In-Floor Cargo Deck Adapter With Spring Plungers for Seat Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Converting an aircraft from a cargo handling configuration to a passenger transportation configuration is time-consuming and costly, as it requires the removal of seats and installation of cargo handling components.
Innovation Solution
A reconfigurable cargo handling system featuring an in-floor adapter with a plate, pocket, and spring-loaded plungers that can be easily installed on the cargo deck to mount seats, allowing for rapid conversion between cargo and passenger configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If roller trays and cargo handling components are installed to convert an aircraft for cargo transport, then cargo handling capability is improved, but reconfiguration time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cargo handling system is divided into modular components: roller trays that can be independently installed and removed, and in-floor adapters that can be quickly coupled to the cargo deck. This segmentation allows rapid reconfiguration by simply installing or removing these modular units rather than performing complex structural modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static cargo configuration to a dynamic reconfigurable state through the use of removable roller trays and quickly-installable in-floor adapters. The spring-loaded plungers provide dynamic coupling that allows rapid attachment and detachment, enabling the aircraft to switch between cargo and passenger modes efficiently.
2Adaptability or versatility
If roller trays and cargo handling components are installed to convert an aircraft for cargo transport, then cargo handling capability is improved, but conversion cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the cargo handling system into separate, modular components (roller trays, in-floor adapters, spring-loaded plungers), the invention reduces manufacturing complexity and conversion costs. These standardized modules can be mass-produced and easily installed without requiring expensive custom fabrication or structural modifications to the aircraft.
Solution Approach 2:
The in-floor adapter serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the roller trays, offers attachment points for cargo securing, and can be quickly installed or removed. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, lowering overall system cost and simplifying the conversion process.
3Ease of operation
If in-floor adapters with spring-loaded plungers are installed to mount seats, then seat mounting capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded plungers are designed to automatically engage with the cargo deck features when the in-floor adapter is installed, and to automatically disengage when removed. This self-servicing mechanism eliminates the need for manual adjustment or complex locking procedures, simplifying seat mounting operations despite the internal mechanical complexity of the plunger system.
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
Enables quick and cost-effective reconfiguration of the aircraft from a cargo handling system to a passenger transport system by replacing roller trays with in-floor adapters, providing an additional row of seats and reducing weight for improved performance.
Implementation Method 1
The attachment mechanism may comprise a first spring-loaded plunger
Data Source
AI summary
An in-floor adapter for a cargo deck of a cargo handling system may comprise: a plate extending from a proximal end to a distal end; a pocket disposed in the plate, the pocket having a sidewall and a bottom wall; a fitting disposed in the pocket, the fitting configured to mount a leg of a seat; and a slot disposed through the plate, the slot configured to guide an attachment mechanism during installation of the in-floor adapter in the cargo deck.