WO2014165619A1 - Système de remorquage d'hélicoptère innovant - Google Patents

Système de remorquage d'hélicoptère innovant Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2014165619A1
WO2014165619A1 PCT/US2014/032715 US2014032715W WO2014165619A1 WO 2014165619 A1 WO2014165619 A1 WO 2014165619A1 US 2014032715 W US2014032715 W US 2014032715W WO 2014165619 A1 WO2014165619 A1 WO 2014165619A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
helicopter
track assembly
disposed
skid
caster support
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2014/032715
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Anthony Y. CHAN
Tracy J. HAEGGSTROM
Grant D. GARFIELD
Original Assignee
Chan Anthony Y
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
Priority claimed from US13/966,044 external-priority patent/US9056686B2/en
Application filed by Chan Anthony Y filed Critical Chan Anthony Y
Publication of WO2014165619A1 publication Critical patent/WO2014165619A1/fr

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B64—AIRCRAFT; AVIATION; COSMONAUTICS
    • B64F—GROUND OR AIRCRAFT-CARRIER-DECK INSTALLATIONS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR USE IN CONNECTION WITH AIRCRAFT; DESIGNING, MANUFACTURING, ASSEMBLING, CLEANING, MAINTAINING OR REPAIRING AIRCRAFT, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; HANDLING, TRANSPORTING, TESTING OR INSPECTING AIRCRAFT COMPONENTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B64F1/00—Ground or aircraft-carrier-deck installations
    • B64F1/22—Ground or aircraft-carrier-deck installations for handling aircraft
    • B64F1/223—Ground or aircraft-carrier-deck installations for handling aircraft for towing aircraft
    • B64F1/225—Vehicles specially adapted therefor, e.g. aircraft tow tractors
    • B64F1/228—Vehicles specially adapted therefor, e.g. aircraft tow tractors remotely controlled; operating autonomously

