Aircraft Cargo Restraint with Quick-Release Bracket

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cargo restraining systems in aircraft are heavy and costly due to their massive construction, which is necessary to withstand high loads during operation, and they require complex tools and manpower for assembly and disassembly.

Innovation Solution

A cargo restraining assembly with parallel guidance and restraint bars, featuring a quick-release mechanism for easy mounting and dismounting on existing seat track profiles, and lateral brackets for additional stability, allowing for quick assembly and disassembly without complex tools, and designed to be lightweight for single-person handling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If buffer stop assemblies are designed with massive construction to withstand high loads, then load-bearing capability is improved, but weight and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveload-bearing capabilityVSAvoidweight
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The buffer stop assembly is divided into multiple functional segments: a collapsible buffer element that absorbs energy through controlled deformation, a ratchet mechanism that provides one-way locking, and a mounting structure. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function rather than over-designing the entire assembly for maximum load capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The buffer element utilizes material parameter changes through controlled plastic deformation to absorb impact energy. The collapsible design allows the buffer to change its structural parameters dynamically during impact, transitioning from a rigid state to a deformed state that absorbs energy, thereby reducing the need for massive construction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Strength

If buffer stop assemblies are designed with massive construction to withstand high loads, then load-bearing capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveload-bearing capabilityVSAvoidconstruction complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The assembly is segmented into standardized components (buffer element, ratchet mechanism, mounting brackets) that can be manufactured independently and assembled together. This modular approach simplifies manufacturing and maintenance while achieving the required load-bearing capability through proper component design rather than monolithic construction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The ratchet mechanism provides automatic one-way locking without requiring external actuation or complex control systems. Once the buffer absorbs energy and decelerates the cargo, the ratchet automatically engages to prevent reverse movement, eliminating the need for additional locking mechanisms or manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If quick-release mechanisms are used for easy assembly and disassembly, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability may worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly easeVSAvoidconnection reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The quick-release mechanism extracts the complex multi-step fastening process and replaces it with a single-action release system. The bracket design incorporates a quick-release feature that allows the mounting brackets to be rapidly attached to and detached from the cargo, significantly improving ease of operation while maintaining connection integrity through proper mechanical engagement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentEP2907750B1Cargo restraining assembly, cargo loading system and aircraft
Publication Date: 2018.11.28 AIRBUS DEFENCE & SPACE GMBH
  • EP2907750B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2907750B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2907750B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The present disclosure pertains to a cargo restraining assembly configured to be mounted to a cargo deck surface of an aircraft, the cargo restraining assembly comprising two guidance and restraint bars running in parallel to each other, and at least one lateral bracket spanning between the two guidance and restraint bars and being fixedly connected to each of two guidance and restraint bars. The lateral bracket includes a bracket foot formed integrally with the lateral bracket and a quick release mechanism configured to quick-releasably couple the bracket foot to a seat track profile of the cargo deck surface of the aircraft.