Aircraft Pallet Locking Hand Tool with Curved Hook
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual operation of pallet locking mechanisms on aircraft requires users to bend, increasing the risk of injury and prolonging loading and unloading times due to inefficient hand tool designs that do not optimally interact with the locking mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A hand tool with an elongated rod comprising a top portion, intermediate portion, and bottom portion with a curved hook member, featuring a slanted end hook portion to effectively communicate with the release trigger of the locking mechanism, allowing for efficient locking and unlocking with reduced user effort and injury risk.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If manual operation of locking mechanisms is performed without specialized tools, then device complexity is reduced, but user safety and productivity deteriorate due to awkward positioning and increased injury risk
Solution Approach 1:
A specialized hand tool acts as an intermediary device between the operator and the locking mechanism. The tool includes a rod member with a hook end that engages with the release trigger, allowing the operator to manipulate the locking mechanism from a standing position rather than bending over manually. This intermediary tool transfers the mechanical action while improving user safety and ergonomics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct manual mechanical operation with a tool-assisted mechanical system. Instead of using hands and fingers directly on the release trigger, the operator uses a leveraged rod tool that substitutes for direct manual manipulation, reducing physical strain and improving operational reliability.
2Device complexity
If manual operation of locking mechanisms is performed without optimized tools, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity deteriorates due to prolonged loading and unloading times
Solution Approach 1:
The specialized hand tool serves as a mediator that enables faster manipulation of the release trigger. By providing a leveraged interface and optimal engagement geometry, the tool allows operators to quickly actuate the locking mechanism without the time-consuming manual bending and finger manipulation required by prior methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool design incorporates dynamic elements including the curved rod member that flexes during insertion and the hook end that rotates to engage the release trigger. This dynamic design allows for rapid deployment and operation, improving productivity by reducing the time required for each locking/unlocking cycle.
3Ease of operation
If elongated rod tools are used for locking mechanisms, then user effort is reduced, but tool effectiveness deteriorates when the rod shape does not optimally communicate with the locking mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The rod tool features localized geometric optimizations at critical interaction points. The hook end has specific curvature and angle measurements (approximately 90-degree angle with respect to the longitudinal axis) that are locally tailored to match the release trigger geometry. This local quality optimization ensures effective communication between the tool and locking mechanism while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The rod member incorporates curved geometries including a curved portion and a hook end with arcuate surfaces. These curved features enable smooth engagement with the release trigger and facilitate rotational motion during the locking/unlocking process. The curvature optimizes the mechanical interface while reducing the force required by the operator.
Data Source
AI summary
A hand tool for use by a user to lock and unlock a locking mechanism to secure a pallet to an aircraft is provided. The locking mechanism is coupled to a floor of the aircraft and includes a release trigger operably connected to a clamp that is designed to engage with a flange of the pallet. The hand tool includes an elongated rod having a top portion, an intermediate portion and a bottom portion, the bottom portion having a hook member with a curved hook portion continuously connected to an end hook portion, the end hook portion having a top slanted surface oriented approximately 5 degrees relative to a first horizontal plane. The elongated rod is designed to maneuver to permit the hook member to communicate with the release trigger of the locking mechanism, thereby unlocking or locking the locking mechanism.