WO2009134500A1 - Appareil de transport aérien amélioré - Google Patents

Appareil de transport aérien amélioré Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2009134500A1
WO2009134500A1 PCT/US2009/033257 US2009033257W WO2009134500A1 WO 2009134500 A1 WO2009134500 A1 WO 2009134500A1 US 2009033257 W US2009033257 W US 2009033257W WO 2009134500 A1 WO2009134500 A1 WO 2009134500A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
aircraft
cargo
alloy
pounds
load
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2009/033257
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Ken Spencer
Todd Humbert
Original Assignee
Columbia Helicopters, Inc.
Amsafe
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Columbia Helicopters, Inc., Amsafe filed Critical Columbia Helicopters, Inc.
Publication of WO2009134500A1 publication Critical patent/WO2009134500A1/fr

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B66—HOISTING; LIFTING; HAULING
    • B66C—CRANES; LOAD-ENGAGING ELEMENTS OR DEVICES FOR CRANES, CAPSTANS, WINCHES, OR TACKLES
    • B66C1/00—Load-engaging elements or devices attached to lifting or lowering gear of cranes or adapted for connection therewith for transmitting lifting forces to articles or groups of articles
    • B66C1/10—Load-engaging elements or devices attached to lifting or lowering gear of cranes or adapted for connection therewith for transmitting lifting forces to articles or groups of articles by mechanical means
    • B66C1/22—Rigid members, e.g. L-shaped members, with parts engaging the under surface of the loads; Crane hooks
    • B66C1/34—Crane hooks