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to helicopter tugs, or devices used to move a helicopter without using the power of the helicopter.
  • a tug, or tugging device can be used to move the helicopter safely, although the tug, which in some ways may resemble a pallet jack, can be cumbersome to use.
  • An improved tugging system is needed for moving helicopters.
  • the present invention features a helicopter tug system for moving a helicopter without initializing the drive system of the helicopter.
  • the system comprises a powered track assembly having a track assembly frame.
  • a microprocessor is located therein and operatively connected to a power supply.
  • a drive hub and an idler hub are located on a side thereon.
  • a track is located around an outside periphery of the drive hub and the idler hub.
  • a motor is operatively connected to the drive hub and the power supply.
  • a receiver is operatively connected to the microprocessor.
  • a clamp is located on a track assembly top. In some embodiments, the clamp is mated to the first helicopter skid or the second helicopter skid.
  • the system comprises a caster support having a caster support frame.
  • the caster support frame comprises a wheel located thereon and the clamp located on a caster support frame top.
  • the clamp is mated to the first helicopter skid or the second helicopter skid.
  • the system comprises a radio control unit having a transmitter and a radio control power supply located therein and operatively connected thereto.
  • the transmitter is in communication with the receiver.
  • a first powered track assembly is located on the first helicopter skid.
  • a first caster support is located on the second helicopter skid.
  • the radio control unit sends a first signal to the first track assembly via the transmitter communicating with the receiver to move the helicopter without initializing the drive system of the helicopter.
  • FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the track assembly, the caster support, and the radio control unit of the present invention.
  • FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the track assembly of the present invention.
  • FIG. 3 shows a top view of the track assembly of the present invention.
  • FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the track assembly of the present invention.
  • FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of the caster support of the present invention.
  • FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of the helicopter skids and the track assembly of the present invention during loading.
  • FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of the helicopter skids, the track assembly, and the caster support of the present invention.
  • FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the present invention featuring the helicopter skids, two track assemblies, and two caster supports turning to the left.
  • FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the present invention featuring the helicopter skids, two track assemblies, and two caster supports turning to the right.
  • FIG. 1 1 shows a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the present invention featuring the helicopter skids, two track assemblies, and two caster supports moving in a forward direction.
  • FIG. 12 shows a schematic of the track assembly of the present invention.
  • FIG. 13 shows a schematic of the radio control unit of the present invention.
  • FIG. 15 shows a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the present invention featuring the helicopter skids and two track assemblies.
  • FIG. 16 shows a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the present invention featuring two track assemblies attached to and integrated with two caster supports via two attaching beams.
  • FIG. 17 shows a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the track assembly of the present invention featuring two housings, and a lifting pad system.
  • the present invention features a helicopter tug system (100) for laterally moving a helicopter without initializing the drive system of the helicopter.
  • the system (100) comprises a helicopter having a linear first helicopter skid (1 1 1 ), and a linear second helicopter skid (1 12) each horizontally located on a helicopter bottom parallel to each other.
  • microprocessor (130) is attached to the track assembly frame (121 ) and operatively connected to a power supply (131 ) also attached to the track assembly frame (121 ).
  • the system (100) comprises a housing.
  • a microprocessor (130) is located in the housing and operatively connected to a power supply (131 ) also located therein.
  • a drive hub (132) and at least one idler hub (133) are rotatably located on a side of the track assembly frame (121 ) thereon.
  • a plurality of drive hubs (132) is rotatably located on a side of the track assembly frame (121 ) thereon.
  • a plurality of idler hubs (133) is rotatably located on a side of the track assembly frame (121 ) thereon.
  • a set of tracks (134) or treads is located around an outside periphery of the drive hub (132) and the idler hub (133).
  • a set of tracks (134) is located around an outside periphery of the drive hubs (132) and the idler hubs (133).
  • a motor (135) is operatively connected to the drive hub (132) and the power supply (131 ).
  • a receiver (136) is operatively connected to the microprocessor (130).
  • a clamp (137) is located on the track assembly frame top (122). Clamps are well known to one or ordinary skill in the art. In some embodiments, the clamp (137) is mated to the first helicopter skid (1 1 1 ) or the second helicopter skid (1 12) for securely fastening thereto.
  • one or more rollers (155) are located on the track assembly frame top (122) to aid in loading the first helicopter skid (1 1 1 ) or the second helicopter skid (1 12).
  • the track assembly (120) is able to move under the first helicopter skid (1 1 1 ) or the second helicopter skid (1 12) via the rollers (155) interfacing with the skids (1 1 1 , 1 12) therewith.
  • the track assembly (120) is able to move via its own power under the first helicopter skid (11 1 ) or the second helicopter skid (1 12) via the rollers (155) interfacing therewith.
  • one or more rollers (155) are located on the track assembly frame top (122). In some embodiments, one or more rollers (155) are parallel to one another and are located on and extend laterally (to the side) from the track assembly frame (121 ). In some embodiments, the first helicopter skid (1 1 1 ) or the second helicopter skid (1 12) is disposed on the roller (155) for loading.
  • one or more rollers (155) are powered to pull the first helicopter skid (1 1 1 ) or the second helicopter skid (1 12) there upon for loading the helicopter upon the track assembly (120).
  • one or more rollers (155) comprises a roller motor and roller motor power supply operatively connected thereto for rotating the roller (155) for loading the helicopter upon the track assembly (120).
  • the rollers (155) are constructed from a rubber, a plastic, a composite, or a combination of materials to frictionally grip the first helicopter skid (11 1 ) or the second helicopter skid (112) for loading the helicopter upon the track assembly (120).
  • the rollers (155) are constructed from a metal to frictionally grip the first helicopter skid (1 1 1 ) or the second helicopter skid (1 12) for loading the helicopter upon the track assembly (120).
  • the rollers (155) are powered and controlled via the radio control unit (150).
  • the rollers (155) are locally controlled via a switch or a lever.
  • powered rollers (155) work in conjunction with the drive components of the powered track assembly (120) such as the power supply (131 ), the drive hub (132), and the motor (135) to pull the first helicopter skid (1 1 1 ) or the second helicopter skid (1 12) there upon for loading the helicopter upon the track assembly (120).
  • a wheel (144) is located on the track assembly (120) opposed to the tracks (134). In some embodiments, the rollers (155) lie between the tracks (134) and the wheel (144). In some embodiments, the wheel (144) does not swivel. In some embodiments, the wheel (144) swivels.
  • the system (100) comprises a caster support (140) having a caster support frame (141 ) with a caster support frame top (142) and a caster support frame bottom.
  • the caster support frame (141 ) comprises a wheel (144) rotatably located thereon and the clamp (137) located on the caster support frame top (142).
  • the clamp (137) is mated to the first helicopter skid (1 1 1 ) or the second helicopter skid (1 12) for securely fastening thereto.
  • the system (100) comprises a radio control unit (150) having a transmitter (151 ) operatively connected to a radio control power supply (152) located therein.
  • the transmitter (151 ) is in
  • the radio control unit in communication with the receiver (136). In some embodiments, the radio control unit
  • (150) controls a plurality of track assemblies (120) as a single unit.
  • a first powered track assembly (120) is located on the first helicopter skid (11 1 ).
  • a first caster support (140) is located on the second helicopter skid (1 12).
  • the radio control unit (150) sends a first signal to the first track assembly (120) via the transmitter
  • a second track assembly (120) is located on the helicopter second helicopter skid (1 12).
  • the radio control unit (150) sends a first signal to both the first track assembly (120) and the second track assembly (120) via the transmitter (151 ) communicating with the receiver (136) to move the helicopter without initializing the drive system of the helicopter.
  • a plurality of track assemblies (120) is located on the first helicopter skid (1 11 ).
  • the radio control unit (150) sends a first signal to the plurality of track assemblies (120) via the transmitter (151 ) communicating with the receivers (136) to move the helicopter without initializing the drive system of the helicopter.
  • a plurality of track assemblies (120) is located on the second helicopter skid (1 12).
  • the radio control unit (150) sends a first signal to the plurality of track assemblies (120) via the transmitter (151 ) communicating with the receivers (136) to move the helicopter without initializing the drive system of the helicopter.
  • a second caster support (140) is located on the first helicopter skid (1 1 1 ).
  • a plurality of caster supports is located on the first helicopter skid (1 1 1 ).
  • a plurality of caster supports is located on the second helicopter skid (1 12).
  • the track assembly (120) is rigidly affixed to the caster support (140) via a rigid brace or attaching beam making an integrated unit.
  • a preferred embodiment of the system (100) includes a first track assembly (120) and a first caster support (140) located on the first helicopter skid (1 1 1 ) and a second track assembly (120) and a second caster support (140) located on the second helicopter skid (1 12) as shown in Figs. 8-1 1 .
  • the wheel (144) is located on a swivel mount.
  • the swivel mount is located on the caster support frame (141 ).
  • a plurality of wheels (144) is located on the caster support frame (141 ).
  • a plurality of drive motors (135) is operatively connected to a plurality of drive hubs (132) and the power supply (131 ).
  • a plurality of idler hubs (133) is located on a side of the track assembly frame (121 ).
  • each track is driven by its own motor (135) and they are connected to each other with adjustable tubes (160) between them. These can be adjusted for different size helicopters.
  • the two track assemblies (120) would work together as one unitary system.
  • Both track assemblies (120) would be driven under both skids (11 1 , 1 12) at the same time and then the skids (1 1 1 , 1 12) would be lifted off of the rollers (155) with a mechanical jack so that the track assemblies (120) could be moved without the skids (1 1 1 , 1 12) moving on the rollers (155).
  • a lifting pad is located on the track assembly frame top (122) along with the roller(s) (155).
  • the lifting pad is controlled by the radio control unit (150).
  • the lifting pad is controlled by a local control lever or a control switch.
  • a plurality of lifting pads is located on the track assembly frame top (122).
  • the lifting pad(s) elevate the first helicopter skid (1 1 1 ) or the second helicopter skid (1 12) to allow the track assembly to be positioned beneath. After the track assemblies (120) are positioned, the lifting pads are used to lift the skids (1 1 1 , 1 12) off the rollers (155).
  • the invention described in this disclosure facilitates the movement of small to medium size helicopters independent of the helicopter's own power.
  • This movement will be referred to as “tugging” in this document and the mechanism described here will be referred to as a “tug” and alternately, a track assembly (120) in this document.
  • This track assembly (120) would be useful for but not limited to the movement of helicopters in and out of an enclosed hanger, movement of helicopters into a parking location and movement of helicopters within a garage or hanger.
  • the illustrations shown use a mechanism to attach to the skids (1 1 1 , 1 12) of a helicopter but the application of this invention is not limited to use with the skids (1 1 1 , 1 12) of a helicopter.
  • Figure 1 shows the individual components used in the mobile component of this invention.
  • the track assembly (120) is the component that supplies the power for moving the helicopter.
  • the caster support (140) is used when additional support is needed on the left and/or right skids (1 1 1 , 1 12).
  • the radio control unit (150) is used to remotely control the track assembly (120).
  • a right track assembly (120) and a left track assembly (120) have equivalent functions and can be symmetrical or asymmetrical assemblies containing equal parts being assembled into a right or left configuration. Both right track assembly (120) and the left track assembly (120) will be referred to as the track assemblies (120) when there is no differentiation between them.
  • the track assemblies (120) contain two powered tracks (134) that are connected together with connecting plates. The powered tracks (134) are driven by motors (135) that provide the movement of the track assemblies (120) during operation.
  • the helicopter can then be moved by operating the motors (135) in the track assemblies (120).
  • the helicopter rotates to the left.
  • the helicopter rotates to the right.
  • both track assemblies (120) move forward at the same speed then the helicopter moves in a straight line. All these movements can be reversed to move the helicopter in the opposite direction.
  • the track assemblies (120) and optional caster supports (140) are removed from the skids (1 1 1 , 1 12) in the reverse order from the loading sequence.
  • the track assembly (120) can have two separate modes of operation.
  • the first mode would be a "Full Control Mode” to be used when loading the track assembly (120) under the skid (1 1 1 , 1 12).
  • This mode uses both motors (135) independently to allow steering the track assembly (120) under the skid (1 1 1 , 1 12).
  • the radio control unit (150) controls only one track assembly (120) at a time in this mode.
  • the second mode would be "Dependent Mode” to be used when both track assemblies (120) are in place and you are ready to move the helicopter.
  • This mode makes the two motors (135) on one track assembly (120) act as a single motor (135). This allows the single radio control unit (150) to be used to control both track assemblies (120) as if they were one track assembly (120) while moving the helicopter.
  • adjustable connecting tubes (160) could possibly be removed for easy transporting of the track assembly (120).
  • the powered rollers (155) to help pull the track assembly (120) under the skid (1 1 1 , 1 12).

