Aircraft Cargo Load Management System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Loading cargo into an aircraft cargo bay is time-consuming and complicated due to small clearances, requiring manual spotters and communication to position cargo within center of gravity limits, which can be difficult to maintain, especially in combat environments.
Innovation Solution
An aircraft load management system using wireless communication between RFID tags on cargo and sensors in the cargo bay to calculate and display the three-dimensional position and velocity of cargo, automating loading, positioning, and securing through active rollers and locking systems, and enabling autonomous operation of ground vehicles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual spotters and communication methods are used to position cargo, then cargo positioning accuracy within center of gravity limits is improved, but loading time and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical spotting and communication methods with an automated wireless sensor system that uses RFID tags and triangulation technology to track cargo position in real-time, eliminating the need for manual measurement while maintaining precision
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by allowing cargo to be tracked automatically through embedded RFID tags that continuously communicate position data to the load management system without requiring manual intervention or communication between crew members
2Ease of operation
If multiple crewmembers operate as spotters to facilitate cargo positioning, then cargo positioning capability is improved, but system complexity and manual effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the spotting function from human crew members and consolidates it into a centralized automated load management system that processes all positioning data automatically, reducing system complexity by eliminating multiple human operators while maintaining positioning capability
Solution Approach 2:
The load management system performs multiple functions including tracking cargo position, calculating center of gravity, determining loading sequences, and providing real-time guidance, replacing the need for multiple specialized crew members with a single multi-functional automated system
3Productivity
If real-time cargo tracking and automated positioning systems are implemented, then loading efficiency and center of gravity control are improved, but system complexity and initial resource requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces RFID tags as intermediary devices attached to cargo that serve as simple communicators between the physical cargo and the digital load management system, enabling real-time tracking without complex direct sensing infrastructure
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback by constantly monitoring cargo position through RFID triangulation and automatically adjusting loading recommendations to maintain center of gravity within limits, improving efficiency through real-time information rather than complex mechanical control systems
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
Automates cargo loading and positioning, maintaining the aircraft's center of gravity within limits, improving efficiency and reducing manual effort, while enabling real-time data upload for mission planning and cargo tracking.
Implementation Method 1
The wireless communication system includes a set of emitters such as Radio Frequency Emitter tags ('RFID tags') on the cargo and a multiple of sensors located adjacent an aircraft internal cargo bay. The emitters wirelessly communicate with the sensors
Implementation Method 2
The emitters wirelessly communicate with the sensors such that the load management system calculates the three dimensional position and velocity of the cargo relative the aircraft internal cargo bay through triangulation
Data Source
AI summary
An aircraft load management system determines a cargo through a wireless communication system to rapidly position the cargo. RFID emitter tags on each piece of cargo are triangulated relative to an aircraft internal cargo bay. Real time cargo position information is displayed to facilitate direction of drivers, loadmasters and aircrew. Cargo data is also relayed to onboard systems for mission planning, and for communication to a global information network to prioritize cargo delivery and dynamic mission re-planning. Even prior to onloading, cargo data is wirelessly communicated to the load management system to automatically plan the cargo load sequence. The load management system also autonomously loads remote controlled ground vehicles and equipment through communication therewith.