Definitions

  • the invention relates to the field of systems for securing and transporting cargo external to an aircraft. Description of Related Art
  • the cargo-carrying capability of aircraft is limited to cargo having overall external dimensions that are compatible with the dimensions of the aircraft cargo door(s), i.e., that can be loaded through the cargo door(s). Pragmatically, therefore, oversized cargo (external dimensions greater than the cargo door dimensions) or cargo having unusual external dimensions/configurations cannot be transported internally within the aircraft.
  • Various aerial transport systems are known that utilize an external securement system for transportation of larger loads.
  • Helicopters in particular, are often adapted for use in the transportation of large or bulky goods externally to the craft, such as timber, vehicles, and particularly large cargo containers.
  • Typical underslung load hooks are capable of carrying external loads of at least 10,000 pounds.
  • United States Patent No. 6, 167,928, discloses a method of logging a tree utilizing a logging tool with a body having a connection for a lifting device using a hook.
  • a guide extends vertically downwards away from the body when the tool is connected only to the lifting device.
  • United States Patent No. 5,850,991 teaches a mechanical emergency dual-release mechanism for an external cargo hook system of an aircraft, where the hook assembly is operative to jettison an externally-attached cargo.
  • the cabin pulley assembly is functionally interconnected to the cargo hook assembly and operative in response to a mechanical stimulus generated by means of the cockpit pulley assembly or the cabin pulley assembly to activate the cargo hook assembly to jettison the externally-attached cargo.
  • These and other related hook assemblies typically include a release that is actuable from the aircraft, which can be electric, manual, or both.
  • An external cargo hook system allows oversized cargo or cargo having unusual external dimensions/configurations to be readily transported by the aircraft. While an external cargo hook system does enhance the versatility of the aircraft, it also poses some considerations that impact the overall design of the aircraft.
  • One disadvantage of the systems is that the components add both weight and drag to the aircraft. Drag is a particular problem for aircrafts that are capable of high speed flight, and the problem is magnified where the aircraft pendent guide lines and hooks are attached. Externally-attached cargo is typically suspended some distance below the aircraft such that the aircraft and its externally-attached cargo in effect define a pendent, or pendulum system, with the aircraft acting as the fixed support for the pendent. The weight and bulk of this system can reduce the speed and or add enough to the weight of the aircraft to decrease fuel efficiency.
  • the added weight is particularly problematic for aircraft systems that are only occasionally employed in the transport of cargo, yet are required to carry a cargo assembly at all times. In this situation, the assembly can add considerable weight, even when stowed on board the aircraft, and decrease the fuel efficiency of the aircraft in normal operation.
  • This invention provides a cargo hook apparatus for securing cargo external to an aircraft for transportation, the apparatus comprising, pendent sling means, an attachment for securing the pendent sling means to the aircraft, and a cargo hook assembly, where the cargo hook assembly comprises a high-strength, lightweight alloy, and where the cargo hook assembly weighs less than about 55 pounds.
  • the disengage unit can support a load of at least about 22,000 pounds during transportation at aircraft speeds of at least about 100 knots. In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the disengage unit can support a load of at least about 24,000 pounds. In a still further preferred embodiment of the invention, the disengage unit can support a load of at least about 26,000 pounds.
  • the disengage unit of the apparatus can support the load at aircraft speeds of at least about 150 knots. In further such preferred embodiment, the disengage unit can support the load at aircraft speeds of at least about 200 knots.
  • the disengage unit weighs less than about 50 pounds. In a different aspect of this preferred embodiment, the disengage unit weighs less than about 45 pounds.
  • the alloy is an aluminum alloy.
  • the aluminum alloy is selected from the group of aluminum alloys consisting of as ⁇ -titanium aluminides and aluminum-metal-matrix-composites.
  • the alloy is high tensile strength steel alloy.
  • the alloy is high tensile strength titanium-based alloy.
  • the aircraft is a helicopter.
  • the aircraft is an airplane, hi a preferred such aspect, the airplane is a propeller powered aircraft. In a different preferred aspect, the airplane is a jet powered aircraft.
  • Figure 1 illustrates an external cargo hook system adapted for use in carrying an external load by an aircraft.
  • Figure 2 is a side plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a cargo hook assembly of an external cargo hook system.
  • Figure 3 is a perspective view of the cargo hook assembly of Figure 2.
  • Figure 4 is a second perspective view of the cargo hook assembly of Figure [0024]
  • Figure 5 is a view of the main body of the hook assembly minus the load arm.
  • Figure 6 is a plan view of the first side plate used in production of the main body of the hook assembly.
  • Figure 7 is a front edge view of the first side plate in Figure 6.
  • Figure 8 is a plan view of the central spacer used in production of the main body.
  • the products and methods of the present invention provide an external cargo sling assembly for an aircraft that achieves goals of combinations of strength required for commercial and military cargo transport systems, and is also lightweight enough to be used with various aircraft systems, including on high speed aircrafts used for emergency and military applications.
  • Figure 1 exemplarily illustrates an external cargo hook system 100 as integrated in combination with an aircraft, which could be a helicopter, 102, for carrying a cargo load 104.
  • the external cargo hook system 100 comprises a swivel attachment 106, a series of pendent guide lines 108, and a cargo hook assembly 110.
  • the cargo hook assembly 110 is configured to allow cargo 104 to be attached externally to the aircraft for transport thereof, with release systems to facilitate the immediate jettison of externally-attached cargo 104 in the event of an emergency situation.
  • the cargo hook assembly 110 can accommodate cargo 104 having a maximum weight of about 12,500 kilograms (26,000 pounds), and also accommodates a predetermined range of longitudinal and lateral motion of the externally-attached cargo 104 during flight operations.
  • the emergency cargo-release subsystem 112 is a manually operated subsystem, e.g., a manually-actuated release, that includes a cockpit actuation mechanism.
  • a manually-actuated release that includes a cockpit actuation mechanism.
  • Various emergency cargo-release systems are known to the art, and are operative to allow the flight crew, i.e., pilot or co-pilot, to manually actuate the cargo hook assembly 110 to immediately disengage the externally-attached cargo 104, i.e., jettison the externally- attached cargo 104, in an emergency situation.
  • the present invention is described with respect to external cargo hook systems 100 that are designed to allow the cargo hook assembly 110 to be stowed within the aircraft airframe when the external cargo hook system 100 is not being utilized. Stowage of the cargo hook assembly 110 when not in use allows the helicopter 102, or other aircraft, to be operated with a cleaner aerodynamic profile, i.e., less profile drag, thereby enhancing the operating efficiency of the aircraft 102, e.g., higher operating flight speeds, lower fuel consumption.
  • the cargo hook assembly 110 comprises a main body 130 and a disengage unit 132.
  • the disengage unit 132 comprises a load arm 134, and a keeper 136.
  • the disengage unit 132 is operative to facilitate the attachment of cargo 104 in combination with the cargo hook assembly 110 for subsequent transport of such cargo 104.
  • the keeper 136 mechanically interacts with the load arm 134 to preclude the attached cargo 104 from inadvertently disengaging from the cargo hook assembly 110 during transport of such cargo 104.
  • the disengage unit 132 is connected with the emergency cargo-release subsystem 112, in an arrangement that controls the status of the keeper 136 in combination with the cargo hook assembly 110.
  • the disengage unit 132 is operative, in response to mechanical actuation (from the primary emergency cargo-release subsystem 112) to automatically disengage/jettison cargo 104.
  • the subsystem 112 generally comprises a pulley axle 140 and a cable connector 142, with a pulley return spring (not shown) operative to return the pulley axle 140 to a releasing position.
  • a cockpit control cable will secured through the cable router 144, and routed to the helicopter 102, so that the other end thereof terminates in an actuating device or mechanism, e.g., a release handle (not shown), in the cockpit.
  • Manual actuation of the cockpit release handle by the pilot or copilot results in a physical displacement of the cockpit control cable that causes a corresponding rotation of the pulley axle 140.
  • the pulley axle 140 is operative to bias the subsystem back to the neutral position.
  • main body 130 is assembled from component parts, including first and second side plates 150 and 152, and a central spacer 160.
  • Figure 6 shows a plan view of the first side plate 150.
  • Second side plate 152 is a mirror image of first side plate 150.
  • Plate 150 includes a top hole 154 for securing to the swivel 106.
  • a middle hole 156 is fitted to the emergency cargo-release subsystem 112.
  • Figure 7 is a front edge view of the first plate 150, showing the reduction in weight produced by scaling down the width of material used in the central region, with thicker material applied over the load bearing sections.
  • Figure 8 is a view showing the central spacer 160, which is affixed between the first and second side plates 150 and 152 in the production of the main body.
  • the central spacer 160 utilizes a minimal amount of material. There is sufficient material left to engage the periphery of the side plates 150 and 152, however, providing reinforcement to the load bearing regions to provide the strength and durability required for the expected loads of the assembly 110. These regions mainly comprise the swivel assembly attachment at hole 154, and the location for attachment of the load arm 134 at hole 158.
  • the cargo hook assembly 110 is produced of lightweight materials, particularly as to the hook assembly main body 130, load arm 134 and keeper 136. It is now observed that a cargo hook assembly 110 of sufficient strength to support a cargo 104 load of 26,000 pounds and more can be obtained in a hook assembly 110 of as little as 45 pounds total weight, or less.
  • the components materials employed are high strength metal alloys, preferably having a relatively low density. The use of high strength materials such as ⁇ - titanium aluminides as well as aluminum-metal-matrix-composites, and the like, are particularly appropriate materials for this purpose. 7075-T6 aluminum alloy is a preferred material for forming the main body side plates 150 and 152 and central spacer 160.
  • cargo hook assembly 110 that reduces the weight required to be carried by an aircraft.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Load-Engaging Elements For Cranes (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention porte sur un appareil d'accrochage de cargaison pour arrimer une cargaison extérieure à un avion pour le transport, l'appareil comportant un moyen formant élingue pendante, une fixation pour fixer le moyen formant élingue pendante à l'avion, et un ensemble crochet de cargaison, l'ensemble crochet de cargaison comportant un alliage de haute résistance et de faible poids, et l'ensemble crochet de cargaison pesant moins d'environ 55 livres.
PCT/US2009/033257 2008-02-05 2009-02-05 Appareil de transport aérien amélioré WO2009134500A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US2645708P 2008-02-05 2008-02-05
US61/026,457 2008-02-05

