Cargo restraint system for joint modular intermodal containers

Abstract

A cargo restraint assembly for a cargo handling system is provided. The cargo restraint assembly includes a base assembly. The base assembly includes a plunger. In response to being enabled, the plunger is configured to extend in a first direction into an opening in the modular container, thereby constraining the modular container in a second direction, the second direction being perpendicular to the first direction. The base assembly further comprises a compression spring. The compression spring provides a constraint to hold the plunger locked in an outwardly extended state in an active state or to hold the plunger locked in an inwardly retracted state in an inactive state.

Description

[0001] Government licensing rights

[0002] This invention was made with government support under Grants SPE8EJ-20-D-0012, SPE8EL-20-F-1FT1 awarded by the U.S. Navy. The government has certain rights in this invention.

[0003] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0004] This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 63 / 591,873, filed on October 20, 2023, and entitled “CARGO RESTRAINT SYSTEM FOR JOINT MODULAR INTERMODAL CONTAINERS,” which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes. Technical Field

[0005] The present disclosure relates generally to the field of cargo handling systems and, more particularly, to cargo restraint systems for use with intermodal containers. Background Art

[0006] Aircraft that may be configured to transport cargo, either palletized or containerized cargo, rely on maintaining adequate spacing of the pallets or containers to avoid inadvertent contact or load transfer between the pallets or containers during flight. Typically, the cargo hold layout is variable enough to allow the pallets or containers to be appropriately spaced apart to ensure that contact does not occur. However, in some cases, for various reasons, it may be desirable to reduce the spacing to a point where the pallets or containers may contact each other during ground handling or flight, taking into account tolerances. Summary of the invention

[0007] A cargo restraint assembly for a cargo handling system is disclosed. The cargo restraint assembly includes a plunger and a compression spring. In response to being activated, the plunger is configured to extend into an opening in a modular container in a first direction, thereby restraining the modular container in a second direction, the second direction being perpendicular to the first direction. The compression spring is configured to provide a restraint to maintain the plunger locked in an outwardly extended state in an activated state, or to maintain the plunger locked in an inwardly retracted state in a deactivated state.

[0008] In various embodiments, the base assembly further comprises an actuation / release actuation lever. In various embodiments, the actuation / release actuation lever is mechanically and rotatably coupled to the base assembly via a rotation pin. In various embodiments, the actuation / release actuation lever is configured to rotate around an axis passing through the longitudinal center of the rotation pin.

[0009] In various embodiments, the base assembly further comprises a first link, a second link and a plunger interconnect plate. In various embodiments, the actuation / deactuation rod is coupled to the plunger via the first link, the second link and the plunger interconnect plate.

[0010] In various embodiments, the actuation / deactuation lever is coupled to the first end of the first link via a rotation pin such that the first link rotates simultaneously with the actuation / deactuation lever.

[0011] In various embodiments, the second end of the first connecting rod is mechanically and rotatably coupled to the first end of the second connecting rod via the first pin. In various embodiments, the second end of the second connecting rod is mechanically and rotatably coupled to the plunger interconnection plate via the second pin. In various embodiments, the plunger interconnection plate is coupled to the plunger.

[0012] In various embodiments, the mechanical and rotatable connection between the second end of the first link and the first end of the second link is configured to move across the centerline, thereby providing an over-center locking mechanism that locks the plunger into the opening in the modular container at the outermost extension from the base assembly in the first direction.

[0013] In various embodiments, the compression spring provides a constraint to maintain the second end of the first link that is mechanically and rotatably connected to the first end of the second link that moves across the center line in an enabled state, and to maintain the second end of the retracted first link that is mechanically and rotatably connected to the first end of the second link in a disabled state.

[0014] In various embodiments, the cargo restraint assembly is a first cargo restraint assembly, and the base assembly further comprises an interface. In various embodiments, the interface is configured to receive an actuation shaft / tube that couples the first cargo restraint assembly to the second cargo restraint assembly so that the first cargo restraint assembly and the second cargo restraint assembly are simultaneously activated or deactivated.

[0015] In various embodiments, the base assembly further comprises a set of anchors integrated into the cargo restraint assembly. In various embodiments, the set of anchors couples the cargo restraint assembly to a cargo deck of the cargo hold.

