GB2441613A - Aircraft storage cell and ejection arrangement - Google Patents

Abstract

A container (A, Fig 1), attachable to an aircraft, and possibly used to hold luggage, can be released there from either by control of the pilot, or by automatic release if an explosion occurs within the container or the internal pressure reaches a predetermined level. The arrangement is intended to provide an anti-bomb cell and is intended to save an aircraft from destruction if an explosion occurs within the luggage holdall / storage cell. The main body of the cell contains the debris of the explosion while the bottom part will fall apart to minimise the impact of the explosion. The aircraft can continue its journey after the bomb exploded in mid air. The cell may be made from steel or any alloy material considered to be blast proof with the bottom part being made from aluminium plates or polyester sheets.

Description

I

ANTI BOMB CELL FOR AIRCRAFTS

The application of this invention relates generally to the cargo, luggage compartment of the aircrafts. It is increasingly unsafe to travel because of the bomb threat in the airline industry as a whole. No body would be safe with the current threat of suicide bombers. Since they do not treasure their own lives, they will soon decide to strike at the heart of it -the cargo, luggage compartment. Their threat is real, certain and deadly. Therefore effort must be made to tackle this vital problem. The application here is to provide an "anti bomb cell", a container to save the aircraft from destruction. We may stop passengers to carry bottles of fresh water, toothpaste, hydrogen peroxide, chapatti flour, and sharp objects onto the aircrafts. Objects individually they may be harmless. Putting them together could create something deadly. No authority can stop them carrying large tins of "coffee", "fertilizer or "whatever" as they claim to be, or rather any unsuspected explosive mixtures onto the airplanes! It is these mixtures that would blast the future aircrafts off the sky.

No matter how sophisticate and advanced are the scanners, new tactics and the volume of passengers would hinder the thoroughness of the inspection. New procedures and foolproof device is urgently required.

It would be impossible to deal with state sponsored, planted attack in hostile countries. There is none confirmed so far. Here is intended to cope with the usual fanatic terrorists with little intelligent on explosive to bring on board the aircraft. This covers 100% of the bombs discovered so far. This new revolutionary invention is therefore claiming to be a 100% foolproof device in this respect. These "anti bomb cells" can be dislodged upon receiving threat from the terrorists. The "anti bomb cells" will also be automatically rejected, and render the bomb harmless as they explode making no damage to the aircraft.

The "anti bomb cells", are made from steel cage construction designed to collect all the luggage from the air terminals to be loaded onto the aircraft and secured by hydraulic clamping devices at the top of the undercarriage of the aircraft.

1. Phase I -When suicide bombers threaten the aircraft, the pilots can remotely and discreetly operate the device to drop off all the "anti bomb cells" from the cargo compartments making the threat disappear.

2. Phase 2 -The "anti bomb cells" are individually fitted with sensing devices. When the bomb explodes, in a split second, the sensing device will operate the hydraulic cylinders or motors automatically releasing the clamps to drop off the "anti bomb cells" away from the aircraft.

3. Phase 3 -The "anti bomb cells" is so constructed that the main body will contain the debris and part of the unit will be blown off rendering the explosion non-effective. The unit will save the aircraft from destruction.

This is a revolutionary design to the airline industry.

1. The aircraft is designed with a special undercarriage arrangement so that the aircraft can fly without cargo compartment doors. Inside the cargo, luggage compartment are filled with these new individual design "anti bomb cells" to store the entire luggage from the passengers.

2. The "anti bomb cells" can be operating away from the aircraft to collect luggage from the air terminals. The pilot can dropping off the "anti bomb cells" on land or in mid air when the aircraft is under threat. They can also be automatically dropped off as the bomb explodes.

According to the present invention there is provided an "anti bomb cell" to store the luggage for all passengers and capable to contain the explosion to save lives on board of the aircraft. The invention consists of: - 1. The modification of the undercarriage of the aircraft so that it can fly without cargo doors. The "anti bomb cells" are housed in the cargo compartment. The undercarriage may be ideally made from steel cage construction capable to absorb a small shock should the bomb exploded.

The shock would be small, as the "anti bomb cells" are expected to have taken the blast and had fallen away from the aircraft. Steel is a better material, but not a requirement, for its rigidity, durability, and the ability to absorb shocks and loading requirement of the "anti bomb cells".

