Aircraft Cargo Loading System with Modular Drive Unit

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current cargo loading systems for aircraft are inefficient and inconvenient, requiring extensive manual labor to secure cargo, which increases time and energy consumption, and can lead to increased air drag and fuel consumption.

Innovation Solution

A cargo loading system featuring a modular structure with a drive unit and rotation device that allows for automated movement of cargo within the aircraft, enabling secure loading and unloading outside the aircraft, reducing the need for personnel to enter the aircraft and minimizing energy consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual cargo loading and securing is used, then cargo can be loaded into the aircraft, but the process is time-consuming and requires extensive manual labor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecargo loading speedVSAvoidtime for cargo loading and securing

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The cargo loading system is divided into modular components including a drive unit, rotation device, and multiple rotatable platforms that can be independently operated. Each platform can load, secure, and unload cargo autonomously, allowing parallel operations that dramatically increase loading speed while reducing the time required for manual securing operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service cargo loading where the automated drive unit and rotation devices perform loading and securing operations without extensive manual intervention. The modular platforms can autonomously position and secure cargo items, reducing both the time required and the amount of manual labor needed compared to traditional manual loading methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If cargo is loaded and secured within the aircraft, then cargo damage due to turbulence is reduced, but the loading process becomes time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecargo security against turbulenceVSAvoidtime for cargo loading and securing

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary securing actions by automatically positioning and securing cargo items to the modular platforms before the aircraft encounters turbulence. The drive unit and rotation devices pre-secure cargo in optimal positions, ensuring reliability against turbulence while completing these securing actions more quickly than manual methods, thus reducing the time loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If personnel enter the aircraft to secure cargo, then cargo can be properly secured, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecargo securing qualityVSAvoidenergy consumption for cargo handling

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The automated system performs cargo securing operations without requiring personnel to enter the aircraft. The drive unit and rotation devices autonomously position and secure cargo items, maintaining high securing quality while eliminating the energy expenditure associated with manual operations. The system uses efficient automated mechanisms that consume less energy than human labor for these tasks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Reliability

If extensive manual labor is used for cargo securing, then cargo can be secured properly, but air drag and fuel consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecargo securing effectivenessVSAvoidfuel consumption and air drag

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The cargo is distributed across multiple modular platforms that are independently secured by the automated system. This segmentation allows for more efficient aerodynamic configurations and reduces the overall drag compared to manual securing methods that may create less optimal cargo arrangements. The automated positioning ensures optimal securing effectiveness while minimizing the energy loss to air drag and fuel consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 efficiency by automating cargo handling, reducing manual labor, lowering energy consumption, and allowing for simultaneous loading/unloading of multiple modular floors, thereby decreasing air drag and fuel consumption.

Implementation Method 1

The driver is configured to apply torque to the rotation device to cause the drive unit to move the modular cargo structure within the aircraft

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTorque: Torque

Data Source

PatentUS11667385B2Cargo loading system for an aircraft and method of operating same

Publication Date: 2023.06.06 THE BOEING CO

AI summary

A cargo loading system includes a drive unit extending along a length of a cargo area of an aircraft. The drive unit is configured to couple to a modular cargo structure via a handling member and to convey one or more cargo items coupled to the modular cargo structure. The cargo loading system further includes a rotation device and a driver. The rotation device is in contact with the drive unit. The driver is configured to apply torque to the rotation device to cause the drive unit to move the modular cargo structure within the aircraft.