Cargo Compartment Roller Conveyor and Transport Vehicle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cargo compartment systems for aircraft require complex and costly electric drive systems or manual handling for moving loads, which are inefficient and not fully utilizing the cargo space.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a cargo compartment floor with integrated roller conveyors and a transport vehicle with a drive system and platform that can move loads parallel to the floor without bearing their weight, allowing for lightweight and cost-effective operation, enabling both manual and automatic displacement of loads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If electric drive systems with power drive units are integrated into roller conveyors for automatic displacement of ULD's, then automatic displacement capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the drive system from the cargo compartment infrastructure and relocates it to a separate transport vehicle. This allows automatic displacement functionality to be removed from the complex integrated system and placed in a movable, standalone unit that can be easily controlled and replaced.
Solution Approach 2:
The transport vehicle acts as an intermediary between the control system and the ULD's. Instead of directly integrating drive units into the roller conveyors, the system uses a transport vehicle with drive wheels that engage with the ULD's base plates, providing automatic displacement through a mediating platform.
2Ease of operation
If roller conveyors are integrated into the cargo compartment floor to enable ULD displacement, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the cargo handling function into separate components: simple roller conveyors integrated into the floor for support and movement assistance, and a separate transport vehicle for powered displacement. This segmentation allows each component to be simpler while maintaining overall functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The transport vehicle serves multiple functions: it provides powered displacement, can be manually positioned, and can interact with ULD's of various types. The roller conveyors provide universal support for all ULD's while requiring minimal complexity.
3Device complexity
If manual handling is used for moving ULD's within the cargo compartment, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides dynamic handling capabilities where the transport vehicle can switch between manual positioning (for setup and flexibility) and powered automatic displacement (for efficient load movement). This dynamic approach optimizes both simplicity and productivity depending on the operational phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The transport vehicle is equipped with its own drive system, allowing it to autonomously displace ULD's without requiring external assistance or complex infrastructure. The vehicle serves itself by providing the propulsion needed for efficient load movement.
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 allows for efficient, lightweight, and cost-effective movement of loads within the cargo compartment, eliminating the need for expensive electric drive systems and enabling complete utilization of cargo space, with the option for automatic operation and easy retrofitting to existing compartments.
Implementation Method 1
the rollers of the roller conveyor are so dimensioned that a load which is supported on the rollers of said roller conveyor is at a sufficient distance from the surface of the cargo compartment floor to permit friction-free displacement of the load parallel to the surface of said cargo compartment floor
Implementation Method 2
Said drive system serves to propel the transport vehicle
Implementation Method 3
the platform is adapted to press, in its second operating position, against the base plate of the load with a contact pressure such that the frictional forces that occur between the platform and the base plate of the load in the process are sufficiently great to guarantee that the load is entrained
Data Source
AI summary
A system for moving loads including a cargo compartment floor into which there is integrated at least one roller conveyor permitting displacement of a load in a direction parallel to a surface of said cargo compartment floor. The system also comprises a transport vehicle comprising a drive system and a platform movable between a first operating position and a second operating position. In its first operating position, the platform is arranged such that the transport vehicle is positionable under a load which is supported on the roller conveyor integrated into the cargo compartment floor. In its second operating position, the platform is arranged such that the load is entrained when a movement of the transport vehicle occurs in a direction parallel to the surface of the cargo compartment floor, and is displaced on the roller conveyor integrated into said cargo compartment floor.