ROTORCRAFT TIE-DOWN DETECTOR SYSTEM

• US 20150191255A1
• Filed: 01/08/2014
• Published: 07/09/2015
• Est. Priority Date: 01/08/2014
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
• Original Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
• Inventors: Zolich, Artur, Mares, Vaclav, Smid, Miroslav
• Granted Patent: US 9,422,064 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: B63B 2025/245 of wheeled cargo, e.g. vehicle retainers
• CPC Class Codes: B63B 25/24 Means for preventing unwanted cargo movement, e.g. dunnage
• CPC Class Codes: B64D 45/00 Aircraft indicators or protectors not otherwise provided for camouflage F41H3/00
• CPC Class Codes: B64F 1/12 for anchoring aircraft
• CPC Class Codes: B64F 1/125 Mooring or ground handling devices for helicopters
• CPC Class Codes: B64F 1/16 Pickets or ground anchors; Wheel chocks

Abstract

A system and method is provided for alerting a crew member of a rotorcraft that at least one tie-down device is still attached to the rotorcraft is provided. The system includes or cooperates with at least one source of tie-down sensor data. A processor is operationally coupled to the source of tie-down sensor data and to a source of rotorcraft data and causes a warning to be generated if at least one attached tie-down device is sensed.

Claims

1. A method for detecting the attachment of at least one rotorcraft tie-down device, the method comprising:

detecting, with a sensor, attachment of at least one rotorcraft tie-down device; and

generating, in response to the attachment of at least one rotorcraft tie-down device, a warning indicative of the attachment of the tie-down device.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of generating further comprises displaying, on a display device, a visually distinguishable warning indicative of the attachment of the tie-down device.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of generating comprises displaying, on a display device, symbology that is graphically representative of the location of the attachment of the tie-down device.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein generating a warning comprises emitting an audible alert.

5. The method of claim 1, further comprising preventing the rotorcraft engine from starting.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of sensing comprises receiving a signal at a processor.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein the sensor is a pressure sensor.

8. The method of claim 6, wherein the sensor is a contactless sensor.

9. The method of claim 6, wherein the sensor is a conductivity sensor.

10. A method for enhancing rotorcraft safety, the method comprising:

monitoring at least one sensor device;

determining that at least one rotorcraft tie-down device is attached; and

generating a warning associated with the at least one rotorcraft tie-down device is attached.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the step of generating comprises displaying, on a display device, a visually distinguishable warning indicative of the at least one rotorcraft tie-down device is attached.

12. A system for detecting the attachment of at least one rotorcraft tie-down device, comprising:

a first sensor coupled to the at least one rotorcraft tie-down device for detecting if the tie-down device is coupled to a fastener; and

a processor coupled to the first sensor for initiating an alert if the tie-down is coupled to a fastener.

13. The system of claim 12, further comprising a display unit coupled to the processor for displaying symbology indicating if the tie-down device is coupled to a fastener.

14. The system of claim 12, further comprising a device for emitting an audible alert if the tie-down device is coupled to a fastener.

15. The system of claim 12, wherein the sensor is a pressure sensor.

16. The system of claim 12, wherein the sensor is a contactless sensor.

17. The system of claim 12, wherein the sensor is an electrical signal sensor.

18. The system of claim 12, wherein the processor is further coupled to an engine system for preventing the engine from starting if the tie-down device is coupled to a fastener.

19. The system of claim 12, wherein the first sensor is further configured to detect if at least one rotorcraft tie-down assembly is coupled between the rotorcraft and a support surface.

20. The system of claim 19, wherein the tie-down assembly further includes a second sensor coupled to the support surface, wherein the second sensor is further coupled to the processor.