Automated Cargo Conveyor and Bolt System for Aircraft Loading

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Solution Overview

Problem

Manual operation and intervention are required for loading and unloading cargo in aircraft cargo spaces, especially in low-ceilinged areas, which is inefficient and poses safety risks, and existing automated systems lack comprehensive automation and sensor integration.

Innovation Solution

A fully automated cargo loading system incorporating a conveyor system with transport modules and bolt modules that use sensors and control software for automated cargo unit transport and locking, eliminating the need for manual intervention, and integrating an identification system, sensor modules, and data interfaces for external control and monitoring.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual operation is used for loading and unloading cargo, then personnel can directly control the process, but efficiency is low and safety risks arise especially in low-ceilinged areas

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveloading efficiencyVSAvoidmanual intervention requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with an automated conveyor system that includes transport modules and bolt modules. The conveyor system automatically transports cargo units to their final positions and locks them in place, eliminating the need for personnel to manually push or secure cargo in low-ceilinged areas, thereby improving both efficiency and safety

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service through automated identification and positioning. The sensor system automatically detects cargo units and their positions, and the control software autonomously manages the loading process without requiring continuous manual intervention, allowing the system to service itself during operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Extent of automation

If existing automated systems are used, then some automation is achieved, but comprehensive automation and sensor integration are lacking

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomation levelVSAvoidsystem integration

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a multi-functional integrated system where a single conveyor system performs multiple functions: transporting cargo units, positioning them at final locations, and locking them in place using bolt modules. The sensor system simultaneously detects cargo presence, position, and system status, providing comprehensive automation through universal functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the transport function and locking function into a single integrated conveyor system. The transport modules and bolt modules work together as a unified system controlled by centralized software, combining multiple previously separate functions into one cohesive automated system that reduces operational complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP2609009B1Fully automated cargo loading system and method

Publication Date: 2015.07.15 AIRBUS OPERATIONS GMBH

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AI summary

The invention relates to the loading and unloading of cargo in transport means. In particular, the invention relates to a cargo loading system having a fully automated conveyor system and a fully automated bolt system for locking the cargo unit, Manual interventions of the loading personnel in the cargo space may not be necessary.