity of the air as well as the flexibility of the at least one damper element can promote the damping effect.
- the extent of the damping therefore depends on the extent of the air permeability of the woven fabric 35 as well as on the design of the passage ring 37 and the number of the damper elements 30 .
- spring elements such as gas pressure springs, can be arranged between the lower plate 3 and the upper plate 5 .
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Aviation & Aerospace Engineering (AREA)
- Vibration Prevention Devices (AREA)
- Vibration Dampers (AREA)
- Refuge Islands, Traffic Blockers, Or Guard Fence (AREA)
Abstract
A load depositing platform for damping impact forces exerted on a load during a parachute drop has an upper plate that is connected with at least one parachute and a lower plate. The upper plate and the lower plate are connected with one another by means of a scissor-type linkage, and by at least one damper element having a woven-fabric shell which defines an interior air space therein, so that relative motion of the two plates toward each other causes a compression of air space. The damper element has a passage ring, which has at least one air passage hole therein which permits a regulated flow of air into and out of the interior air space.
Description
- This application claims the priority of German patent document 100 08 915.1, filed Feb. 25, 2000, the disclosure of which is expressly incorporated by reference herein.
- The invention relates to a load drop platform for damping impact forces exerted on a load during a parachute drop from an aircraft.
- Known load drop platforms of this type have a plate to which the load to be dropped (for example, a land vehicle) is securely clamped, and a plurality of damping elements is fitted between the load and the plate. During the impact of the plate with the load, the damping element are irreversibly compressed because of the weight and the inertia force.
- One disadvantage of such known load drop platforms is that, at points at which the load rests on the plate, the damping elements must be mechanically locked in place between the plate and the load in order to absorb directly the forces acting at the time of the impact of the load drop platform on the ground, and to prevent the load from having unfavorable clearance of motion on the plate. Another disadvantage is that the damping elements cannot be reused. In addition, it is also a disadvantage that the achievable damping depends on the shape of the load to be mounted on the plate. As a result, the achieved damping during the impact of the pallet on the ground cannot be predicted sufficiently precisely, so that unnecessarily high damping expenditures are required to ensure sufficient safety.
- One object of the invention is to provide a single, reusable load drop platform for damping loads during a load drop.
- This and other objects and advantages are achieved by the load drop platform according to the invention, which has a damping mechanism that ensures that sensitive loads can also land without being damaged. The load drop platform can be easily manipulated after the landing, so that the load can easily be removed from the platform. It is another advantage that the load depositing platform according to the invention can be reused.
- The load drop platform according to the invention has an upper plate that is connected with at least one parachute and a lower plate. The upper plate and the lower plate are connected with one another by means of a scissor-type linkage, and by at least one damper element having a woven-fabric shell which defines an interior air space therein, so that relative motion of the two plates toward each other causes a compression of the air space. The damper element has a passage ring, which has at least one air passage hole therein which permits a regulated flow of air into and out of the interior air space.
- Other objects, advantages and novel features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the invention when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective representation of the load depositing platform according to the invention in a moved-apart condition, in which the platform must be shortly before impact on the ground, to ensure a sufficient damping of the carried-along load (the upper plate being shown as transparent);
- FIG. 2 is a perspective representation of the load depositing platform in its retracted condition, the upper plate being drawn to be transparent;
- FIG. 3 is a frontal view (X-direction) of the load depositing platform, which is in its extended position of FIG. 1, with a first embodiment of damping elements;
- FIG. 4 is a frontal view of the load depositing platform of FIG. 3 in its retracted condition;
- FIG. 5 is a lateral view (Y-direction) of the load depositing platform of FIG. 1 in its extended condition, with the first embodiment of damping elements;
- FIG. 6 is a view of the load depositing platform in the representation of FIG. 5 in its retracted condition;
- FIG. 7 is a view of a first embodiment of the damping element in the extended condition;
- FIG. 8 is a view of the damping element of FIG. 7 in its retracted condition;
- FIG. 9 is a view of a second embodiment of a damping element in its extended condition;
- FIG. 10 is a view of the damping element of FIG. 9 in its retracted condition;
- FIG. 11 is a view of a third embodiment of the damping element in its extended condition;
- FIG. 12 is a view of the damping element of FIG. 11 in its retracted condition;
- FIG. 13 is a view of variants of the air passage ring which is used in the damping elements according to the invention; and
- FIG. 14 is a view of a combination of two load depositing platforms according to the invention for depositing larger loads.
