Angled Restraint Roller Disk for Cargo Guide Rail
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cargo systems face damage from ULD features and pallet tie-down fittings due to insufficient vertical restraint, and existing systems fail to effectively guide cargo without hindering protruding features.
Innovation Solution
A restraint assembly comprising a fitting base, bushing, and restraint roller disk, where the roller disk is rotatably coupled to the guide rail with an angled orientation, extending laterally to engage and guide cargo, providing both vertical and lateral restraint while preventing damage from protruding features.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a continuous vertical restraint lip is used to restrain cargo, then vertical restraint is provided, but the system is damaged by ULD features and pallet tie-down fittings
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous restraint lip is divided into discrete restraint rollers spaced along the track. Each roller independently contacts cargo while allowing protruding features to pass between rollers without causing damage to the restraint system itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The restraint rollers are designed to rotate, allowing them to dynamically adapt to cargo features. This rotation capability enables the system to maintain vertical restraint while accommodating ULD features and tie-down fittings that would damage a rigid continuous lip.
2Reliability
If conventional vertical restraint systems are used, then cargo is restrained vertically, but protruding features are hindered or damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The restraint rollers rotate to accommodate protruding features on cargo such as ULD corners and tie-down fittings. This dynamic rotation allows the system to maintain vertical restraint effectiveness while being compatible with various cargo configurations and features.
Solution Approach 2:
The restraint rollers act as intermediaries between the track structure and cargo. Their rotating capability mediates the interaction between rigid track components and protruding cargo features, preventing damage while maintaining restraint.
3Reliability
If restraint components are added to improve vertical restraint, then restraint effectiveness increases, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The restraint system is segmented into discrete roller assemblies that can be spaced optimally along the track. This segmentation provides effective vertical restraint through multiple contact points while allowing for modular installation and maintenance, managing system complexity through standardized repeating units.
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
The angled restraint roller disk effectively guides and vertically restrains cargo, preventing damage to the system and prolonging its operational life by securely managing cargo movement without hindering protruding features.
Implementation Method 1
The roller lower surface is configured to directly engage and be in rotating-sliding contact with the fitting upper surface of the fitting base
Data Source
AI summary
A restraint assembly includes a fitting base, a bushing, and a restraint roller disk, according to various embodiments. The fitting base includes a fitting lower surface and a fitting upper surface that is angled relative to the fitting lower surface, according to various embodiments. The fitting base may be configured to be coupled, via an anchor, to a rail upper surface of a guide rail of the cargo system. In various embodiments, the bushing is configured to be disposed about the anchor. In various embodiments, the restraint roller disk includes a roller upper surface and a roller lower surface, wherein the restraint roller disk is configured to be rotatably coupled about the bushing and the roller lower surface is configured to engage the fitting upper surface of the fitting base.