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Aviation & Aerospace Engineering (AREA)
  • Toys (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un système de remorquage d'hélicoptère comprenant un hélicoptère doté de patins. Un ensemble chenille motorisé comprend un microprocesseur connecté à une alimentation, un moyeu d'entraînement et un moyeu de roue folle, une chenille située sur le moyeu d'entraînement et le moyeu de roue folle, un moteur connecté au moyeu d'entraînement et à l'alimentation, un récepteur connecté au microprocesseur et un élément de serrage situé au sommet de l'ensemble chenille. Un support de roulette comprend une structure de support de roulette comprenant une roue et l'élément de serrage situé sur un sommet de la structure de support de roulette. Le système comprend une unité de radiocommande dotée d'un émetteur et d'une alimentation de radiocommande. Un premier ensemble chenille motorisé est fixé sur le premier patin d'hélicoptère et un premier support de roulette est fixé sur le second patin d'hélicoptère. L'unité de radiocommande envoie un premier signal au premier ensemble chenille pour déplacer l'hélicoptère.
PCT/US2014/032715 2013-04-02 2014-04-02 Système de remorquage d'hélicoptère innovant WO2014165619A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (6)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US201361853257P 2013-04-02 2013-04-02
US61/853,257 2013-04-02
US13/966,044 US9056686B2 (en) 2012-08-14 2013-08-13 Aircraft tug vehicle
US13/966,044 2013-08-13
US201461934222P 2014-01-31 2014-01-31
US61/934,222 2014-01-31

