Aircraft Cargo Locking Bar Element Jamming Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locking elements for securing containers in aircraft cargo holds often jam when removing the locking lugs from engagement recesses, especially under external forces, leading to difficulty in releasing the containers.
Innovation Solution
The locking element design features stop surfaces that move away from opposite stop edges when the lugs are removed, reducing the risk of jamming, with interconnected lugs ensuring simultaneous movement and a locking device for secure positioning, along with bevels to prevent damage and allow vertical movement of freight items.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If locking lugs are removed from engagement recesses, then containers can be released, but locking lugs may jam in the engagement recesses
Solution Approach 1:
The locking lugs are designed to pivot dynamically between engaged and disengaged positions. The stop surfaces move away from opposite stop edges during disengagement, creating a dynamic clearing action that prevents jamming while maintaining secure engagement during locking.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element is divided into multiple independent locking lugs that can move and pivot independently. This segmentation allows each lug to clear the engagement recess separately, reducing the risk of jamming compared to a monolithic locking mechanism.
2Strength
If locking lugs are secured in locking position, then containers are firmly held, but locking device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device utilizes spring elements that automatically engage and disengage the locking lugs without requiring complex actuating mechanisms. The springs provide the necessary locking force while simplifying the overall device structure through self-acting operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking lugs feature curved or beveled surfaces that guide engagement and disengagement movements. These curved surfaces facilitate smooth transitions between locked and unlocked positions, reducing the need for complex mechanical guides or alignment mechanisms.
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
Significantly reduces the risk of jamming and allows for easy release of containers, even under external forces, while maintaining secure locking and compatibility with both military and civil standards.
Implementation Method 1
the locking device comprises at least one locking spring element for latching the locking device in the locked position
Implementation Method 2
the locking element has at least one movement spring element for moving the locking lugs from the locking position into the rest position
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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AI summary
Locking bar elements are used to secure containers in a cargo-hold of an aircraft. Said locking bar elements comprise locking bar lugs (20, 20') which can be displaced from a locking position to a rest position. The locking bar lugs engage in cut-out engagement sections (35) of the freight items. When the locking bar lugs are displaced from the locking position to the rest position, the locking bar lugs can get caught in the cut-out engagement sections. The locking bar element according to the invention is associated with a pair of locking bar lugs the stop surfaces (25, 26) of which can be brought into engagement with a stop edge (30, 30') of the cut-out engagement section when in the locking position. The locking bar lugs are movably mounted such that both stop surfaces move away from the stop edges when the locking bar lugs are displaced from the locking position to the rest position, thereby reducing the space required by the locking bar lugs in the direction of retention and also substantially decreasing the danger of locking bar lugs getting caught in the cut-out engagement section.