Cargo restraint assembly, cargo handling system, and aircraft

Abstract

To provide a cargo restraint assembly for a cargo handling system.SOLUTION: This cargo restraint assembly includes a base assembly. The base assembly includes a plunger. The plunger is configured to extend in a first direction in an opening in a module-type container when operated, thereby restraining the module-type container in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The base assembly further includes a compression spring. The compression spring provides a restraining force for locking the plunger in the state of extending outside in an operation state or locking the plunger in the state of contracting inside in a non-operation state.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5A

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] (U.S. Government License Rights) This invention was made with United States Government support under SPE8EJ-20-D-0012, SPE8EL-20-F-1FT1 awarded by the United States Navy. The United States Government has certain rights in this invention.

[0002] (CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS) This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 591,873, filed October 20, 2023, and entitled “CARGO RESTRAINT SYSTEM FOR JOINT MODULAR INTERMODAL CONTAINERS,” which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety for all purposes.

[0003] The present disclosure relates generally to the field of cargo handling systems, and more specifically to a cargo restraint system for joint modular intermodal containers. [Background technology]

[0004] Aircraft configurable for the transport of cargo, i.e., palletized or containerized cargo, must maintain proper spacing of pallets or containers to prevent inadvertent contact or load transfer between pallets or containers during flight. Typically, cargo hold layouts are variable enough to allow pallets or containers to be properly spaced to avoid contact. However, in some scenarios, for various reasons, tolerances may require spacing to be reduced to the point where pallets or containers may come into contact with each other during ground handling or in flight. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE The object of the present invention is therefore to improve a cargo handling system of the kind mentioned at the outset, so that the above-mentioned disadvantages are reduced. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A cargo restraint assembly for a cargo handling system is disclosed. The cargo restraint assembly includes a plunger and a compression spring. The plunger is configured to extend in a first direction into an opening in the modular container when actuated, thereby restraining the modular container in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The compression spring is configured to provide a restraining force that locks the plunger in an outwardly extended state in an actuated state and locks the plunger in an inwardly retracted state in an unactuated state.

[0007] In various embodiments, the base assembly further includes an activation / deactivation lever. In various embodiments, the activation / deactivation lever is mechanically and rotatably coupled to the base assembly via a rotating pin. In various embodiments, the activation / deactivation lever is configured to rotate about an axis passing through a longitudinal center of the rotating pin.

[0008] In various embodiments, the base assembly further includes a first linkage, a second linkage, and a plunger interconnect plate. In various embodiments, the actuation / deactuation lever is coupled to the plunger via the first linkage, the second linkage, and the plunger interconnect plate.

[0009] In various embodiments, the actuation / non-actuation lever is coupled to a first end of the first linkage via a rotation pin, such that the first linkage rotates simultaneously with the actuation / non-actuation lever.

[0010] In various embodiments, the second end of the first linkage is mechanically and rotatably coupled to the first end of the second linkage via a first pin. In various embodiments, the second end of the second linkage is mechanically and rotatably coupled to the plunger interconnect plate via a second pin. In various embodiments, the plunger interconnect plate is coupled to the plunger.

[0011] In various embodiments, the mechanical and rotatable coupling between the second end of the first linkage and the first end of the second linkage is configured to move over the centerline, thereby providing an over-center locking mechanism that locks the plunger at its outermost extension in a first direction from the base assembly to the opening in the modular container.

[0012] In various embodiments, the compression spring provides a constraint to keep the second end of the first linkage, which is mechanically and rotatably coupled to the first end of the second linkage, moved on the centerline in an actuated state and to keep the second end of the first linkage, which is mechanically and rotatably coupled to the first end of the second linkage, compressed in an unactuated state.

[0013] In various embodiments, the cargo restraint assembly is a first cargo restraint assembly and the base assembly further includes an interface, in various embodiments, the interface is configured to receive an actuation shaft / tube coupling the first cargo restraint assembly to the second cargo restraint assembly such that the first cargo restraint assembly and the second cargo restraint assembly are simultaneously activated or deactivated.

