Aircraft ULD Interface Adapter for Military Pallet Compatibility

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Solution Overview

Problem

Commercial cargo handling systems are unable to seamlessly interface with military cargo pallets due to differences in standard sizes and edge shapes, requiring additional complexity and weight to accommodate military ULDs.

Innovation Solution

An adaptor panel system with a specific interface design, including a protrusion and locking mechanism, allows military pallets to align and secure with commercial cargo handling systems, altering the length of military pallets to match commercial standards without adding weight.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If military ULDs are used with commercial cargo handling systems, then military cargo can be transported on commercial systems, but the interface compatibility is poor due to different standard sizes and edge shapes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinterface compatibilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

An adaptor panel is introduced as an intermediary component between the military ULD and the commercial cargo handling system. The adaptor panel has a first interface that couples to the military ULD and a second interface that couples to the commercial cargo handling system, enabling compatibility without modifying the original military equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The solution segments the interface adaptation function into a separate, removable adaptor panel rather than integrating it into the military ULD itself. This allows the military cargo system to remain unchanged while the adaptor provides the necessary interface translation to commercial standards.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If adaptors are added to accommodate military ULDs, then interface compatibility is achieved, but additional weight is added to the cargo handling system

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinterface compatibilityVSAvoidsystem weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The adaptor panel utilizes different interface geometries and dimensions to accommodate both military and commercial standards. By changing the physical parameters of the interface (edge shapes, sizes, coupling mechanisms), the adaptor enables compatibility while maintaining a relatively lightweight structure compared to redesigning the entire cargo handling system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Stability of the object's composition

If military ULDs with different edge shapes are used, then military cargo standards are maintained, but they do not align with commercial cargo handling systems

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemilitary standard complianceVSAvoidinterface compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The adaptor panel serves as a mediator that preserves the military ULD's original edge shape and coupling mechanism on one side while providing a compatible interface for commercial cargo handling systems on the other side. This allows military standards to remain unchanged while achieving commercial compatibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS10293974B1Aircraft ULD interface adapter

Publication Date: 2019.05.21 GOODRICH CORP

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to an apparatus to be used in a system that adapts a pallet to cargo handling system. This includes the use of adaptor panels to alter the length of the pallet so that it may conform to a standard pallet length. The present disclosure also relates to a method of use for the adaptor system in applying it to a pallet.