- The load depositing
platform 1 according to the invention illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 6 is carried by a parachute system from the time of its drop from the aircraft (thus also after a first flight phase) until it touches down on the ground. The parachute system can be a self-controlling or remote-controlled paraglider system or a round cap system with one or several parachutes. Such a parachute system is not shown in the figures. - The load depositing
platform 1 has alower plate 3 and anupper plate 5. To define the directions used herein, FIG. 1 shows a system ofcoordinates 7 which defines the X- or longitudinal direction, the Y- or lateral direction and the Z- or vertical direction. A parachute system is fastened in a conventional manner on theupper plate 5, so that, viewed from theupper plate 5, the parachute extended after the drop is in the positive y-direction. - The
lower plate 3 and theupper plate 5 are connected in an extendable or retractable manner by way of a scissor-type linkage, which is constructed to absorb shearing forces (forces in the X/Y-plane). As a result, during the impact of the load depositing platform according to the invention, such forces cannot lead to a displacement of theupper plate 5 in the X- or Y-direction relative to thelower plate 3 and a consumption of the entire load depositingplatform formation 1 during the landing. The scissor-type linkage 9 is preferably constructed of a first pair ofstruts 11 having afirst strut 11 a and a second strut 11 b, and a second pair ofstruts 12 having a first strut 12 a and a second strut 12 b. - At least one pair of
struts platform 1 with respect to shearing forces, during impact. The respectivefirst struts 11 a, 12 a are rotatably connected with the respective second struts 11 b and 12 b by way ofpivot bearings 14, 15 provided in the center. In each case, the two struts of a pair of struts extend parallel to one another; that is, the twostruts 11 a, 11 b and 12 a, 12 b of each pair ofstruts lower plate 3 and theupper plate 5. - On the
forward side 21 of the load depositingplatform 1, the ends of the first and second pairs ofstruts pivot bearings 31 a, 31 b, 33 a,33 b on thelower plate 3 and theupper plate 5. On therearward side 22 of the load depositing platform 1 (situated opposite the forward side 21), the ends of thestruts 11 a, 11 b and 12 a, 12 b are disposed in links, which are provided in pairs at the ends of the lower andupper plates struts upper plate 5 to thelower plate 3. - The
first strut 11 a of the first pair ofstruts 11 is rotatably disposed by means of its one end in a first pivot bearing 31 a on theupper plate 5 and is rotatably as well as, to a limited extent, longitudinally displaceably disposed by means of its other end in thelink 32 a on thelower plate 3. Analogously, the second strut 11 b of the first pair ofstruts 11 is disposed by means of a bearing 31 b on theupper plate 5 and by means of a link 32 b (not shown) on thelower plate 3. The first and second struts 12 a, 12 b of the second pair ofstruts 12 disposed at one end in respective pivot bearings 33 a and 33 b on thelower plate 3, while their other ends, are disposed in corresponding links 34 a and 34 b, to a limited extent, longitudinally displaceably, and rotatably on theupper plate 5. Thepivot bearings 31 a, 31 b, 33 a, 33 b can be interchanged with thelinks 32 a, 32 b, 34 a, 34 b, as long as the described method of operation is maintained. - As a result of the described scissor-
type linkage 9, the lower andupper plates links 32 a, 32 b, 34 a, 34 b can be replaced by pivot bearings if the struts of the pairs ofstruts type linkages 9, theupper plate 5 and thelower plate 3 cannot be displaced relative to one another in the X/Y-plane. Theoptional reinforcement 13 provides the scissor-type linkage 9 with additional stability. - The
upper plate 5 and thelower plate 3 can move relative to one another only in the Z-direction.Several damper elements 30 are fastened between theupper plate 5 and thelower plate 3. In the described embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 6, a total of 4damper elements lower plate 3 and theupper plate 5. In this case, twodamper elements plate 13. - Each
damper element 30 has anupper fastening ring 51 and a lower fastening ring 52 (FIGS. 7-12) which are fastened by means of fastening elements 53 on theupper plate 5 and thelower plate 3. Along the circumference of theupper fastening ring 51 and thelower fastening ring 52, an air-permeable or impermeable woven fabric 35 (in the form of a woven-fabric shell) is fastened, forming an air space between the surfaces of theupper plate 5 and thelower plate 3 bounded by thefastening rings plates plates plates woven fabric 35 forms a rotationally symmetrical structure. In this case, the fastening rings 51 and 52 are mounted in an almost airtight manner on theupper plate 5 and thelower plate 3. - In the area between the
upper fastening ring 51 and thelower fastening ring 52, apassage ring 37 is built into the wovenfabric 35. Thepassage ring 37 has several passage holes 39 which are uniformly distributed along its circumference; when thelower plate 3 and theupper plate 5 move apart, air can flow throughholes 39 into the enlarging air space and, when theplates - The