[0016] A cargo handling system is also disclosed herein. The cargo handling system includes a plurality of cargo restraint assemblies. Each of the plurality of cargo restraint assemblies includes a base assembly. The base assembly includes a plunger and a compression spring. In response to being activated, the plunger is configured to extend into an opening in a modular container in a first direction, thereby restraining the modular container in a second direction, the second direction being perpendicular to the first direction. The compression spring is configured to provide a restraint to maintain the plunger locked in an outwardly extended state in an activated state, or to maintain the plunger locked in an inwardly retracted state in a deactivated state.

[0017] In various embodiments, the base assembly further comprises an actuation / release actuation lever. In various embodiments, the actuation / release actuation lever is mechanically and rotatably coupled to the base assembly via a rotation pin. In various embodiments, the actuation / release actuation lever is configured to rotate around an axis passing through the longitudinal center of the rotation pin.

[0018] In various embodiments, the base assembly further comprises a first link, a second link and a plunger interconnect plate. In various embodiments, the actuation / deactuation rod is coupled to the plunger via the first link, the second link and the plunger interconnect plate.

[0019] In various embodiments, the actuation / deactuation lever is coupled to the first end of the first link via a rotation pin such that the first link rotates simultaneously with the actuation / deactuation lever.

[0020] In various embodiments, the second end of the first connecting rod is mechanically and rotatably coupled to the first end of the second connecting rod via the first pin. In various embodiments, the second end of the second connecting rod is mechanically and rotatably coupled to the plunger interconnection plate via the second pin. In various embodiments, the plunger interconnection plate is coupled to the plunger.

[0021] In various embodiments, the mechanical and rotatable connection between the second end of the first link and the first end of the second link is configured to move across the centerline, thereby providing an over-center locking mechanism that locks the plunger into the opening in the modular container at the outermost extension from the base assembly in the first direction.

[0022] In various embodiments, the compression spring provides a constraint to maintain the second end of the first link that is mechanically and rotatably connected to the first end of the second link that moves across the center line in an enabled state, and to maintain the second end of the retracted first link that is mechanically and rotatably connected to the first end of the second link in a disabled state.

[0023] In various embodiments, the cargo restraint assembly is a first cargo restraint assembly, and the base assembly further comprises an interface. In various embodiments, the interface is configured to receive an actuation shaft / tube that couples the first cargo restraint assembly to the second cargo restraint assembly so that the first cargo restraint assembly and the second cargo restraint assembly are simultaneously activated or deactivated.

[0024] In various embodiments, the base assembly further comprises a set of anchors integrated into the cargo restraint assembly. In various embodiments, the set of anchors couples the cargo restraint assembly to a cargo deck of the cargo hold.

[0025] An aircraft is also disclosed herein. The aircraft includes a cargo deck and a cargo handling system disposed on the cargo deck. The cargo handling system includes a plurality of cargo restraint assemblies. Each of the plurality of cargo restraint assemblies includes a base assembly. The base assembly includes a plunger and a compression spring. In response to being activated, the plunger is configured to extend into an opening in a modular container in a first direction, thereby restraining the modular container in a second direction, the second direction being perpendicular to the first direction. The compression spring is configured to provide a restraint to maintain the plunger locked in an outwardly extended state in an activated state, or to maintain the plunger locked in an inwardly retracted state in a deactivated state.

[0026] In various embodiments, each of the plurality of cargo restraint assemblies further comprises an interface. In various embodiments, the interface is configured to receive an actuation shaft / tube that couples a first cargo restraint assembly of the plurality of cargo restraint assemblies to a second cargo restraint assembly of the plurality of cargo restraint assemblies so that the first cargo restraint assembly and the second cargo restraint assembly are simultaneously activated or deactivated.

[0027] Unless otherwise explicitly indicated herein, the foregoing features and elements may be combined in various combinations without exclusivity. These features and elements and operations of the disclosed embodiments will become more apparent in view of the following description and accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] The subject matter of the present disclosure is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. However, a more complete understanding of the disclosure may be best obtained by referring to the detailed description and claims when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals represent similar elements.

[0029] Figure 1 An aircraft (eg, a helicopter) is shown with a cargo handling system according to various embodiments.

[0030] Figure 2 A perspective view of a portion of a reconfigurable cargo handling system is shown according to various embodiments.

[0031] Figure 3 A side view of a group of modular containers loaded into a cargo hold of a cargo handling system is shown according to various embodiments.