[0014] In various embodiments, the base assembly further includes a set of anchors integral to the cargo restraint assembly. In various embodiments, the set of anchors couples the cargo restraint assembly to a cargo deck of the cargo hold.

[0015] Also disclosed herein is a cargo handling system. The cargo handling system includes a plurality of cargo restraint assemblies. Each cargo restraint assembly of the plurality of cargo restraint assemblies includes a base assembly. The base assembly includes a plunger and a compression spring. The plunger is configured to extend in a first direction into an opening in the modular container when actuated, thereby restraining the modular container in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The compression spring is configured to provide a restraining force that locks the plunger in an outwardly extended state in an actuated state and locks the plunger in an inwardly retracted state in an unactuated state.

[0016] In various embodiments, the base assembly further includes an activation / deactivation lever. In various embodiments, the activation / deactivation lever is mechanically and rotatably coupled to the base assembly via a rotating pin. In various embodiments, the activation / deactivation lever is configured to rotate about an axis passing through a longitudinal center of the rotating pin.

[0017] In various embodiments, the base assembly further includes a first linkage, a second linkage, and a plunger interconnect plate. In various embodiments, the actuation / deactuation lever is coupled to the plunger via the first linkage, the second linkage, and the plunger interconnect plate.

[0018] In various embodiments, the actuation / non-actuation lever is coupled to a first end of the first linkage via a rotation pin, such that the first linkage rotates simultaneously with the actuation / non-actuation lever.

[0019] In various embodiments, the second end of the first linkage is mechanically and rotatably coupled to the first end of the second linkage via a first pin. In various embodiments, the second end of the second linkage is mechanically and rotatably coupled to the plunger interconnect plate via a second pin. In various embodiments, the plunger interconnect plate is coupled to the plunger.

[0020] In various embodiments, the mechanical and rotatable coupling between the second end of the first linkage and the first end of the second linkage is configured to move over the centerline, thereby providing an over-center locking mechanism that locks the plunger at its outermost extension in a first direction from the base assembly to the opening in the modular container.

[0021] In various embodiments, the compression spring provides a restraining force to keep the second end of the first linkage, which is mechanically and rotatably coupled to the first end of the second linkage, moved on the centerline in an actuated state and to keep the second end of the first linkage, which is mechanically and rotatably coupled to the first end of the second linkage, compressed in an unactuated state.

[0022] In various embodiments, the cargo restraint assembly is a first cargo restraint assembly and the base assembly further includes an interface, in various embodiments, the interface is configured to receive an actuation shaft / tube coupling the first cargo restraint assembly to the second cargo restraint assembly such that the first cargo restraint assembly and the second cargo restraint assembly are simultaneously activated or deactivated.

[0023] In various embodiments, the base assembly further includes a set of anchors integral to the cargo restraint assembly. In various embodiments, the set of anchors couples the cargo restraint assembly to a cargo deck of the cargo hold.

[0024] Also disclosed herein is an aircraft. 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 cargo restraint assembly of the plurality of cargo restraint assemblies includes a base assembly. The base assembly includes a plunger and a compression spring. The plunger is configured to extend in a first direction into an opening in the modular container when actuated, thereby restraining the modular container in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The compression spring is configured to provide a restraining force that locks the plunger in an outwardly extended state in an actuated state and locks the plunger in an inwardly retracted state in an unactuated state.

[0025] In various embodiments, each cargo restraint assembly of the plurality of cargo restraint assemblies further includes an interface, in various embodiments, the interface is configured to receive an actuation shaft / tube coupling the first cargo restraint assembly to the second cargo restraint assembly such that the first cargo restraint assembly of the plurality of cargo restraint assemblies and the second cargo restraint assembly of the plurality of cargo restraint assemblies are simultaneously activated or deactivated.