passage ring 37 can be arranged in the center between theupper fastening ring 51 and the lower fastening ring 52 (FIG. 7). As an alternative, thepassage ring 37 can also be arranged in the proximity of theupper fastening ring 51 or thelower fastening ring 52 or directly on these. The last alternative is illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 11. However, the at least onepassage hole 39 can also be provided in a different manner on thedamper element 30, thus not on thepassage ring 37, as long as the described function is carried out. The fastening rings 51, 52 may also be eliminated if the woven-fabric shell 35 is directly fastened to theplates 3, 5 (for example, glued on). - The woven
fabric 35 according to FIG. 7 is composed of several parts which are vulcanized onto one another in an overlapping manner. The resulting overlapping struts preferably extend in the longitudinal direction (that is, in the direction of the relative movements of thelower plate 3 and the upper plate 5). As a result, a predictable folding behavior can be achieved as in the case of a bellows-type cylinder. However, the folding can also take place as illustrated in FIG. 9. In the extended condition, the wovenfabric 35 will then form a so-called bellows-type cylinder. It is a disadvantage of this embodiment that a bellows-type cylinder requires high costs and some of its embodiments are less robust than the compared alternatives of FIGS. 7, 8 and 12, 13. The wovenfabric 35 may also have a smooth construction and may be constructed along its height and its circumference in a uniform manner, without folds and in one piece (FIG. 11). The woven fabric according to FIG. 11 requires the lowest expenditures but has an unpredictable folding behavior when thedamper elements 30 according to the invention are retracted. - The
load depositing platform 1 according to the invention hasseveral fittings 41 on itsupper plate 5 in order to fasten or fixedly clamp the load to be deposited (not shown) on theupper plate 5. Thefittings 41 can be arranged in the form of lugs and are preferably arranged in a uniform manner along theedges 42 of theupper plate 5. Furthermore, additional fastening devices or lugs can be provided along the side edges 42 of theupper plate 5 for positioning theload depositing platform 1. - The
load depositing platform 1 is preferably designed to be coupled with other load depositing platforms of the same construction. For this purpose, corresponding fastening and connecting elements are provided along theedges 42 of theupper plate 5 as well as along theedges 43 of thelower plate 5. FIG. 14 shows the coupling of twoload depositing platforms 1 according to the invention. - During operation, the
load depositing platform 1 according to the invention is dropped from the aircraft alone or in combination with at least one additionalload depositing platform 1 together with the load which is mounted on it and is to be deposited. Within a defined time period or within a defined altitude range, a parachute connected with theupper plate 5 or a parachute system is opened by conventional means. Because a braking force of the parachute or parachutes will then be applied to theupper plate 5 in the positive y-direction, theupper plate 5 and thelower plate 3 are pulled apart. This may also take place only after the unlocking of a locking device (not shown) operating between thelower plate 3 and theupper plate 5. As a result of the pulling-apart of theplates damper element passage hole 39. - When the
depositing platform 1 with the load impacts on the ground, the at least one damper element filled with air causes the required damping of the load since, during this process, air escapes through the at least onepassage hole 39. In this case the elasticity of the air as well as the flexibility of the at least one damper element can promote the damping effect. The extent of the damping therefore depends on the extent of the air permeability of the wovenfabric 35 as well as on the design of thepassage ring 37 and the number of thedamper elements 30. - In order to adapt or improve the effect achieved by the damper elements, spring elements, such as gas pressure springs, can be arranged between the
lower plate 3 and theupper plate 5. - The foregoing disclosure has been set forth merely to illustrate the invention and is not intended to be limiting. Since modifications of the disclosed embodiments incorporating the spirit and substance of the invention may occur to persons skilled in the art, the invention should be construed to include everything within the scope of the appended claims and equivalents thereof.
Claims (12)
1. A load depositing platform for damping impact forces exerted on a load during a load drop, said platform comprising:
an upper plate for receiving the load;
a lower touch-down plate;
at least one air damper element arranged between the upper plate and the touch-down plate, the at least one air damper element having a shell made of a flexible material which forms an interior space and which is fastened on the upper plate at one extremity and on the touch-down plate at an opposite extremity, and having lateral passage openings, whereby a volume of the interior space changes as a function of relative positioning of the upper plate with respect to the touch-down plate, so that air flows into the interior space when the distance of the plates from one another is increased, and is displaced from the interior space for achieving a damping effect when the plates are pressed together; and
a scissor-type linkage which connects the upper and lower plates such that they can be moved relative to one another only along a direction toward or away from each other, the upper plate being connected with a parachute which opens during a load drop so that a braking force of the parachute acting upon the upper plate pulls the plates apart.
