Aircraft Payload Bay Pallet Track and Roller Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft payload bays require an efficient mechanism to extend and retract payloads, such as weapons, while maintaining level orientation and consistent load reaction, without rotation, and addressing potential jamming issues due to uneven loading and mechanical failures.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising track assemblies and actuator systems that connect pallets to the aircraft's payload bay, using rollers and tracks to support payloads, with independent drive mechanisms and synchronized ball screws to ensure smooth extension and retraction, and manual operation capabilities for maintenance and power failures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a pallet mechanism is used to extend and retract payloads, then the payloads can be efficiently moved in and out of the payload bay, but the mechanism may experience jamming due to uneven loading
Solution Approach 1:
The pallet mechanism is divided into multiple independently supported sections with separate roller support points along the tracks. This segmentation allows each section to independently accommodate loading variations, preventing uneven load distribution from causing jamming while maintaining efficient payload movement capability
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple roller support points are pre-positioned along the track assemblies to provide distributed support before loading occurs. This beforehand cushioning distributes the payload weight across multiple contact points, preventing any single point from bearing excessive load that could cause the mechanism to jam during extension or retraction operations
2Length of moving object
If traditional extension mechanisms are used, then payloads can be moved outward, but the payloads may rotate or experience inconsistent load reaction
Solution Approach 1:
The track assemblies are configured with rollers positioned to provide balanced support forces that create equipotential conditions for the payload throughout its extension range. This ensures the payload experiences consistent load reaction and maintains level orientation without rotational tendencies at any position between retraction and full extension
Solution Approach 2:
The roller support system acts as an intermediary between the payload and the track structure. These rollers provide continuous contact and support forces that mediate the interaction, ensuring the payload extends smoothly while maintaining stable orientation and consistent load distribution throughout the motion range
3Measurement precision
If complex actuation systems are used to control pallet movement, then precise positioning is achieved, but the system becomes more prone to mechanical failures
Solution Approach 1:
The actuation system uses a simplified approach with basic actuators that provide sufficient but not excessive control capability. The track and roller configuration provides inherent mechanical guidance and stability, allowing simpler actuators to achieve precise positioning without requiring complex control systems, thereby reducing the number of potential failure points
Data Source
AI summary
A system is described and includes a first track assembly for connecting a top surface of a pallet supporting payload to an upper interior surface of a payload bay of an aircraft; a second track assembly for connecting a side surface of the pallet to a side interior surface of the payload bay; and a pallet actuator system for selectively moving the pallet along the first and second track assemblies between a first position in which the pallet is fully extended from the payload bay and a second position in which the pallet is fully retracted into the payload bay.