[0026] The foregoing features and elements may be combined in various non-exclusive combinations unless otherwise stated herein. These features and elements, as well as the operation of the disclosed embodiments, will become more apparent in light of the following description and accompanying drawings.

[0027] The subject matter of the present disclosure is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification, but a more complete understanding of the present disclosure can best be obtained by reference to the detailed description and claims when considered in connection with the illustrated drawings in which like numerals indicate like elements and in which: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0028] [Figure 1]1 illustrates an aircraft (e.g., a helicopter) with a cargo handling system, according to various embodiments. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a portion of a reconfigurable cargo handling system according to various embodiments. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of a set of modular containers stowed in a cargo hold of a cargo handling system, according to various embodiments. [Figure 4] 1 illustrates a top view of a set of modular containers stowed in a cargo hold of a cargo handling system according to various embodiments. [Figure 5A] 1 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a cargo restraint assembly in an actuated state at one level in the x-direction, according to various embodiments. [Figure 5B] 1A-1D show cross-sectional views of a cargo restraint assembly in an actuated state at different levels in the x-direction according to various embodiments. [Figure 6] 1 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a cargo restraint assembly in an unactuated state according to various embodiments. [Figure 7] 4 illustrates an isometric view of a cargo restraint assembly 402 coupled to another cargo restraint assembly, according to various embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0029] The following detailed description of various embodiments herein refers to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate various embodiments by way of illustration. These exemplary embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, but it should be understood that other embodiments may be realized and that changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Thus, the detailed description herein is presented for purposes of illustration only and not limitation. Furthermore, any reference to the singular may include multiple embodiments, and any reference to two or more components or steps may include a singular embodiment or step. Also, any reference to attached, fixed, connected, etc. may include permanent, removable, temporary, partial, complete, or any other possible attachment option. Furthermore, any reference to no contact (or similar phrases) may also include reduced or minimal contact. It should be understood that unless specifically stated otherwise, references to "a," "an," or "the" may include one or more, and references to an item in the singular may also include items in the plural. Further, all ranges can include upper and lower values, and all range and ratio limits disclosed herein can be combined.

[0030] When restraining cargo within an aircraft's cargo hold, typical container restraint systems, such as the Joint Modular Intermodal Container (JMIC), use cargo nets and fastening fittings to restrain the containers. Securing each container individually is a very time-consuming task to perform. The more containers to be restrained, the more complex the restraint system becomes and the longer the time required.

[0031] Disclosed herein are systems and methods that utilize a set of restraints coupled to the floor of a cargo hold and that include a motion, i.e., extension in the Y or port / starboard directions. In various embodiments, the Y extension engages and prevents X and Z movement of the cargo container. In various embodiments, when a set of restraints is utilized on both sides of the cargo container, the extension of the set of restraints further prevents y-direction movement of the cargo. In various embodiments, the motion 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.

[0032] 1, an aircraft (e.g., a helicopter 10) is shown with a cargo handling system 100, according to various embodiments. The helicopter 10 includes an airframe 12 that is mechanically coupled to a main rotor 14. The main rotor 14 may include a number of rotating blades. In various embodiments, the cargo handling system 100 may be located at the aft end of the airframe 12.

[0033] 2, the cargo handling system 100 of FIG. 1 is shown in a configuration for transporting cargo, according to various embodiments. In various embodiments, the cargo handling system 100 includes a cargo hold 102 capable of receiving palletized or containerized cargo. In various embodiments, the cargo hold 102 includes a cargo deck 104, a right side wall 106, a left side wall 108, a ceiling 110, a forward end 112, and an aft end or rear portion 114. In various embodiments, the cargo hold 102 is defined by the forward end 112 and the aft end or rear portion 114 spaced apart from the forward end 112 along a 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 apart from the right side wall 106 along a width (or transverse) dimension of the cargo hold 102. In various embodiments, loading of cargo into the cargo hold 102 may be assisted by a roller tray coupled to or embedded within the cargo deck 104. In various embodiments, once the cargo is loaded, it may be restrained by a set of restraining mechanisms coupled to the cargo deck 104 via fittings integrated into the cargo deck 104 or into in-floor adapters built into the cargo deck 104. In various embodiments, the fittings may be integrated into the roller tray coupled to or embedded within the cargo deck 104.

