Aircraft Cargo Vehicle Spans for Direct Oversized Payload Transfer

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Solution Overview

Problem

The transportation of large cargo, such as wind turbine blades, is inefficient due to the need for multiple transfers and the use of complex mechanical systems, which is time-consuming, labor-intensive, and costly, especially when transporting over long distances and to remote sites lacking suitable infrastructure.

Innovation Solution

A payload transportation system comprising a plurality of vehicles connected by support spans that can support and transport large payloads directly onto and off aircraft, reducing the need for multiple transfers and simplifying the loading and unloading process by using vehicles that can operate both on the ground and in the cargo bay of an aircraft.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional transportation methods (truck, rail, ship) are used to transport large cargo like wind turbine blades, then the cargo can be transported using existing infrastructure, but the transportation becomes time-consuming, labor-intensive, and costly due to multiple transfers and complex mechanical systems

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransportation efficiencyVSAvoidloading and unloading time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a specialized transport vehicle that acts as an intermediary between the cargo and existing infrastructure. This vehicle includes a cargo bay designed to receive and secure large payloads, along with integrated loading mechanisms that bridge the gap between ground level and the cargo bay, eliminating the need for multiple transfers and complex external mechanical systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated system: the transport vehicle merges propulsion, cargo containment, loading/unloading mechanisms, and payload positioning capabilities into one unified platform, replacing the need for separate trucks, cranes, and handling equipment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple transfers are used to move large cargo onto and off transport vehicles, then the cargo can be accommodated by existing vehicles, but the process becomes labor-intensive and costly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecargo accommodation capabilityVSAvoidloading and unloading operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The transport vehicle is designed with universal capabilities to handle various large payloads including wind turbine blades, offshore equipment, and other oversized cargo. The cargo bay and loading mechanisms are configured to accommodate different payload types and sizes, providing multi-functional operation without requiring specialized equipment for each cargo type

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated loading mechanism serves as an intermediary system that directly transfers payloads from ground level into the cargo bay, eliminating the need for multiple intermediate transfers and complex handling operations that would otherwise be required

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If complex mechanical systems are used for loading and unloading large cargo, then the cargo can be handled, but the systems become time-consuming and costly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecargo handling capabilityVSAvoidmechanical system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the loading and unloading mechanisms directly into the transport vehicle structure, combining what would otherwise be separate external systems into a single integrated unit. This reduces the overall number of mechanical components and simplifies the system architecture while maintaining full cargo handling capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Productivity

If existing transportation infrastructure is used, then transportation can be performed with available vehicles, but the infrastructure limits the size and type of cargo that can be transported

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransportation capabilityVSAvoidpayload size accommodation

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The transport vehicle is designed with dynamic capabilities including adjustable loading mechanisms and configurable cargo bay arrangements that can adapt to different payload sizes and configurations. This allows the vehicle to accommodate a wide range of cargo types and dimensions while maintaining operational efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS20250003393A1Systems, methods, and vehicles for transporting large cargo onto and off a transport vehicle

Publication Date: 2025.01.02 ZSM HOLDINGS LLC

AI summary

Systems, methods, and vehicles for loading and unloading cargo from a long-distance transport vehicle, such as an aircraft, are described. The systems and methods include operating a plurality of vehicles to unload large cargo from the aircraft and transporting the large cargo to an installation site. In some instances, the vehicles hold the payload the entire time, including while loading aircraft, during flight, unloading the aircraft, and moving the payload to the installation site. Alternatively, the vehicles can drive on the plane to load the payload to a designated area, and equivalent vehicles can drive on the plane after the payload has been flown to unload the payload and moving the payload to the installation site. Various vehicles and systems, and components thereof, along with methods of operating the same, are also provided.