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2009134500A1 true WO2009134500A1 (fr) 2009-11-05

Family

ID=41255343

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US2009/033257 WO2009134500A1 (fr) 2008-02-05 2009-02-05 Appareil de transport aérien amélioré

Country Status (1)

Country Link
WO (1) WO2009134500A1 (fr)

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3561809A (en) * 1967-12-29 1971-02-09 Boeing Co High torque cargo hook
US5190331A (en) * 1991-01-30 1993-03-02 Sky-Hook, Inc. Helicopter hook-up and static electric discharge device
US5593113A (en) * 1995-02-06 1997-01-14 Cox; Donald P. Methods and apparatus for selectively attaching and releasing multiple payloads suspended from an aircraft
US6296288B1 (en) * 1998-06-25 2001-10-02 Jon E. Khachaturian Spreader bar apparatus
US20080011902A1 (en) * 2006-04-10 2008-01-17 Fox Roy L Jr Sling Release Mechanism

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3561809A (en) * 1967-12-29 1971-02-09 Boeing Co High torque cargo hook
US5190331A (en) * 1991-01-30 1993-03-02 Sky-Hook, Inc. Helicopter hook-up and static electric discharge device
US5593113A (en) * 1995-02-06 1997-01-14 Cox; Donald P. Methods and apparatus for selectively attaching and releasing multiple payloads suspended from an aircraft
US6296288B1 (en) * 1998-06-25 2001-10-02 Jon E. Khachaturian Spreader bar apparatus
US20080011902A1 (en) * 2006-04-10 2008-01-17 Fox Roy L Jr Sling Release Mechanism

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