[0034] 3, a side view of a set of modular containers stowed in the cargo hold 102 of the cargo handling system 100 of FIG. 2 is shown according to various embodiments. In various embodiments, the modular containers 302 are stowed on the cargo deck 104 and spaced apart in a forward (FWD) direction along the cargo deck 104. In various embodiments, the modular containers 302 may be spaced apart from one another. In various embodiments, the spacing may be between ¼ inch (0.635 centimeters) and 1 inch (2.54 centimeters). In various embodiments, the spacing may be between ¼ inch (0.635 centimeters) and ½ inch (1.27 centimeters). In various embodiments, the spacing may be 5 / 16 inch (0.7937 centimeters). In various embodiments, the modular containers 302 include interface holes 304 for interfacing with respective cargo restraint assemblies.

[0035] 4, a top view of a set of modular containers stowed in the cargo hold 102 of the cargo handling system 100 of FIG. 2 is shown, according to various embodiments. In various embodiments, the modular containers 302 are stowed on the cargo deck 104 and spaced apart in a 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 located on each side of each cargo container, each coupled to the cargo deck 104 and positioned adjacent to a corner of each modular container 302. In various embodiments, the two cargo restraint assemblies on either side of the cargo container bay are coupled via actuation shafts / tubes 404, thereby allowing simultaneous activation / deactivation of the two cargo restraint assemblies.

[0036] 5A and 5B, cross-sectional views of a cargo restraint assembly 402 in an activated state at two different levels in the x-direction are 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 into the cargo deck 104 or an underfloor adapter within the cargo deck 104, and via a set of anchors 501 integrated into the cargo restraint assembly 402. In various embodiments, the cargo restraint assembly 402 includes an actuating / deactuating lever 502 coupled to a base assembly 504 of the cargo restraint assembly 402 via a rotating pin 506. In this regard, in various embodiments, the actuating / deactuating lever 502 rotates about an axis passing through the longitudinal center of the rotating pin 506.

[0037] In various embodiments, the activation / deactivation lever 502 is essentially a foot pedal that, when released and rotated in a clockwise direction about a rotation pin 506, activates the cargo restraint assembly 402, thereby allowing the plunger 508 to engage 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 stop that prevents the activation / deactivation lever 502 from rotating beyond a defined clockwise angle. In various embodiments, the first linkage 510 includes a first end 510a and a second end 510b. In various embodiments, the first end 510a is coupled to the activation / deactivation lever 502 via the rotation pin 506 and rotates simultaneously with the activation / deactivation lever 502. In various embodiments, the second end 510b is mechanically and rotatably coupled to the second linkage 512. In various embodiments, the second linkage 512 includes a first end 512a and a second end 512b. In this regard, in various embodiments, the second end 510b of the first linkage is mechanically and rotatably coupled to the first end 512a of the second linkage 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 moves in the positive and negative y directions based on the actuation / deactuation of the actuation / deactuation 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 outward in the positive y direction from the base assembly 504 to the interface hole 304 of the modular container 302. In this regard, the plunger 508 provides a restraining force in the x-direction in response to extension, ie, prevents the modular container from moving in both the x-direction and the z-direction.

