Aircraft Cargo Deck Lateral Guide With Spring-Loaded Locking Frame
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing side guides for aircraft cargo decks are prone to failure under high vertical and horizontal forces, leading to potential detachment and bending, and require complex reconfiguration for different cargo dimensions, posing operational and safety risks.
Innovation Solution
A lateral guide system with a spring-loaded mounting frame and movable securing device, featuring recesses and locking mechanisms that allow for secure attachment and absorption of transverse forces, enabling quick reconfiguration and robust handling of various cargo dimensions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If cylindrical sections of different diameters are used in the fixing element to enable both fixing and releasing functions, then the side guide rail can be securely fixed and released, but high vertical forces cause wedging effects and bending of the insert plate leading to potential detachment
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing element is divided into functionally distinct segments: a cylindrical section for fixing engagement with the insert plate, and a separate spherical section for releasing engagement. This segmentation allows each section to be optimized for its specific function without the interference of the other, eliminating the wedging effect that occurs when cylindrical sections of different diameters are used in sequence.
Solution Approach 2:
The spherical section acts as an intermediary element between the cylindrical fixing section and the insert plate. It provides a transition zone that distributes forces more evenly, preventing the concentration of stresses that leads to bending and detachment. The spherical geometry allows for smooth force transmission while maintaining reliable connection under vertical loads.
2Strength
If screw connections are used to transmit transverse forces from the side guide rail to the mounting frame, then the side guide rail can be secured to the mounting frame, but high horizontal forces cause high bending stresses in the insert plates and potential fastener failure
Solution Approach 1:
The function of transmitting transverse forces is extracted from the screw connections and insert plates, and reassigned to the spherical section and mounting frame interface. By removing this force transmission path from the fastened components, the patent eliminates the bending stresses that cause fastener failure, while maintaining secure attachment through the spherical-mountain range connection.
3Adaptability or versatility
If side guides are fixed in specific positions to guide different cargo dimensions, then cargo guidance can be optimized for particular sizes, but reconfiguration requires complex procedures and trained personnel
Solution Approach 1:
The side guide system transitions from fixed positions to a dynamic reconfiguration system. The spherical section enables the fixing element to be easily moved between different positions on the mounting frame, allowing rapid adaptation to various cargo dimensions. This dynamic capability is achieved through simple manual operation without requiring complex procedures or specialized training.
4Reliability
If robust side guides are designed to handle high loads and harsh conditions, then operational reliability can be improved, but the complexity of the connection mechanisms increases the risk of failure points
Solution Approach 1:
The spherical section introduces a curved geometry that is inherently more robust than cylindrical or flat surfaces. The spherical shape provides uniform stress distribution in all directions, making it resistant to bending and deformation under high vertical forces. This curved design also simplifies the connection mechanism by eliminating the need for complex multi-section cylindrical transitions, thereby reducing the number of potential failure points while maintaining operational reliability.
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 system enhances operational reliability by preventing cargo crushing and structural damage, allowing rapid reconfiguration without fastener failure, even under extreme conditions, thus reducing downtime and costs.
Implementation Method 1
at least one spring element which is arranged to resiliently mount the fixing device in the longitudinal direction
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a lateral guide (10) for guiding and/or securing cargo items, in particular containers and/or pallets, in an aircraft, comprising at least one lateral guide device (11) and at least one holding unit (12) for the lateral guide device (11), wherein the holding unit (12) comprises a longitudinally extending (v) mounting frame (13) and at least one locking device (14) arranged on the mounting frame (13), the locking device having a plurality of recesses (15) extending transversely to the longitudinal direction (v), wherein the lateral guide device (11) can be inserted into at least one of the recesses (15) at different positions (A, B, C, D, E) and can be locked in the inserted state at the different positions (A, B, C, D, E) by the locking device (14), wherein the lateral guide device (11) has at least one contact element (16).which, in the inserted state, can be brought into engagement with or is in engagement with at least one longitudinally displaceable fixing element (17) of the locking device (14), wherein the locking device (14) is arranged to be displaceably in the longitudinal direction (v) in the mounting frame (13) and at least one spring element (36) is provided which is arranged to support the mounting frame (13) and resiliently supports the locking device (14) in the longitudinal direction (v).