2. The provision of a new type of "anti bomb cell", a container to save the aircraft from destruction. This is a steel cage construction unit designed, similar in construction to the ocean going containers of the shipping lines, but replacing the steel floor with roller bars and aluminium plates. When all the "anti bomb cells" are properly hoisted together, the bottom aluminium plates appear to be and acting as if they were cargo doors to improve the appearance and the airflow of the aircraft.

3. In the event of an explosion, the pressure generated from the explosion will first trigger off the pressure sensing device to operate the hydraulic motors to release the "anti bomb cells" to fall away from the aircraft.

4. The "anti bomb cell" itself is designed and constructed in such a way that the main body will be made from steel or alloy materials capable to contain the debris of the explosion while the bottom part will fall off minimise the impact of the explosion. The bottom part of the "anti bomb cell" is fitted with roller bars to give strength to hold the cage together and also to assist the loading of the luggage. Temporary platform may be placed on top of the roller bars for loading. These temporary platforms must be removed or tucked away from the roller bars after loading.

Aluminium plates similar but thinner to the aircraft body held on by rivets form the bottom of the "anti bomb cell".

The current cargo compartment carries most of the luggage carried by the passengers. They may contain an unknown explosive used by terrorists. In deed the terrorists may have smuggle some into the cabin. There is no provision for the pilot to drop off any known suspected "explosive packages".

This invention is to allow the pilot to drop off any suspected package on the ground or in mid air. Even if the "packages" explodes on land or during the flight, the pressure sensing devices will automatically trigger off and release the "anti bomb cells" to drop off away from the aircraft.

In order that the invention may be more clearly understood, a preferred embodiment will now be described in detail by way of example, propositions with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Figure (1) is to show the location of the current cargo compartments where the "anti bomb cells" will be installed as indicated by arrow "A". This is also how it will look like after the "anti bomb cells" are properly hoisted together.

Figure (2) shows an ocean going container. This is to give a concept of how the "anti bomb cell" would look like. It is a steel cage construction similar in design to the ocean going containers but with the following modification and addition to make it capable to contain the bomb blast. "B" indicates the hoisting points.

Figure (3) is the front elevation of the "anti bomb cell" looking down from the front of the aircraft in the undercarriage compartment. There are 4 openings, shown in "B" for the slings to hoist the "anti bomb cell" onto the aircraft by hoisting motor "M" and cable "L". Attached at the top channels are 4 steel bars "C" ready for the hydraulic clamping devices "0" to lock the "anti bomb cell" in position. There are two pressure sensing devices "E" to monitor the pressure inside the "anti bomb cell". When the bomb explodes, and as the pressure inside reach a calibrated value, it will operate the hydraulic clamping device "0" to drop the aanti bomb cell" away from the aircraft. The bottom of the "anti bomb cell" is made with roller bars "F" to hold the steel cage together. The thin aluminium plates "G" or polyester sheets form the bottom of the unit. Rubber mouldings "H" are there to restrict airflow through the undercarriage. Supports "N" are to keep the bottom of the "anti bomb cell" off the ground.

Figure (4) The top elevation shows the positioning of the hoisting points "B", the hydraulic clamping points "0" and the pressure sensing devices "E". The bottom elevation shows that the aluminium plates "G" riveted to the bottom of the "anti bomb cell". The aluminium plates are for visual appearance to enhance the general appearance of the aircraft and to improve the streamline airflow of the aircraft. Thinner gage plates, or polyester fragile materials can also be used in place of the aluminium plates. Supports "N" are to keep the unit off the ground.

Since rivets are holding the aluminium plates or polyester sheets bonding to the bottom of the unit, these plates will be blown off, torn apart, as the bomb explodes diminishes the effectiveness of the explosion. The volume of gases generated by the explosion will escape through this huge hole created. This will prevent the pressure to build up to damage the aircraft.

Imagine gunpowder inside a crucible. When they were ignited without cover, the gunpowder simply burns away with a "puff'. If the gunpowder were covered tightly, it will give a very loud bang and the crucible will be shattered into pieces.

The "anti bomb celr with these thin aluminium plates or plastic sheet riveted together will act as if it were the inverted crucible with little or no covering to restrict the explosion. The gases generated by the explosion can escape through this huge hole created as these plates fall apart diminishes the effect of the explosion. The passengers would thus be saved from the explosion.