[0038] In various embodiments, when a user activates the cargo restraint assembly 402, a damping spring 520 biased in a negative y-direction against the back side of the plunger interconnect plate 516 damps the plunger 508 in a positive y-direction and helps 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 a user to activate the cargo restraint assembly 402 by releasing the actuating / deactuating lever 502 and rotating it in a clockwise direction about the rotation pin 506, which moves the coupling between the second end 510b of the first linkage and the first end 512a of the second linkage via the pin 514 past the centerline C1 between the rotation pin 506 and the pin 518. In various embodiments, the compression spring 522 provides a restraining force to keep the second end 510b of the first linkage 510, which is mechanically and rotatably coupled to the first end 512a of the second linkage 512 via the pin 514, in an actuated state moved on the centerline C1, and the second end 510b of the first linkage 510, which is mechanically and rotatably coupled to the first end 512a of the second linkage 512, in an unactuated state retracted on the centerline C2 shown in FIG. 6. In this regard, the compression spring 522 provides a restraining force to lock the plunger 508 in an outwardly extended state in an actuated state and to lock the plunger in an inwardly contracted state in an unactuated state. In various embodiments, in response to the cargo restraint assembly 402 being actuated and the plunger 508 not immediately locking into the interface hole 304 of the modular container 302, a positive force on the plunger in the y-direction is maintained by damping provided by the damping spring 520. In this regard, the user can rock the modular container 302 forward / backward or side to side to align the plunger 508 with the interface hole 304 of the modular container 302 and then "pop" the plunger 508 into the interface hole 304 of the modular container 302 with a positive force in the y-direction of the plunger.

[0039] 6, a cross-sectional view of a cargo restraint assembly 402 in an inactivated 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 into the cargo deck 104 or an underfloor adapter within the cargo deck 104, and via a set of anchors 501 integrated into the cargo restraint assembly 402. In various embodiments, the cargo restraint assembly 402 includes an actuate / deactuate 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 actuate / deactuate lever 502 rotates about an axis passing through a longitudinal center of the rotation pin 506.

[0040] In various embodiments, the activation / deactivation lever 502 is essentially a foot pedal that, when depressed and rotated in a clockwise direction about a rotation pin 506, deactivates the cargo restraint assembly 402, thereby allowing the plunger 508 to disengage from the modular container 302. In various embodiments, the base assembly 504 can include a second positive stop that prevents the activation / deactivation lever 502 from rotating beyond a defined counterclockwise angle. In various embodiments, the first linkage 510 includes a first end 510a and a second end 510b. In various embodiments, the first end 510a is coupled to the activation / deactivation lever 502 via the rotation pin 506 and rotates simultaneously with the activation / deactivation lever 502. In various embodiments, the second end 510b is mechanically and rotatably coupled to the second linkage 512. In various embodiments, the second linkage 512 includes a first end 512a and a second end 512b. In this regard, in various embodiments, the second end 510b of the first linkage is mechanically and rotatably coupled to the first end 512a of the second linkage 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 moves in the positive and negative y directions based on the actuation / deactuation of the actuation / deactuation 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 retract inwardly in the negative y direction from the base assembly 504 to the interface hole 304 of the modular container 302. In various embodiments, when a user deactivates the cargo restraint assembly 402, the damping spring 520, which is 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, as shown in FIG. 5B.In various embodiments, the compression spring 522 provides a restraining force to keep the second end 510b of the first linkage 510 to the first end 512a of the second linkage 512 via the pin 514 in an actuated state moved on the centerline C1 of FIG. 5A and the second end 510b of the first linkage mechanically and rotatably coupled to the first end 512a of the second linkage 512 retracted on the centerline C2 in an unactuated state. In this regard, the compression spring 522 provides a restraining force to lock the plunger 508 in an outwardly extended state in an actuated state and to lock the plunger 508 in an inwardly contracted state in an unactuated state.

[0041] 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 the activate / deactivate lever 502, an interface 702, which may be mechanically coupled to either side of the activate / deactivate lever 502, rotates with the rotation of the activate / deactivate lever 502. In various embodiments, an actuation shaft / tube 404 is coupled between a similar interface 702 to an interface 702 on a paired cargo restraint assembly 402 associated with the same modular container 302, such that when the activate / deactivate lever 502 is activated / deactivated, both of the paired cargo restraint assemblies 402 are activated or deactivated together.

