Aircraft Payload Locking Assembly with Self-Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for securing payloads in aircraft require significant time and effort due to the need for manual tensioning and releasing of fittings, making the installation and removal process inefficient, especially when dealing with multiple fittings.

Innovation Solution

A locking assembly that includes a body with self-alignment features and engagement members, allowing for quick and secure coupling to a track without the need for hand tools, utilizing self-alignment tabs and actuation mechanisms to ensure proper positioning and locking.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If hand tools are used to tension and release fittings, then secure coupling is achieved, but installation and removal time increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure couplingVSAvoidinstallation and removal time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manual hand tool mechanical system with an automated locking mechanism featuring engagement members that automatically tension and lock fittings into place, eliminating the need for socket wrenches and manual tightening operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The locking assembly pre-positions engagement members and biasing elements before contact with the track, enabling automatic tensioning and locking action upon insertion without requiring preliminary manual alignment or tool engagement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If multiple fittings are installed individually, then secure attachment is achieved, but productivity decreases due to repetitive manual operations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure attachmentVSAvoidinstallation speed

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple fitting functions into a single integrated locking assembly where multiple engagement members operate simultaneously through one insertion and locking action, eliminating repetitive individual fitting operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The locking assembly segments the attachment function into independent engagement members that can be individually configured but collectively activated, allowing secure multi-point attachment through a unified mechanism

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If manual tensioning is used, then fitting security is ensured, but ease of operation deteriorates due to tool requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefitting securityVSAvoidtool-less operation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The locking assembly performs self-service through automatic engagement members that self-tension and self-lock into the track using integrated biasing elements, eliminating the need for external hand tools or specialized tightening equipment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS8128326B2Apparatus and methods for removably securing payloads in an aircraft

Publication Date: 2012.03.06 THE BOEING CO

AI summary

Apparatus and methods for removably securing payloads are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method includes coupling the payload to a body of a locking assembly, engaging an insertion portion of the body into a channel of a track, translating the insertion portion to a second position until at least one self-alignment feature of the locking assembly abuts an abutment portion of the track, the body being substantially constrained from movement away from the track in the second position, and actuating at least one engagement member to a secured position, the body being substantially constrained from movement along the track in the secured position. In an alternate embodiment, in the unsecured position the at least one engagement member is withdrawn from the channel, and in the secured position the at least one engagement member projects into the channel.