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DESIGN 1:
TOP MOUNT
Inspiration :
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The inspiration for the top mount came from our brainstorming around how to meet the aesthetic component of the competition.
Engineering Considerations :
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We made an engineering assumption that most individuals are not taller than the helicopter so that placing the support on top of the rotor would disguise the rotor lift job from most museum patrons.
Design Path :
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Our design went through several renditions before what we present to you now. After initially thinking about how a top mounted design might not provide enough upward force we incorporated a component that would be between the body of the helicopter and the blades. The bottom support would be camouflaged with the blade and rotor build to hide its existence.
Adjustability :
Our design allows for not only a displayed state of folded blades as they typically are, but also of the blades fully fanned out as they would be while in flight. This option allows for indoor display or outdoor display depending on the amount of room available.
Accounting for Time :
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The cables that latch onto the blade holsters can be tightened in order to account for any stretch that may happen over time to the cable. This feature will also allow for the tightening of the holster so that the blades can be held firmly and not sag.
ADDRESSING YOUR CONCERNS...
To address your concerns we decided against the bottom ring support system so not to apply any pressure to the body of the aircraft. To keep the blades from rotating, we implemented a subtle device to hold the blades in position. We had the sleeve length end a quarter of the way in to the blade to meet the three quarter rule for support of a blade. We learned this rule while working with classic rotors in creating our designs. This should prevent sagging of the blade and sagging of the rotor mounts.
Holster Design :
The holsters are designed from webbing, a weather resistant and durable material generally used in many strength demanding situations that still require a fragile touch. The holster is designed to abide by the “three quarters rule” that is used to balance helicopter blades when being displayed to minimize sagging.
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