[0042] Benefits and other advantages have been described herein with respect to specific embodiments. Furthermore, the connecting lines shown in the various figures contained herein are intended to represent example functional relationships and / or physical couplings between the various elements. It should be noted that many alternative or additional functional relationships or physical connections may exist in an actual system. However, the benefits, advantages, and solutions to a problem, as well as any elements that may give rise to or make more prominent any benefit, advantage, or solution, are not to be construed as critical, necessary, or essential characteristics or elements of the disclosure. Thus, the scope of the disclosure is limited only by the appended claims, and in the claims, references to elements in the singular are intended to mean "one or more" rather than "one" unless expressly stated as "one and only." Furthermore, when a phrase similar to "at least one of A, B, or C" is used in the claims, the phrase is intended to be interpreted to mean that only A may be present in an embodiment, only B may be present in an embodiment, only C may be present in an embodiment, or any combination of elements A, B, and C may be present in a single embodiment, e.g., A and B, A and C, B and C, or A, B and C.

[0043] Systems, methods, and devices are provided herein. In the detailed description herein, references to "one embodiment," "embodiment," "example embodiment," and the like indicate that the described embodiment may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Moreover, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is believed to be within the knowledge of one of ordinary skill in the art to operate such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments, whether or not expressly described. After reading the description, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the relevant art(s) how to implement the present disclosure in alternative embodiments.

[0044] Furthermore, no element, component, or method step in this disclosure is intended to be disclosed, regardless of whether the element, component, or method step is expressly recited in the claims. No claim element herein is intended to invoke 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase "means for." As used herein, the terms "comprises," "comprising," or any other variation thereof, are intended to refer to a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, product, or apparatus that includes a list of elements may include not only those elements, but also other elements not expressly recited or other elements specific to such process, method, product, or apparatus.

Claims

1. 1. A cargo restraint assembly for a cargo handling system, comprising: A base assembly, a plunger configured, when actuated, to extend in a first direction into an opening in a modular container, thereby constraining the modular container in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; a compression spring configured to provide a restraining force that locks the plunger in an outwardly extended position in an actuated state or in an inwardly contracted position in an unactuated state; and The base assembly comprising: a cargo restraint assembly.

2. The base assembly includes: an activation / deactivation lever, the activation / deactivation lever being mechanically and rotatably coupled to the base assembly via a pivot pin, the activation / deactivation lever being configured to rotate about an axis passing through a longitudinal center of the pivot pin; 10. The cargo restraint assembly of claim 1, further comprising:

3. The base assembly includes: A first linkage; A second linkage; and a plunger interconnect plate, the actuation / deactuation lever being coupled to the plunger via the first linkage, the second linkage, and the plunger interconnect plate; 3. The cargo restraint assembly of claim 2, further comprising:

4. 4. The cargo restraint assembly of claim 3, wherein the apply / disappear lever is coupled to a first end of the first linkage via the rotation pin, such that the first linkage rotates simultaneously with the apply / disappear lever.

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

6. 6. The cargo restraint assembly of claim 5, wherein the mechanical rotatable coupling between the second end of the first linkage and the first end of the second linkage is configured to move over a centerline, thereby providing an over-center locking mechanism that locks the plunger at its outermost extension in the first direction from the base assembly to the opening in the modular container.

7. 4. The cargo restraint assembly of claim 3, wherein the compression spring provides the restraining force to keep the second end of the first linkage mechanically and rotatably coupled to the first end of the second linkage centerlined in the actuated state and to keep the second end of the first linkage mechanically and rotatably coupled to the first end of the second linkage compressed in the unactuated state.

