Aircraft Cargo Lift Using Cable-Driven Linear Actuator
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge lies in efficiently transferring cargo units (ULDs) between the lower and upper decks of an aircraft without requiring major structural modifications, significant weight additions, or excessive time for loading/unloading, as existing methods often necessitate large cargo doors and extensive reinforcement, which are costly and complex to implement.
Innovation Solution
A cargo lift system comprising a lift platform and mechanism that uses a through opening in the upper deck, with a drive assembly housed within the aircraft structure, featuring a linear actuator and pulley system to extend and retract lift cables, allowing for the transfer of cargo between decks without major structural changes, and includes stabilizing leg members and a translating floor assembly to facilitate smooth operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a large cargo door is added in the upper part of the fuselage to carry ULDs on the main deck, then cargo carrying capacity is improved, but structural complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The cargo transfer system is divided into discrete components: a lift platform that can be positioned at different locations, a cable-driven lifting mechanism, and modular support structures. This segmentation allows the system to be installed without requiring a single large structural modification like a cargo door, instead using multiple smaller, distributed elements throughout the aircraft interior.
Solution Approach 2:
A lift platform acts as an intermediary device between the lower cargo hold and the main deck, enabling cargo transfer without direct access through a large upper cargo door. The platform is raised and lowered via cable mechanisms that interface with existing aircraft structures, serving as a mediator that eliminates the need for major structural modifications while maintaining cargo carrying capacity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a cargo transfer mechanism is installed to move ULDs from lower lobe to main deck, then cargo transfer capability is improved, but weight of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of pushing cargo upward with a heavy mechanical lift system, the invention uses cable mechanisms that pull the lift platform upward. The cables are anchored to the aircraft structure and use tension rather than compression, allowing for a lighter mechanism. The drive assembly retracts cables to raise the platform and extends them to lower it, inverting the conventional approach of using direct mechanical lifting.
Solution Approach 2:
The lift platform and its support structures are designed with flexible, lightweight materials and thin-walled constructions where possible. The cable system uses flexible steel cables rather than rigid mechanical linkages, significantly reducing the overall weight of the cargo transfer mechanism while maintaining the required load-bearing capacity and adaptability.
3Reliability
If a complex drive assembly is used to raise and lower the lift platform, then lifting reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The drive assembly is extracted and housed in a dedicated structure that forms a divider within the aircraft, separating the lifting mechanism from the cargo transfer path. This isolation allows for a more reliable, focused design of the drive system while containing its complexity within a dedicated compartment. The drive assembly selectively extends and retracts lift cables without interfering with other aircraft systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The drive assembly structure that houses the lifting mechanism also serves as a divider within the aircraft, creating multi-functionality. This structural element simultaneously provides separation between cargo areas and houses the lifting mechanism, reducing overall device complexity by combining functions rather than adding separate components for each function.
4Stability of the object's composition
If stabilizing leg members are deployed to support the lift platform, then platform stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilizing leg members are designed to be selectively deployable rather than permanently fixed. They can be extended when the lift platform is in use and retracted when not needed, providing dynamic stability adjustment. This allows the system to maintain platform stability during cargo transfer while minimizing device complexity and space requirements when the stabilization function is not active.
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 efficient and cost-effective transfer of cargo between decks, minimizing structural impact, weight, and operational time, thus enhancing the flexibility and economic viability of aircraft conversions without compromising space or increasing weight significantly.
Implementation Method 1
a drive assembly that selectively extends and retracts the lift cable so as to lower and raise the lift platform
Implementation Method 2
The drive assembly may comprise a linear actuator operatively connected to the at least one lift cable so as to be selectively extensible and retractable from and into the lift mechanism
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus for transferring cargo between upper and lower decks of an aircraft. A lift platform receivable in a through opening in the upper deck is raised and lowered by a mechanism using a cable and linear actuator, such as a ball screw. The entirety of the mechanism may be housed in a structure that forms a divider within the aircraft, such as a horizontal deck, vertical bulkhead, or the lift platform itself, thus saving valuable interior volume of the aircraft. Also provided is a recess formed in the lower deck that receives the lift platform. A translating floor assembly mounted in the recess includes transversely extending deck segments that are displaceable between a raised configuration level with the lower deck, and a lowered configuration that clears the recess to receive the lift platform. Installed tracks guide the deck segments between the raised and lowered configurations.