[0032] Figure 4 A top view of a group of modular containers loaded into a cargo hold of a cargo handling system is shown according to various embodiments.

[0033] Figure 5A and Figure 5BA cross-sectional view of a cargo restraint assembly in an activated state at two different levels in the x-direction is shown according to various embodiments.

[0034] Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of a cargo restraint assembly in a deactivated state is shown according to various embodiments.

[0035] Figure 7 An isometric view of a cargo restraint assembly 402 coupled to another cargo restraint assembly is shown according to various embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] The following detailed description of various embodiments herein refers to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate various embodiments by way of illustration. Although these various embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the present disclosure, it should be understood that other embodiments can be implemented and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the detailed description herein is presented only for the purpose of illustration and not limitation. In addition, any reference to the singular includes plural embodiments, and any reference to more than one component or step may include singular embodiments or steps. In addition, any reference to attachment, fixing, connection, etc. may include permanent, removable, temporary, partial, complete or any other possible attachment options. In addition, any reference to non-contact (or similar phrases) may also include reduced contact or minimal contact. It should also be understood that, unless specifically described otherwise, reference to "one", "a kind of" or "described" may include one or more, and reference to articles in the singular may also include articles in the plural. In addition, all ranges may include upper and lower limits, and all ranges and ratio limits disclosed herein may be combined.

[0037] When restraining cargo within an aircraft's cargo hold, typical restraint systems for containers such as Joint Modular Intermodal Containers (JMICs) rely on cargo nets and tie-down accessories to restrain the containers. Strapping each container individually requires a long time to perform. The more containers are restrained, the more complex the restraint system becomes and the more time required.

[0038] Disclosed herein are systems and methods utilizing a set of restraints that are coupled to a cargo hold floor and include an action, namely, extension in the y-direction or port / starboard direction. In various embodiments, the extension in the y-direction engages with a cargo container and prevents movement of the cargo container in the x-direction and the z-direction. In various embodiments, when the set of restraints is utilized on both sides of a cargo container, the extension of the set of restraints further prevents movement of the cargo in the y-direction. In various embodiments, the action performed by the restraints may be accomplished via a linkage system that utilizes an over-center locking mechanism to ensure positive engagement of the cargo container.

[0039] Reference now Figure 1 , according to various embodiments, an aircraft (e.g., helicopter 10) is shown with a cargo handling system 100. The helicopter 10 includes a fuselage 12 mechanically coupled to a main rotor 14. The main rotor 14 may include a plurality of rotating blades. In various embodiments, the cargo handling system 100 may be disposed at the rear end of the fuselage 12.

[0040] Reference now Figure 2 , according to various embodiments, Figure 1 The cargo handling system 100 in FIG. 1 is shown in a configuration for transporting cargo. In various embodiments, the cargo handling system 100 includes a cargo hold 102 into which palletized or containerized cargo can be loaded. In various embodiments, the cargo hold 102 includes a cargo deck 104, a right side wall 106, a left side wall 108, a top plate 110, a front end 112, and a rear end or aft end 114. In various embodiments, the cargo hold 102 is defined by a front end 112 and a rear end or aft end 114 spaced from the front end 112 along the length (or longitudinal) dimension of the cargo hold 102. In various embodiments, the cargo hold 102 is defined by a right side wall 106 and a left side wall 108 spaced from the right side wall 106 along the width (or transverse) dimension of the cargo hold 102. In various embodiments, loading cargo into the cargo hold 102 can be assisted by a roller tray connected to or embedded in the cargo deck 104. In various embodiments, once the cargo is loaded, the cargo may be restrained by a set of restraint mechanisms coupled to the cargo deck 104 via fittings integrated into the cargo deck 104 or integrated into an in-floor adapter integrated within the cargo deck 104. In various embodiments, the fittings may be integrated into a roller tray coupled to or embedded within the cargo deck 104.

[0041] Reference now Figure 3 , according to various embodiments, showing loading into Figure 2 102 of a cargo handling system 100 in FIG. 104. In various embodiments, the modular containers 302 are loaded onto the cargo deck 104 and are spaced apart in the forward (FWD) direction along the cargo deck 104. In various embodiments, the modular containers 302 may be spaced apart from each other. In various embodiments, the spacing may be 1 / 4 In various embodiments, the spacing may be between 1 inch (0.635 cm) and 1 inch (2.54 cm). 1 / 4 inches (0.635 cm) and 1 / 2In various embodiments, the spacing may be 5 / 16 inch (0.7937 cm). In various embodiments, modular container 302 includes interface apertures 304 for docking with corresponding cargo restraint assemblies.

