Adjustable Locking Bar for Aircraft Cargo Containers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locking elements for securing containers on aircraft cargo holds cannot accommodate containers of different sizes due to fixed bolt spacings, leading to inadequate securing and potential deformation-related stress on the locking mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A locking element with adjustable latch positions and spring-loaded mechanisms allows for adaptable bolt spacing to fit various container sizes, compensating for cargo hold floor deformations and reducing stress on the locking components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the spacing of bolts is fixed, then the locking element structure is simple, but it cannot accommodate containers of different sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The bolt spacing is made adjustable through a mechanism where bolts can be displaced along the locking element and fixed at different positions. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the same locking element to accommodate containers of different sizes by changing the distance between adjacent bolts, thereby resolving the contradiction between adaptability and structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element is divided into modular components where bolts can be independently positioned and adjusted. Each bolt can be displaced to different locations along the locking element, allowing flexible configuration of spacing to match various container dimensions while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the bolt spacing is adjusted to fit different container sizes, then adaptability improves, but the complexity of adjusting and positioning increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element includes pre-defined positioning mechanisms and guides that indicate optimal bolt positions for different container sizes. These preliminary markings and structural features enable quick and accurate bolt placement without complex measurement or calculation procedures, making the adjustment process straightforward despite the variability in configuration requirements.
3Reliability
If fixed bolt positions are used, then manufacturing is simple, but stress from floor deformation cannot be compensated
Solution Approach 1:
The bolts are designed with movable positioning capability along the locking element, allowing them to dynamically adjust their positions in response to floor deformation. This dynamic characteristic enables the locking element to compensate for deformation-induced stress by repositioning bolts to maintain proper spacing and loading distribution, while the overall manufacturing process remains relatively simple through standardized components and adjustment mechanisms.
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
Enables secure fastening of containers of different sizes while minimizing stress on locking components, ensuring effective container retention even with cargo hold floor deformations.
Implementation Method 1
the fixing device is designed to be resilient in such a way that the bolt can be displaced in the transverse direction (y; -y) against a spring force. The spring force presses the bolt against the container, which the bolt secures.
Implementation Method 2
the fixing device is designed to be resilient in such a way that the bolt can be displaced in the transverse direction (y; -y) against a spring force
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a locking bar element for securing containers or the like freight items on a cargo-hold floor of an aircraft in a vertical direction perpendicular to the cargo-hold floor and in a transverse direction (y; -y) perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the aircraft. The locking bar element comprises at least one locking bar (30, 30'), mounted on a frame (10), for securing containers or the like freight items by means of a claw (31, 31') in the transverse direction of the aircraft for gripping and retaining a section of the container. At least one locking bar (30, 30') is arranged so as to be displaced and immobilized in a guide (13) of the frame (10) to adapt the distance of the locking bars (30, 30') to containers of different sizes.