Aircraft Cabin Cargo Rail and Roller Restraint on Seat Tracks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Passenger aircraft cabins are not typically configured to restrain cargo, posing a challenge for utilizing them for cargo transportation.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising guide rails and rollers is installed on existing seat tracks in the passenger cabin to restrain cargo containers, using locking members and wheel tracks to maintain cargo alignment and support weight during flight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If passenger cabin is used for cargo transportation, then cargo storage capacity is improved, but cargo restraint capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The seat track system, originally designed for passenger seats, is adapted to serve dual purposes: supporting passenger seats during passenger flight and supporting guide rails for cargo containers during cargo flight. This multi-functional use of existing infrastructure enables cargo transportation in passenger cabins without requiring completely new restraint systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The cargo restraint system is divided into modular components: guide rails that span between seat tracks, individual rollers that can be independently positioned, and locking members that can be engaged at specific locations. This segmentation allows the system to be configured for different cargo sizes and aircraft types while maintaining effective restraint.
2Reliability
If guide rail and roller system is installed on seat tracks, then cargo restraint effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rollers are designed to automatically engage with the guide rail and cargo container rail through gravity and geometric alignment. When the cargo container is placed on the guide rail, the rollers naturally position themselves to contact the rail surfaces, providing restraint without requiring active control systems or complex actuation mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide rail acts as an intermediary element between the seat track structure and the cargo container. Instead of directly attaching restraint mechanisms to the cargo or modifying the seat tracks extensively, the guide rail translates the structural support of the seat tracks into a constrained path for the cargo, simplifying the overall system architecture.
3Stability of the object's composition
If locking members are used to restrict cargo movement, then cargo position stability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking members are designed to be dynamically adjustable between engaged and disengaged states. During cargo loading, the locking members can be positioned to allow easy insertion of the cargo container. Once the cargo is in place, the locking members are engaged to provide stable restraint during flight. This dynamic adaptability resolves the conflict between ease of operation and position stability.
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 system effectively secures and supports cargo containers within the passenger cabin, preventing deviation and ensuring safe transportation by distributing weight across the seat tracks.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of rollers coupled to the guide rail, the rollers engaging a surface of the rail
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for transporting a cargo container in a cabin of an aircraft are provided. The system comprises a guide rail spanning a length of a seat track and being releasably coupled to the seat track at one or more locations on a bottom surface of the guide rail. A plurality of rollers are coupled to the guide rail where the rollers positioned to engage a surface of the cargo container. The system also comprises a lateral rail comprising a rail member configured to abut a side surface of the cargo container and prevent lateral movement of the cargo container in the cabin. The rail member is slidably mounted on a base to move the rail member laterally within the cabin. When the cargo container deviates from a path defined by the guide rail, the rail member abuts one of the side surfaces of the cargo container.