[0042] Reference now Figure 4 , according to various embodiments, showing loading into Figure 2 100 of the cargo handling system 100 in FIG. 10A . In various embodiments, the modular containers 302 are loaded onto the cargo deck 104 and spaced apart in the forward (FWD) direction along the cargo deck 104. In various embodiments, each of the modular containers 302 may be restrained by a set of cargo restraint assemblies 402, two on each side of each cargo container, each coupled to the cargo deck 104 and disposed adjacent a corner of each of the modular containers 302. In various embodiments, the two cargo restraint assemblies on each side of the cargo container may be coupled together via an actuation shaft / tube 404, thereby providing simultaneous actuation / de-actuation of the two cargo restraint assemblies.

[0043] Reference now Figure 5A and Figure 5B , a cross-sectional view of a cargo restraint assembly 402 in an activated state at two different levels in the x-direction is shown, according to various embodiments. In various embodiments, the cargo restraint assembly 402 may be coupled to the cargo deck 104 via fittings integrated in the cargo deck 104 or in an in-floor adapter integrated within the cargo deck 104 and via a set of anchors 501 integrated in the cargo restraint assembly 402. In various embodiments, the cargo restraint assembly 402 includes an actuation / deactuation lever 502 coupled to a base assembly 504 of the cargo restraint assembly 402 via a rotation pin 506. In this regard, in various embodiments, the actuation / deactuation lever 502 rotates about an axis passing through a longitudinal center of the rotation pin 506.

[0044] In various embodiments, the actuation / release actuation lever 502 is essentially a foot pedal that activates the cargo restraint assembly 402 in response to being released and rotating in a clockwise direction about the rotation pin 506, thereby allowing the plunger 508 to engage with the interface hole 304 of the modular container 302. In this regard, in various embodiments, the outer dimensions of the plunger 508 may substantially match the inner dimensions of the interface hole 304. In various embodiments, the base assembly 504 may include a first positive stopper that prevents the actuation / release actuation lever 502 from rotating beyond a defined clockwise angle. In various embodiments, the first link 510 includes a first end 510a and a second end 510b. In various embodiments, the first end 510a is coupled to the actuation / release actuation lever 502 via the rotation pin 506 and rotates simultaneously therewith. In various embodiments, the second end 510b is mechanically and rotatably coupled to the second link 512. In various embodiments, the second link 512 includes a first end 512a and a second end 512b. In this regard, in various embodiments, the second end 510b of the first link is mechanically and rotatably coupled to the first end 512a of the second link via a pin 514. In various embodiments, the second end 512b is mechanically and rotatably coupled to a plunger interconnect plate 516. In various embodiments, the plunger interconnect plate 516 translates in the positive and negative y-directions based on the activation / deactivation of the actuation / deactivation lever 502. In this regard, the second end 512b is mechanically and rotatably coupled to the plunger interconnect plate 516 via a pin 518. In various embodiments, the distal end 508a of the plunger 508 is configured to extend outwardly from the base assembly 504 into the interface hole 304 of the modular container 302 in the positive y-direction. In this regard, in response to being extended, the plunger 508 provides a constraint in the x-direction, i.e., prevents the modular container from moving in the x-direction and the z-direction.