8. the cargo restraint assembly is a first cargo restraint assembly, the base assembly comprising: an interface configured to receive an actuation shaft / tube coupling the first cargo restraint assembly to a second cargo restraint assembly such that the first cargo restraint assembly and the second cargo restraint assembly are simultaneously activated or deactivated; 10. The cargo restraint assembly of claim 1, further comprising:

9. The base assembly includes: a set of anchors integral to the cargo restraint assembly, the set of anchors connecting the cargo restraint assembly to a cargo deck of a cargo hold; 10. The cargo restraint assembly of claim 1, further comprising:

10. 1. 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, a plunger configured, when actuated, to extend in a first direction into an opening in a modular container, thereby constraining the modular container in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; a compression spring configured to provide a restraining force that locks the plunger in an outwardly extended position in an actuated state or in an inwardly contracted position in an unactuated state; and The base assembly comprising: the plurality of cargo restraint assemblies including Cargo handling systems, including:

11. The base assembly includes: an activation / deactivation lever, the activation / deactivation lever being mechanically and rotatably coupled to the base assembly via a rotating pin, the activation / deactivation lever being configured to rotate about an axis passing through a longitudinal center of the rotating pin; The cargo handling system of claim 10 further comprising:

12. The base assembly includes: A first linkage; A second linkage; and a plunger interconnect plate, the actuation / deactuation lever being coupled to the plunger via the first linkage, the second linkage, and the plunger interconnect plate; 12. The cargo handling system of claim 11, further comprising:

13. 13. The cargo handling system of claim 12, wherein the actuating / deactuating lever is coupled to a first end of the first linkage via the rotation pin, such that the first linkage rotates simultaneously with the actuating / deactuating lever.

14. 14. The cargo handling system of claim 13, wherein a second end of the first linkage is mechanically and rotatably coupled to a first end of the second linkage via a first pin, a second end of the second linkage is mechanically and rotatably coupled to the plunger interconnect plate via a second pin, and the plunger interconnect plate is coupled to the plunger.

15. 15. The cargo handling system of claim 14, wherein the mechanical rotatable coupling between the second end of the first linkage and the first end of the second linkage is configured to move over a centerline, thereby providing an over-center locking mechanism that locks a plunger at its outermost extension in the first direction from the base assembly to the opening in the modular container.

16. 13. The cargo handling system of claim 12, wherein the compression spring provides the restraining force to keep the second end of the first linkage mechanically and rotatably coupled to the first end of the second linkage moved on centerline in the actuated state and to keep the second end of the first linkage mechanically and rotatably coupled to the first end of the second linkage compressed in the unactuated state.

17. the cargo restraint assembly is a first cargo restraint assembly, the base assembly comprising: an interface configured to receive an actuation shaft / tube coupling the first cargo restraint assembly to a second cargo restraint assembly such that the first cargo restraint assembly and the second cargo restraint assembly are simultaneously activated or deactivated; The cargo handling system of claim 10 further comprising:

18. The base assembly includes: a set of anchors integral to the cargo restraint assembly, the set of anchors connecting the cargo restraint assembly to a cargo deck of a cargo hold; The cargo handling system of claim 10 further comprising:

19. 1. An aircraft, Cargo deck and A cargo handling system disposed on the cargo deck, the 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, a plunger configured, when actuated, to extend in a first direction into an opening in a modular container, thereby constraining the modular container in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; a compression spring configured to provide a restraining force that locks the plunger in an outwardly extended position in an actuated state or in an inwardly contracted position in an unactuated state; and The base assembly comprising: the plurality of cargo restraint assemblies including the cargo handling system comprising: Including, aircraft.

20. each cargo restraint assembly of the plurality of cargo restraint assemblies comprises: an interface configured to receive an actuation shaft / tube coupling 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 such that the first cargo restraint assembly and the second cargo restraint assembly are simultaneously activated or deactivated.

20. The aircraft of claim 19, further comprising:

Images