Aircraft Cargo Barrier with Force-Diverting Struts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cargo restraining barriers in aircraft are bulky and heavy, leading to increased weight and cost, while failing to efficiently distribute high forces during deceleration maneuvers, which can result in cargo shifting towards the cockpit.
Innovation Solution
A cargo restraining barrier with a base portion and upright barrier portion, featuring force-diverting struts that redirect forces to the base, which is secured by latches into tie-down rings on the cargo deck, distributing loads evenly and preventing cargo movement during deceleration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a massive construction is used for the buffer stop assembly, then the capability to take very high loads is improved, but the weight and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The buffer stop assembly is segmented into multiple functional components: a base portion with distributed latches, vertical barrier portions, and force-diverting struts. This segmentation allows forces to be distributed across multiple attachment points rather than concentrated in a single massive structure, reducing the overall weight while maintaining load-bearing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a dimensional approach by distributing latches across the bottom surface of the base portion in multiple locations. This spatial distribution across different dimensions allows the structure to handle high loads through force distribution rather than relying on increased mass in a single dimension.
2Strength
If a massive construction is used for the buffer stop assembly, then the capability to take very high loads is improved, but the costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The assembly is divided into modular components (base portion, barrier portions, struts, latches) that can be manufactured separately and assembled. This modular approach reduces manufacturing costs by allowing standardization of parts and simplifying production processes compared to manufacturing a single massive integrated structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the structural parameters from a solid massive construction to a framework structure with struts and distributed elements. This parameter change maintains structural integrity while using less material, thereby reducing manufacturing costs.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the buffer stop assembly is movable and fixable along seat track profiles, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The base portion is designed with a universal mounting capability that can accommodate different cargo hold configurations. The distributed latch system provides multi-functionality by enabling both movable positioning along tracks and fixed positioning, serving multiple operational requirements with a single design.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6(B)
AI summary
The present disclosure pertains to a cargo restraining barrier configured to be mounted to a cargo deck surface of an aircraft, the cargo restraining barrier comprising a base portion having a top side and a bottom side opposite to the top side, a barrier portion being arranged substantially perpendicular to the base portion at a first edge on the top side of the base portion, a plurality of force diverting struts being mounted in parallel along the extension of the barrier portion between a backside of the barrier portion and a second edge of the base portion opposite to the first edge of the base portion, the force diverting struts being configured to divert forces acting on the front side of the barrier portion towards the base portion, and a plurality of first latches distributed over the bottom side of the base portion, the first latches being configured to hook into tie down rings of a cargo deck surface and to direct the diverted forces from the force diverting struts into the cargo deck surface.