[0045] In various embodiments, when a user activates the cargo restraint assembly 402, the damping spring 520, which is biased against the rear portion of the plunger interconnect plate 516 in the negative y direction, provides damping of the plunger 508 in the positive y direction to help lock the plunger 508 into the interface hole 304 of the modular container 302. In various embodiments, the damping provided by the damping spring 520 allows the user to activate the cargo restraint assembly 402 by releasing and rotating the actuation / de-actuation lever 502 in a clockwise direction about the rotation pin 506, which causes the second end 510b of the first link 510, coupled to the first end 512a of the second link via the pin 514, to move across the centerline C1 between the rotation pin 506 and the pin 518. In various embodiments, the compression spring 522 provides a constraint to maintain the second end 510b of the first link 510, which is mechanically and rotatably coupled to the first end 512a of the second link 512 via the pin 514, in an activated state and to move across the centerline C1. Figure 6510b of the first link 510 retracted from the centerline C2 shown in FIG. 50a is mechanically and rotatably coupled to the first end 512a of the second link 512 and is maintained in the deactivated state. In this regard, the compression spring 522 provides a constraint to maintain the plunger 508 locked in the outwardly extended state in the activated state, or to maintain the plunger locked in the inwardly retracted state in the deactivated state. In various embodiments, in response to the cargo restraint assembly 402 being activated and the plunger 508 not immediately locked into the interface hole 304 of the modular container 302, the attenuation provided by the attenuation spring 520 maintains the positive force of the plunger in the y-direction. In this regard, the user may be able to rock the modular container 302 FWD / AFT (forward / backward) or side to side to align the plunger 508 with the interface hole 304 of the modular container 302, thereby allowing the positive force of the plunger in the y-direction to "pop" the plunger 508 into the interface hole 304 of the modular container 302.

[0046] Reference now Figure 6 , a cross-sectional view of a cargo restraint assembly 402 in a deactivated state is shown, according to various embodiments. In various embodiments, the cargo restraint assembly 402 may be coupled to the cargo deck 104 via a fitting integrated in the cargo deck 104 or in an in-floor adapter integrated within the cargo deck 104 and via a set of anchors 501 integrated in the cargo restraint assembly 402. In various embodiments, the cargo restraint assembly 402 includes an actuation / de-actuation lever 502 coupled to a base assembly 504 of the cargo restraint assembly 402 via a rotation pin 506. In this regard, in various embodiments, the actuation / de-actuation lever 502 rotates about an axis passing through a longitudinal center of the rotation pin 506.

[0047] In various embodiments, the actuation / deactuation lever 502 is essentially a foot pedal that deactivates the cargo restraint assembly 402 in response to being depressed and rotated in a counterclockwise direction about the rotation pin 506, thereby disengaging the plunger 508 from the modular container 302. In various embodiments, the base assembly 504 may include a second positive stop that prevents the actuation / deactuation lever 502 from rotating beyond a defined clockwise angle. In various embodiments, the first link 510 includes a first end 510a and a second end 510b. In various embodiments, the first end 510a is coupled to the actuation / deactuation lever 502 via the rotation pin 506 and rotates simultaneously therewith. In various embodiments, the second end 510b is mechanically and rotatably coupled to the second link 512. In various embodiments, the second link 512 includes a first end 512a and a second end 512b. In this regard, in various embodiments, the second end 510b of the first link is mechanically and rotatably coupled to the first end 512a of the second link via the pin 514. In various embodiments, the second end 512b is mechanically and rotatably coupled to the plunger interconnect plate 516. In various embodiments, the plunger interconnect plate 516 translates in the positive and negative y-directions based on the activation / deactivation of the actuation / deactivation lever 502. In this regard, the second end 512b is mechanically and rotatably coupled to the plunger interconnect plate 516 via the pin 518. In various embodiments, the distal end 508a of the plunger 508 is configured to retract inwardly from the base assembly 504 into the interface aperture 304 of the modular container 302 in the negative y-direction. In various embodiments, when the user deactivates the cargo restraint assembly 402, as shown in FIG. Figure 5B As shown in FIG. 5 , the damping spring 520 biased against the rear of the plunger interconnect plate 516 in the negative y direction is compressed against the rear of the plunger interconnect plate 516. In various embodiments, the compression spring 522 provides a constraint to move beyond Figure 5A The second end 510b of the first link 510 mechanically and rotatably coupled to the first end 512a of the second link 512 via the pin 514 is maintained in an activated state, and the second end 510b of the first link mechanically and rotatably coupled to the first end 512a of the second link 512 retracted across the centerline C2 is maintained in a deactivated state. In this regard, the compression spring 522 provides a constraint to maintain the plunger 508 locked in the outwardly extended state in the activated state, or to maintain the plunger locked in the inwardly retracted state in the deactivated state.

[0048] Reference now Figure 7, an isometric view of a cargo restraint assembly 402 coupled to another cargo restraint assembly is shown, according to various embodiments. In various embodiments, when a user activates / deactivates an actuation / deactivation lever 502, an interface 702 that may be mechanically coupled to both sides of the actuation / deactivation lever 502 rotates as the actuation / deactivation lever 502 rotates. In various embodiments, when an actuation shaft / tube 404 is coupled between the interface 702 and a similar interface 702 on a paired cargo restraint assembly 402 associated with the same modular container 302 and the actuation / deactivation lever 502 is activated / deactivated, both of the paired cargo restraint assemblies 402 are activated or deactivated together.