2. The load depositing platform according to , wherein the at least one parachute is a self-controlling or a remote-controlled paraglider system.
claim 1
3. The load depositing platform according to , wherein the at least one parachute is a round-cap system with at least one parachute.
claim 1
4. The load depositing platform according to , wherein:
claim 1
the shell of the air damper element is a rotationally symmetrical hollow body, with faces bounded by a woven-fabric; and
the shell has a passage ring in which the passage openings are provided.
5. The load depositing platform according to , wherein:
claim 1
the woven-fabric shell is fastened on the upper and on lower plates by means of respective fastening rings and is constructed uniformly along a circumference and height of the damper element; and
the passage ring is arranged beside a first one of the fastening rings.
6. The load depositing platform according to , wherein another passage ring is provided on a second one of the fastening rings.
claim 5
7. The load depositing platform according to , wherein the damper element is constructed as a bellows-type cylinder.
claim 1
8. The load depositing platform according to , wherein:
claim 4
the woven fabric is formed of parts which are vulcanized to and overlap one another in order to achieve, during a compression of the damper element , a predefined folding-together of the woven fabric; and
the passage ring is arranged between the upper fastening ring and the lower fastening ring.
9. The load depositing platform according to , wherein at least one of the upper and lower plates is provided with fastening devices on at least one of its side edges for fastening another load depositing platform thereto.
claim 1
10. A shock absorbing platform for absorbing impact forces exerted on a load mounted on the platform, comprising:
an upper plate for supporting the load;
a lower plate disposed parallel to the upper plate;
a scissor linkage coupling the upper plate to the lower plate and confining relative motion of the upper and lower plates to a movement axis perpendicular thereto, whereby the upper and lower plates can move only toward or away from each other; and
at least one damper element connected between the upper and lower plates, said damper comprising an outer shell made of a flexible material that encloses an interior space, with a passage hole for regulating air flow into and out of the interior space.
11. A shock absorbing platform for absorbing impact forces exerted on a load mounted on the platform according to , wherein said scissor linkage comprises first and second pairs of struts, two such struts being pivotably connected to each of opposite edges of the upper and lower plates, a first end of each strut being pivotably coupled to one of the upper and lower plates and a second end of each strut being translatably coupled to one of the upper and lower plates.
claim 10
12. A shock absorbing platform for absorbing impact forces exerted on a load mounted on the platform according to , wherein said upper plate is connectable to a parachute, whereby deceleration forces exerted by the parachute during operation act only on the upper plate, pulling the plates apart.
claim 10
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
DE10008915A DE10008915B4 (en) | 2000-02-25 | 2000-02-25 | Load transfer platform for damping loads when shedding loads |
DE10008915.1 | 2000-02-25 | ||
DE10008915 | 2000-02-25 |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20010050035A1 true US20010050035A1 (en) | 2001-12-13 |
US6431088B2 US6431088B2 (en) | 2002-08-13 |
Family
ID=7632411
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US09/792,051 Expired - Fee Related US6431088B2 (en) | 2000-02-25 | 2001-02-26 | Load drop platform for damping loads during a load drop |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US6431088B2 (en) |
EP (1) | EP1127787A3 (en) |
DE (1) | DE10008915B4 (en) |
Cited By (12)
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US20030010967A1 (en) * | 2001-06-08 | 2003-01-16 | Enochs Steven E. | Projector lift |
US8418631B2 (en) * | 2010-08-26 | 2013-04-16 | Oria Collapsibles, Llc | Pallet design with buoyant characteristics |
US20130193272A1 (en) * | 2012-01-31 | 2013-08-01 | Roy L. Fox, Jr. | Expendable aerial delivery system |
