Aircraft Cargo Support Assembly With Slidable Locking Members
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cargo container systems are inadequate for flexible use in both aircraft cargo holds and passenger cabins, as they lack means for easy manual shifting in cabins where point loads are limited, and require mechanisms that do not interfere with seat assembly and disassembly.
Innovation Solution
A support assembly with slidable support members and an actuation system that allows cargo elements to be easily shifted by adjusting the distance between the engagement surface and the support surface, enabling manual movement within the cabin while locking in place for stability, combined with a rail assembly featuring rotatable roller members aligned with the slots for smooth movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If cargo containers are designed to be manually shifted in the passenger cabin, then ease of operation is improved, but the system complexity increases due to the need for engagement elements and support assemblies
Solution Approach 1:
The support assembly is designed to be self-contained with integrated engagement elements that automatically interact with the cabin floor structure. The base member with slots and support members provides self-service functionality by enabling manual shifting without requiring external powered mechanisms or complex control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The cargo container system is segmented into distinct functional components: the base member with slots, support members that can move within slots, and engagement elements. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while contributing to the overall ease of manual operation.
2Reliability
If support members are designed to lock in place for stability, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to the locking mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The support members are designed with dynamic characteristics, allowing them to move freely within the slots during the shifting operation, and then lock into position once the desired location is reached. This dynamic behavior enables both easy operation during movement and reliable stability when positioned.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is designed to engage automatically when the support member reaches its final position, preventing accidental movement. The preliminary design of the slot and support member geometry ensures that locking occurs naturally at the intended position without requiring additional active control.
3Device complexity
If the system uses existing seat rail infrastructure, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability worsens due to limited customization options
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement elements and support assemblies are designed to be universal components that can interface with the existing seat rail infrastructure while also accommodating various cargo container sizes and configurations. The base member with multiple slots and movable support members provides multi-functionality for different loading scenarios.
4Adaptability or versatility
If cargo containers are designed for both cargo hold and passenger cabin use, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases due to dual-purpose requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The cargo container system is designed as a universal platform that can operate in both cargo hold and passenger cabin environments. The base member with slots, support members, and engagement elements creates a multi-functional system that adapts to different operational contexts without requiring separate specialized designs.
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 easy manual shifting of cargo elements within the passenger cabin while ensuring the system does not hinder seat assembly or disassembly, and provides secure locking to prevent accidental movement, utilizing existing seat rail infrastructure.
Implementation Method 1
a rail assembly featuring rotatable roller members aligned with the slots for smooth movement
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The present invention relates to a support assembly comprising a base member assembly having a support surface (15) and a plurality of slots (13) wherein each of the slots (13) extends from the support surface (15) into the base member assembly, wherein the base member assembly is configured such that the slots (13) of the plurality of slots (13) can be arranged in parallel to each other wherein in each of the slots (13) at least one support member (31) is slidably mounted which comprises an engagement surface (33) wherein the support member (31) can be moved within the slot (13) between a locking position and a releasing position, wherein the base member assembly further comprises an actuation assembly coupled to each of the support members (31) and having and actuation member (41) that can be positioned in a locked position and in a release position, the actuation assembly being configured such that when the actuation member (41) is positioned in the release position, each of the support members (31) is positioned in the releasing position and when the actuation member (41) is positioned in the locked position, each of the support members (31) is positioned in the locking position. Further, the slots (13) are adapted to receive roller members (27) of a rail assembly in the floor of a passenger cabin (5) of a an aircraft (1), the assembly comprising a plurality of rail members (21), each of the plurality of rail members (21) extending linearly along a longitudinal axis and comprising a rail support surface (25), wherein on each of the plurality of rail members (21) the roller members (27) are rotatably mounted such that each of the roller members (27) projects beyond the rail support surface (25) by an offset (29).