[0049] Benefits and other advantages have been described herein for specific embodiments. In addition, the connecting lines shown in the various figures included herein are intended to represent exemplary functional relationships and / or physical connections between various elements. It should be noted that many alternative or additional functional relationships or physical connections may exist in actual systems. However, the benefits, advantages, solutions to the problem, and any elements that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more prominent should not be interpreted as key, required, or necessary features or elements of the present disclosure. The scope of the present disclosure will therefore only be limited by the appended claims, wherein unless explicitly stated, references to singular elements are not intended to represent "one and only one", but "one or more". In addition, where a phrase similar to "at least one of A, B, or C" is used in the claims, it is intended that the phrase be interpreted as meaning that only A may be present in one embodiment, only B may be present in one embodiment, only C may be present in one embodiment, or any combination of elements A, B, and C may be present in a single embodiment; for example, A and B, A and C, B and C, or A and B and C.

[0050] Systems, methods, and apparatus are provided herein. In the detailed description herein, references to "one embodiment," "an embodiment," "an example embodiment," and the like indicate that the described embodiment may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but each embodiment may not necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. In addition, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. In addition, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in conjunction with an embodiment, it should be considered that it is within the knowledge of a person skilled in the art to make such feature, structure, or characteristic work in conjunction with other embodiments, whether or not explicitly described. After reading the specification, a person skilled in the relevant art will understand how to implement the present disclosure in alternative embodiments.

[0051] In addition, an element, component, or method step in the present disclosure is not intended to be exclusive to the disclosure, regardless of whether the element, component, or method step is explicitly recited in a claim. No claim element herein is intended to invoke 35 U.S.C. 112(f) unless the element is explicitly recited using the phrase "means for..." As used herein, the terms "comprises," "comprising," or any other variation thereof, are intended to encompass a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that includes a list of elements includes not only those elements, but may include other elements not explicitly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus.

Claims

1. A cargo restraint assembly for a cargo handling system, the cargo restraint assembly comprising: A base assembly, the base assembly comprising: a plunger, wherein in response to being activated, the plunger is configured to extend into an opening in a modular container in a first direction, thereby constraining the modular container in a second direction, the second direction being perpendicular to the first direction; and A compression spring, wherein the compression spring is configured to provide a constraint to maintain the plunger locked in an outwardly extended state in an activated state, or to maintain the plunger locked in an inwardly retracted state in a deactivated state.

2. The cargo restraint assembly of claim 1, wherein The base assembly further comprises: an actuation / deactuation lever, wherein the actuation / deactuation lever is mechanically and rotatably coupled to the base assembly via a rotation pin, and wherein the actuation / deactuation lever is configured to rotate about an axis passing through a longitudinal center of the rotation pin; or The cargo restraint assembly is a first cargo restraint assembly, wherein the base assembly further comprises: an interface, wherein the interface is configured to receive an actuation shaft / tube that couples the first cargo restraint assembly to a second cargo restraint assembly so that the first cargo restraint assembly and the second cargo restraint assembly are simultaneously activated or deactivated; or The base assembly further includes a set of anchors integrated into the cargo restraint assembly, wherein the set of anchors couples the cargo restraint assembly to a cargo deck of a cargo hold.

3. The cargo restraint assembly of claim 2, wherein the base assembly further comprises: First connecting rod; Second connecting rod; as well as A plunger interconnect plate, wherein the actuation / deactuation rod is coupled to the plunger via the first link, the second link, and the plunger interconnect plate.

4. The cargo restraint assembly of claim 3, wherein the actuation / deactuation lever is coupled to the first end of the first link via the rotation pin such that the first link rotates simultaneously with the actuation / deactuation lever.

5. The cargo restraint assembly of claim 4, wherein the second end of the first link is mechanically and rotatably coupled to the first end of the second link via a first pin, wherein the second end of the second link is mechanically and rotatably coupled to the plunger interconnect plate via a second pin, and wherein the plunger interconnect plate is coupled to the plunger.

