Acetal Thrust Bearing for Cargo Roller Maintenance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Cargo handling systems in aircraft require frequent maintenance due to the need for lubrication of metal thrust bearings in roller elements, which can be time-consuming and costly.

Innovation Solution

A maintenance-free roller assembly using a nonmetallic thrust bearing, such as an acetal disk, replaces traditional metal thrust bearings, allowing rollers to swivel without the need for lubrication, and can be retrofitted into existing systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If metal thrust bearings are used in roller elements, then the rollers can swivel and facilitate movement of ULDs, but the system requires frequent maintenance including lubrication

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemaintenance-free operationVSAvoidmaintenance requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces metal thrust bearings with a non-metallic thrust bearing made of acetal polymer material. This substitution eliminates the need for lubrication and frequent maintenance while maintaining the swiveling function of the roller elements. The acetal material provides self-lubricating properties and resistance to corrosion, resolving the contradiction between reliability and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses acetal polymer material for the thrust bearing, which is a composite material offering both structural integrity and self-lubricating properties. This material choice eliminates the need for metal-to-metal contact and external lubrication, thereby reducing maintenance requirements while preserving the swiveling capability of the roller assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If metal thrust bearings are used in roller elements, then the rollers can swivel, but the system becomes costly due to maintenance requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational continuityVSAvoidmaintenance cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes metal thrust bearings with acetal polymer thrust bearings, eliminating the need for costly lubrication and maintenance operations. The non-metallic material provides durable, maintenance-free operation that reduces operational costs while maintaining continuous functionality of the cargo handling system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution reduces maintenance requirements, enhancing the reliability and efficiency of cargo handling systems by eliminating the need for lubrication and extending the operational lifespan of the rollers.

Implementation Method 1

a nonmetallic thrust bearing (e.g., an acetal disk) therebetween that allows the roller support bracket to rotate relative to the swivel frame

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS10850843B2Roller assembly of a cargo loading system

Publication Date: 2020.12.01 ADVANCED AIRCRAFT ROLLER SYST

AI summary

A cargo handling system that enables rollers to swivel without the need for the inclusion of metal thrust bearings. A method of assembling and retrofitting existing conventional type swivel caster style wheels is also provided.