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2014165619A1 true WO2014165619A1 (fr) 2014-10-09

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ID=51659196

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US2014/032715 WO2014165619A1 (fr) 2013-04-02 2014-04-02 Système de remorquage d'hélicoptère innovant

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WO (1) WO2014165619A1 (fr)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN110667875A (zh) * 2019-10-19 2020-01-10 中北大学 一种无线遥控电动直升机牵引车

Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3761040A (en) * 1972-03-08 1973-09-25 P Cummins Remote controlled helicopter transport device and method
GB1382265A (en) * 1971-12-03 1975-01-29 Ml Aviation Co Ltd Transporters
US5151004A (en) * 1991-04-05 1992-09-29 Johnson Airspray, Inc. Vehicle for moving aircraft
WO2008000257A1 (fr) * 2006-07-27 2008-01-03 Mover Technology Aps Unité d'entraînement de remorques et de caravanes
US8181725B2 (en) * 2009-09-29 2012-05-22 Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation Aircraft tug
US20120215393A1 (en) * 2011-02-15 2012-08-23 Jeff Schiedegger Tugbot

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB1382265A (en) * 1971-12-03 1975-01-29 Ml Aviation Co Ltd Transporters
US3761040A (en) * 1972-03-08 1973-09-25 P Cummins Remote controlled helicopter transport device and method
US5151004A (en) * 1991-04-05 1992-09-29 Johnson Airspray, Inc. Vehicle for moving aircraft
WO2008000257A1 (fr) * 2006-07-27 2008-01-03 Mover Technology Aps Unité d'entraînement de remorques et de caravanes
US8181725B2 (en) * 2009-09-29 2012-05-22 Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation Aircraft tug
US20120215393A1 (en) * 2011-02-15 2012-08-23 Jeff Schiedegger Tugbot

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN110667875A (zh) * 2019-10-19 2020-01-10 中北大学 一种无线遥控电动直升机牵引车

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