Figure (5) is the side elevation looking from the side of the aircraft. There are 3 uanti bomb cells" housed here in this undercarriage "U". Rubber mouldings UH are there to stop the air going through the undercarriage to improve the streamline, airflow effect of the aircraft and also to reduce the noise of the "anti bomb cells" knocking against each other. "W" are the hinges of the "anti bomb cells". A sectional view shows how the luggage would be arranged inside the trays "T" in the "anti bomb cells".

Figure (6) are detail sectional drawings of hoisting and clamping devices to the "anti bomb cell". In this figure, hydraulic motors are used as the hydraulic clamping device. Section "J" show that clamping device is open position and the "anti bomb cell" will be hoist up to a locking position to the undercarriage.

Section K' is the locking position when the hydraulic motor operating the clamping to lock the Uanti bomb cell" in position. As the bomb explodes, in a split second, the pressure device will operate the hydraulic motor to open the clamping device to open as shown in section "J' and drop the "anti bomb cell" away from the aircraft. The "anti bomb cells" may not be abandon entirely but in suspension from the aircraft. To abandon the "anti bomb cells" may cause lost of lives below the flight path hence they need to be drop off in a control manner.

Figure (7) is an alternative hydraulic clamping device as commonly and conventionally used in many of the ocean terminals to lift the containers. In this case, the "anti bomb cell' is clamped and lock in position by clamping device "S" as shown at points similar to steel bars "C" in Figure (3). When the bomb explodes, the pressure sensing devices will activated the hydraulic cylinders "P" to open the clamps "S' to drop the "anti bomb cells" away from the aircraft. In deed other clamping devices used by the military aircrafts to secure the jet engines, which are well established, may be more appropriate in this invention. 5'

In order to make this invention more effective, the passengers and the airline industry must cooperate fully on the implementation of these uanti bomb cells policy. The airline service industry has come a long way. When they were first introduced, they were providing services for very different type of travellers.

Their financial, education background, expectation, contributions to society, purposes in life, behaviour, ambition, vision across the continents were all quite different from the current travellers. We are now coping with mostly pleasure seekers, fun loving, football crowds and the latest addition -asylum seekers trying to find refuge in another country; fanatic seeking revenge; turning the aircraft into a battlefield trying to kill all innocent people including themselves to express their grievances especially after the conflicts of the Middle East. Airline industry appears to be an easy target and attracts world attention. Changes must be made to coupe with the present environment. A major air disaster per week for one year will ground the entire airline industry to a halt. The innocent majority, as usual, suffer in the hands of the tiny minority. They are going to be with us for decades to come. It is for these reasons that the introduction of this invention is of paramount important. It is recommended that: - 1. The passengers are discouraged to bring any article to the cabin unless they are absolutely essential and are used for the duration of the flight.

This is to cut down the potential threat bringing into the cabin to a bare minimum. Articles like jewellery, one book only, computers or small video games, hearing aids and medication equipment required, approved by their doctors must be thoroughly examined and demonstrated before boarding. The lesser article to bring on board, the lesser the chance of concealing explosive materials. Alt other articles passengers want to take to the destinations, but not use on board, must be stored in the anti bomb cells". Dedicated experts will be able to concentrate to seek out explosive materials more effectively, away from public view, using extensive and high tech scanning machines including X-ray for the explosive materials.

Larger, military bombs would be and should be detected this way. The inspector will sign and seal the "anti bomb cells" prior loading. Prevention is the best policy.

2. The overhead luggage compartment in the cabin will no longer be required and be removed. With the abolition of this compartment, headroom of over one meter could be created. If we were to introduce a double-decked aircraft, a total of two meters would be created. With minor modification, this compartment could easily be converted into basic sleeping cabins. This could make the current aircraft converted into a double-decked airbus to carry twice the amount of passengers and improve the volumetric efficiency of the aircraft. This will also cut down the carbon emission generated per passenger. :6

3. This is an opportunity to introduce a double-decked airbus at similar costs to an ordinary aircraft and to give better services like providing proper sleeping cabins; recreation area for the long haulage travellers over 10 hours flight. It is high time for the airlines to consider their security and services they offer to long haulage travellers. Are they still contented with allowing hooligans run wild in their airplanes and strapping up the passengers for over 5 or 10 hours in an awkward sausage looking slumbering position covering them with blankets to doss off "sleeping" with a threat of killing them with "deep vein thrombosis"? Over 95% of the long haulage-passengers need "sleeping" over a 10 -hour's flight. It would be an attractive proposition to introduce a double-deck airbus with proper sleeping cabins and more room for relaxation similar to the train! ferry services. The cost involved would not be prohibitive especially with the abolition of the overhead luggage compartments and abolition of the catering services for all the passengers.