US8522694B2 (en) | 2008-06-20 | 2013-09-03 | Oria Collapsibles, Llc | Structural supporting pallet construction with improved perimeter impact absorbing capabilities |
US8701569B2 (en) | 2008-06-20 | 2014-04-22 | Oria Collapsibles, Llc | Pallet design with structural reinforcement |
US20160075437A1 (en) * | 2014-09-17 | 2016-03-17 | Airborne Systems Limited | Aerial delivery platforms |
US9670039B1 (en) | 2011-06-03 | 2017-06-06 | Draper, Inc. | Projector lift |
US10059487B2 (en) * | 2016-09-30 | 2018-08-28 | Solee Science & Technology U.S.A | Vibration isolation pallet |
KR101910955B1 (en) * | 2018-04-27 | 2018-10-23 | 주식회사 대한폴리머 | buffer type pallet using rubber tube and sponge ball |
KR102001023B1 (en) * | 2019-01-25 | 2019-07-17 | 이건승 | Vibration reduction type of pallet |
US10427788B1 (en) * | 2016-11-17 | 2019-10-01 | U.S. Government As Represented By The Secretary Of The Army | Airdrop platform integrated outrigger |
US10583960B2 (en) * | 2018-06-22 | 2020-03-10 | International Business Machines Corporation | Selectively height adjustable shipping pallet |
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WO2006009225A1 (en) * | 2004-07-23 | 2006-01-26 | Asahi Glass Company, Limited | Plate-like body packaging box, plate-like body carrying method, and plate-like body loading and unloading method |
US9675508B2 (en) * | 2014-08-25 | 2017-06-13 | Shawn Anthony Hall | Apparatus for lifting a chair |
US9616798B2 (en) | 2015-01-28 | 2017-04-11 | Fuelie Systems, Inc. | Portable fuel storage device |
WO2019178315A1 (en) | 2018-03-16 | 2019-09-19 | Fuelie Systems, Inc. | Fuel storage and dispensing device |
RU2727534C1 (en) * | 2019-08-16 | 2020-07-22 | Федеральное государственное казенное военное образовательное учреждение высшего образования "Рязанское гвардейское высшее воздушно-десантное ордена Суворова дважды Краснознаменное командное училище имени генерала армии В.Ф. Маргелова" Министерства обороны Российской Федерации | Parachute platform |
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- 2001-02-22 EP EP01103620A patent/EP1127787A3/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2001-02-26 US US09/792,051 patent/US6431088B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
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US8590851B2 (en) * | 2001-06-08 | 2013-11-26 | Draper, Inc. | Projector lift |
US8522694B2 (en) | 2008-06-20 | 2013-09-03 | Oria Collapsibles, Llc | Structural supporting pallet construction with improved perimeter impact absorbing capabilities |
US8701569B2 (en) | 2008-06-20 | 2014-04-22 | Oria Collapsibles, Llc | Pallet design with structural reinforcement |
US8418631B2 (en) * | 2010-08-26 | 2013-04-16 | Oria Collapsibles, Llc | Pallet design with buoyant characteristics |
US10240717B1 (en) | 2011-06-03 | 2019-03-26 | Draper, Inc. | Projector lift |
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US10928002B1 (en) | 2011-06-03 | 2021-02-23 | Draper, Inc. | Projector lift |
US8864080B2 (en) * | 2012-01-31 | 2014-10-21 | Roy L Fox, Jr. | Expendable aerial delivery system |
US20130193272A1 (en) * | 2012-01-31 | 2013-08-01 | Roy L. Fox, Jr. | Expendable aerial delivery system |
US20160075437A1 (en) * | 2014-09-17 | 2016-03-17 | Airborne Systems Limited | Aerial delivery platforms |
EP3006335A1 (en) * | 2014-09-17 | 2016-04-13 | Airborne Systems Limited | Aerial delivery platforms |
US10077114B2 (en) * | 2014-09-17 | 2018-09-18 | Irvingq Limited | Aerial delivery platforms |
US10059487B2 (en) * | 2016-09-30 | 2018-08-28 | Solee Science & Technology U.S.A | Vibration isolation pallet |
US10427788B1 (en) * | 2016-11-17 | 2019-10-01 | U.S. Government As Represented By The Secretary Of The Army | Airdrop platform integrated outrigger |
KR101910955B1 (en) * | 2018-04-27 | 2018-10-23 | 주식회사 대한폴리머 | buffer type pallet using rubber tube and sponge ball |
US10583960B2 (en) * | 2018-06-22 | 2020-03-10 | International Business Machines Corporation | Selectively height adjustable shipping pallet |
KR102001023B1 (en) * | 2019-01-25 | 2019-07-17 | 이건승 | Vibration reduction type of pallet |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US6431088B2 (en) | 2002-08-13 |
EP1127787A2 (en) | 2001-08-29 |
EP1127787A3 (en) | 2003-01-02 |
DE10008915A1 (en) | 2001-09-13 |
DE10008915B4 (en) | 2004-07-22 |
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