Air Bearing Transport Device for Aircraft Cargo Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current aircraft cargo transport systems are inefficient due to high tare weight, increased fuel consumption, and reduced capacity caused by heavy cargo loading systems, as well as complex and costly infrastructure requirements for transferring containers and pallets between vehicles and within airports.
Innovation Solution
A transport device with a U-shaped frame and air bearings that lifts and moves containers or pallets using compressed air, allowing for easy engagement and disengagement, reducing the need for heavy infrastructure and minimizing weight on aircraft floors, featuring retractable wheels and a portable air supply system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If heavy cargo loading systems and infrastructure are used for aircraft cargo transport, then cargo can be securely handled and transferred, but aircraft tare weight increases and fuel consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces heavy mechanical cargo loading systems with a pneumatic air bearing system. The air bearings (5) use compressed air to create a frictionless cushion that supports and moves containers (1) without mechanical contact, eliminating the need for heavy mechanical infrastructure while maintaining secure handling capability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs pneumatic technology through air bearings (5) that use compressed air to levitate and transport containers (1). The portable air supply system provides the necessary pneumatic pressure to support the container weight and enable movement, achieving reliable cargo handling without mechanical contact
2Ease of operation
If complex infrastructure like ball conveyor floors and roller conveyor floors are installed at airports, then container transfer between vehicles is facilitated, but infrastructure cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the cargo movement function from fixed infrastructure and relocates it to a portable transport device. The air bearing system can be deployed temporarily at any location without requiring installed conveyor floors, eliminating complex infrastructure while maintaining container transfer capability
Solution Approach 2:
The transport device is self-contained with its own portable air supply system and air bearings, enabling it to autonomously transport containers without relying on external infrastructure. The device creates its own frictionless environment and performs all necessary functions independently
3Ease of operation
If cargo loading systems are always present in aircraft, then cargo can be loaded and unloaded, but aircraft capacity is reduced and fuel consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the cargo loading system from a static, permanently installed system to a dynamic, portable device. The transport device can be loaded onto the aircraft as needed and removed when not required, allowing the aircraft to operate with full capacity while maintaining cargo handling capability when necessary
Solution Approach 2:
The invention divides the cargo loading function into a separate, modular portable device rather than integrating it into the aircraft structure. This segmentation allows the aircraft to function as pure cargo carrier while the portable device provides loading/unloading capability on demand
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
This solution reduces aircraft tare weight, operational costs, and simplifies cargo handling, enabling easier maneuverability and transfer of containers across different transport modes with reduced space and lifting height requirements.
Implementation Method 1
The bottom side of said frame is provided with a plurality of air bearings arranged to lift said frame with said cargo from a flat floor surface
Implementation Method 2
an air envelope unit supplied with compressed air for causing a dilatation in response thereto, the lift plate being connected to the air envelope unit such that the lift plate is lifted upward upon a supply of the compressed air
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
Method for transporting a container or pallet with cargo, wherein at least one transport device is used comprising a frame consisting of an elongate central member (11) and carrying beams (12), each carrying beam (12) extending perpendicular to the central member (11) in the same direction from a different end of the central member (11) thus forming a generally U-shaped frame, wherein in use said U-shaped frame extends in a generally horizontal orientation, said carrying beams being arranged to engage and carry a bottom part of a container or a pallet, wherein the bottom side of said frame is provided with a plurality of air bearings (13) arranged to lift said frame with said cargo from a flat floor surface, wherein a container or pallet to be transported is moved into or out of a vehicle at an transshipment location, wherein for transporting said container or pallet in or out of said vehicle said container or pallet is engaged and lifted by said at least one transport device by activating said air bearings (13), wherein said transport device is moved in and/or out of said vehicle while said air bearings (13) are activated, and wherein said transport device is disengaged from said container or pallet by deactivating said air bearings (13).