4. For safety reasons, no alcohol will be served or sold on board to cut down the drunkenness disturbances on flight. Most, if not all, passengers would agree. This is a safety measure.

5. There should have at the least 4 airhostesses, male or female, fully trained air marshals under cover, evenly distributed throughout the aircraft, equipped with concealed basic equipment like handcrafts, CO canisters and electronic teser stun guns to control the violent passengers.

In deed, most of the airhostesses should be given basic training on first aid and as air marshals and are empowered to lock up uncontrollable passengers for the duration of the flight. This right can be implemented at the point of accepting the condition of travel. Most passengers would welcome this. This could easily be accepted as the safety features and a selling attraction for most safety conscious travellers.

6. With the introduction of the recreation area, it would cut down the threat of killing them with "deep vein thrombosis". Passengers are encouraged to have a small walk to purchase their own food from a counter -some exercises, like walking to buying their own food will be beneficial for them.

The airlines can cut down the enormous cost of providing full catering service to every passenger who does not require this type of services.

7. Basic security like stopping unauthorised person entering the cockpit is so easy, fundamental and necessary and must be implemented with stringent measure.

8. In reality, there are five distinctive stages -five folds achievements to stop the destruction of the aircraft.

a. By the introduction of the screening process above, most of the threat would have been eliminated.

b. The sensing devices will make the "anti bomb cells" drop away from the aircraft making the explosion occurs outside the aircraft.

c. The bottom of the "anti bomb cells" -aluminium / polyester plates will be blown away making the explosion non-effective.

d. The main body of the "anti bomb cells" will stop the debris, acting as inverted crucibles as described to protect the aircraft.

e. The undercarriage will again be acting as another inverted crucible.

With the introduction of the "anti bomb cell" and the implementation of the above policy, it would have improve the security and services tremendously. It is utmost important to provide safety for all travellers. This would have upgraded the "Airbus" into "Airferry" services. This would certainly give comfort to the travellers physically and mentally. Government bodies and airlines operators are urged to recommend the installation of these "anti bomb cell", a container to save the aircraft from destruction, and the implementation of the above policy. It is the legal responsibility for the airline industry and government bodies to provide safety travel for all passengers.

Claims (7)

1. This invention is to provide a container, "anti bomb cell", a container to save the aircraft from destruction where the entire luggage from all the passengers of the aircraft will store.

2. An "anti bomb cell" unit according to claim 1, in which the "anti bomb cell" form part of the aircraft in its appearance from outside and can be detached from the aircraft to collect the luggage from the air terminals directly and be secure and seal as a whole onto the aircraft for the flight.

3. An "anti bomb cell" unit according to claim 1, in which the pilot can drop off and abandon the "anti bomb cell" remotely from the aircraft, while the aircraft is on land or during its flight in mid air, when they discover there is a suspected cargo on board.

4. An "anti bomb cell" unit according to claim 1, in which the "anti bomb cell" will be automatically drop off away from the aircraft when the pressure inside the "anti bomb cell" exceed a predetermined value so that the explosion will occur outside the aircraft.

5. An "anti bomb cell" unit according to claim 1, in which the "anti bomb cell" will be made from steel or any alloy material construction capable to absorbing the blast and to stop debris to damage the aircraft.

6. An "anti bomb cell" unit according to claim 1, in which, part of the "anti bomb cell" will be made from aluminium plates or polyester or fragile materials held together to enhance the look of the aircraft. In the event of the explosion, these aluminium plates or polyester sheets will fly off stopping the pressure to build up to a more destructive explosion.

7. This invention is to provide a container with the above features capable to give absolute certainty to provide a 100% foolproof device to save the aircraft from destruction even if attacked by a concealed bomb In the cargo, luggage compartment in mid air. This claim is substantial, effective and robust.