6. A cargo restraint assembly as described in claim 5, wherein the mechanical and rotatable connection between the second end of the first link and the first end of the second link is configured to move across a centerline, thereby providing an over-center locking mechanism for locking the plunger into the opening in the modular container at the outermost extension from the base assembly along the first direction.

7. The cargo restraint assembly of claim 3, wherein the compression spring provides the restraint to maintain the second end of the first link that is mechanically and rotatably coupled to the first end of the second link that moves across a centerline in the enabled state, and to maintain the second end of the retracted first link that is mechanically and rotatably coupled to the first end of the second link in the disabled state.

8. A cargo handling system, comprising: A plurality of cargo restraint assemblies, each cargo restraint assembly of the plurality of cargo restraint assemblies comprising: A base assembly, the base assembly comprising: a plunger, wherein in response to being activated, the plunger is configured to extend into an opening in a modular container in a first direction, thereby constraining the modular container in a second direction, the second direction being perpendicular to the first direction; and A compression spring, wherein the compression spring is configured to provide a constraint to maintain the plunger locked in an outwardly extended state in an activated state, or to maintain the plunger locked in an inwardly retracted state in a deactivated state.

9. The cargo handling system of claim 8, wherein The base assembly further comprises: an actuation / deactuation lever, wherein the actuation / deactuation lever is mechanically and rotatably coupled to the base assembly via a rotation pin, and wherein the actuation / deactuation lever is configured to rotate about an axis passing through a longitudinal center of the rotation pin; or The cargo restraint assembly is a first cargo restraint assembly, wherein the base assembly further comprises: an interface, wherein the interface is configured to receive an actuation shaft / tube that couples the first cargo restraint assembly to a second cargo restraint assembly so that the first cargo restraint assembly and the second cargo restraint assembly are simultaneously activated or deactivated; or The base assembly further includes a set of anchors integrated into the cargo restraint assembly, wherein the set of anchors couples the cargo restraint assembly to a cargo deck of a cargo hold.

10. The cargo handling system of claim 9, wherein the base assembly further comprises: First connecting rod; Second connecting rod; as well as A plunger interconnect plate, wherein the actuation / deactuation rod is coupled to the plunger via the first link, the second link, and the plunger interconnect plate.

11. The cargo handling system of claim 10, wherein The actuation / deactuation lever is coupled to the first end of the first link via the rotation pin, so that the first link rotates simultaneously with the actuation / deactuation lever; or The compression spring provides the constraint to maintain the second end of the first link that is mechanically and rotatably connected to the first end of the second link when it moves across the center line in the enabled state, and to maintain the second end of the retracted first link that is mechanically and rotatably connected to the first end of the second link in the disabled state.

12. The cargo handling system of claim 11, wherein the second end of the first link is mechanically and rotatably coupled to the first end of the second link via a first pin, wherein the second end of the second link is mechanically and rotatably coupled to the plunger interconnect plate via a second pin, and wherein the plunger interconnect plate is coupled to the plunger.

13. The cargo handling system of claim 12, wherein the mechanical and rotatable connection between the second end of the first link and the first end of the second link is configured to move across a centerline, thereby providing an over-center locking mechanism for locking the plunger into the opening in the modular container at an outermost extension from the base assembly in the first direction.

14. An aircraft, comprising: cargo deck; as well as A cargo loading and unloading system, the cargo loading and unloading system being arranged on the cargo deck, the cargo loading and unloading system comprising: A plurality of cargo restraint assemblies, each cargo restraint assembly of the plurality of cargo restraint assemblies comprising: A base assembly, the base assembly comprising: a plunger, wherein in response to being activated, the plunger is configured to extend into an opening in a modular container in a first direction, thereby constraining the modular container in a second direction, the second direction being perpendicular to the first direction; and A compression spring, wherein the compression spring is configured to provide a constraint to maintain the plunger locked in an outwardly extended state in an activated state, or to maintain the plunger locked in an inwardly retracted state in a deactivated state.

15. The aircraft of claim 14, wherein each of the plurality of cargo restraint assemblies further comprises: an interface, wherein the interface is configured to receive an actuation shaft / tube that couples a first cargo restraint assembly of the plurality of cargo restraint assemblies to a second cargo restraint assembly of the plurality of cargo restraint assemblies so that the first cargo restraint assembly and the second cargo restraint assembly are simultaneously activated or deactivated.

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