Asymmetrical Cargo Hold Floor Locking Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cargo hold floors in aircraft require a large number of locking elements to accommodate various cargo container sizes and configurations, leading to increased weight, maintenance costs, and limited reconfigurability, which affects fuel efficiency and operational costs.
Innovation Solution
A cargo hold floor design with asymmetrical locking elements arranged relative to the aircraft's longitudinal axis, allowing for a reduced number of locking elements while maintaining multiple potential loading configurations, including symmetrical and asymmetrical arrangements, to optimize the use of space and simplify installation and removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a large number of locking elements are installed to accommodate various cargo container sizes and configurations, then the adaptability and versatility of the cargo hold floor is improved, but the weight of the cargo hold floor increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by arranging locking elements non-symmetrically on the cargo hold floor. Instead of distributing locking elements uniformly or symmetrically, the design places a higher concentration of locking elements in specific regions where cargo containers of various sizes are most likely to be positioned. This asymmetric distribution maintains adaptability to different cargo configurations while reducing the total number of locking elements required, thereby decreasing the overall weight of the cargo hold floor system.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking elements are designed with multi-functionality to serve multiple purposes. Each locking element can accommodate different container widths and positions, and can be used in various loading configurations. This universal design allows a reduced number of locking elements to provide the same level of adaptability that would otherwise require many more specialized locking elements, thus reducing weight while maintaining versatility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the number of locking elements is increased to provide more loading configurations, then the adaptability is improved, but the maintenance costs and probability of failure increase
Solution Approach 1:
By concentrating locking elements asymmetrically in high-utilization zones, the patent reduces the total number of locking elements required while maintaining adequate coverage for various loading configurations. Fewer locking elements mean fewer potential failure points and reduced maintenance requirements, while the asymmetric placement ensures that the reduced number of elements are positioned where they are most needed for different cargo arrangements.
Solution Approach 2:
Each locking element is designed to perform multiple functions and accommodate various container types and positions. This multi-functionality allows a smaller number of robust, high-reliability locking elements to replace a larger number of specialized elements, thereby reducing the overall probability of system failure and lowering maintenance costs while preserving adaptability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the size of locking elements is reduced to increase the potential number of locking elements in the cargo hold floor, then the adaptability is improved, but the ruggedness and load-carrying capacity of the locking elements deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The asymmetric arrangement strategy allows the patent to use fewer, larger locking elements positioned strategically in high-demand areas rather than numerous small locking elements distributed uniformly. This approach maintains adaptability to various cargo configurations while ensuring that each locking element has sufficient size and strength to handle heavy loads and harsh conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by varying the size and distribution of locking elements based on local requirements. Larger, more robust locking elements are placed in regions where high load-carrying capacity is needed, while smaller elements are used only where appropriate. This localized optimization maintains the necessary ruggedness and load-carrying capacity while still providing adaptability to different cargo configurations.
4Ease of manufacture
If a symmetrical arrangement of locking elements is used to maintain geometric symmetry, then the manufacturing and installation simplicity is improved, but the number of locking elements required increases dramatically
Solution Approach 1:
The patent deliberately adopts an asymmetric arrangement of locking elements that, while not geometrically symmetric, maintains manufacturing and installation simplicity through standardized components and modular positioning systems. The asymmetric pattern is designed to be straightforward to fabricate and install, avoiding the need for complex custom fabrication, while significantly reducing the total number of locking elements required compared to traditional symmetric arrangements.
Data Source
AI summary
A cargo hold floor of an upper and/or a lower deck of an aircraft having a plane of symmetry which divides the cargo hold floor into a first half and a second half is disclosed, said cargo hold floor comprising locking gaps which each encompass all the locking elements located substantially on one level in the longitudinal direction (x direction) of the aircraft, in particular longitudinal locking elements for securing standardized cargo containers, in particular pallets and/or containers, in the longitudinal direction (x direction) of the aircraft whereby all the longitudinal locking elements of at least one locking gap are arranged in only one of the halves.