Cargo Container Dolly With Active Side Stop Retraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing need for separate fleets of cargo and container dollies for aircraft loading and unloading is duplicative and expensive, as cargo dollies prioritize weight and volume while container dollies focus on maneuverability and low clearance profiles, necessitating a dolly that combines these capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A high capacity cargo/container dolly that integrates the weight capacity of cargo dollies with the maneuverability and low clearance profile of container dollies, featuring retractable side stops with active retraction mechanisms and auxiliary retraction options, counterbalanced to withstand dynamic loads, and self-locking roller assemblies for enhanced stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single dolly design is used for both cargo and container applications, then fleet complexity and cost are reduced, but it becomes difficult to simultaneously achieve high weight capacity, maneuverability, and low clearance profile
Solution Approach 1:
The dolly is designed with universal features that allow it to function in both cargo and container applications. The framework supports adjustable deck configurations, and the side stops can be positioned to accommodate different container sizes, enabling a single dolly design to replace two separate fleets.
Solution Approach 2:
The dolly incorporates dynamically adjustable components including height-adjustable side stops that can be repositioned along the framework, and an adjustable roller deck that can be configured for different cargo types. This dynamic adaptability allows the same dolly to optimize its configuration for either high-capacity cargo or maneuverability-sensitive container applications.
2Reliability
If conventional retractable side stops are used, then cargo containment is provided, but the side stops may encroach on the one inch margin and collide with containers, preventing full retraction and interfering with offloading
Solution Approach 1:
A linkage mechanism acts as an intermediary between the side stop and the retraction actuator. This linkage ensures that the side stop retracts precisely to the designed position without encroaching on the one-inch margin, eliminating collisions with containers while maintaining reliable cargo containment when deployed.
Solution Approach 2:
The conventional gravity-dependent retraction mechanism is replaced with an active retraction system using actuators (such as hydraulic or electric cylinders) that provide controlled, precise retraction. This substitution eliminates the unreliability of passive gravitational forces and ensures consistent operation within the limited two-inch operating envelope.
3Device complexity
If passive gravitational forces are relied upon for side stop retraction, then mechanism simplicity is maintained, but components may foul over time causing the side stops to hang up and fail to retract
Solution Approach 1:
The passive gravitational retraction system is replaced with an active actuated retraction system. This substitution increases initial complexity but dramatically improves reliability by eliminating the fouling issues inherent in passive mechanisms that rely on gravity and friction-prone contact points.
Solution Approach 2:
The retraction mechanism incorporates self-lubricating bearings and sealed actuator components that maintain reliable operation over time without requiring frequent maintenance. The design includes features that prevent contaminant ingress and ensure consistent retraction performance throughout the service life of the dolly.
4Strength
If the dolly is designed for high weight capacity, then cargo handling capability is improved, but maneuverability and low clearance profile are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The dolly framework is segmented into modular components that can be selectively reinforced based on the specific application. This allows the structure to achieve high weight capacity where needed while maintaining lighter, more maneuverable sections in areas where strength is less critical.
Solution Approach 2:
The dolly design incorporates adjustable parameters including wheelbase length, side stop positions, and deck height that can be optimized for different operational requirements. This allows the same basic platform to be configured for either high-capacity cargo transport or maneuverability-sensitive container handling by changing key dimensional parameters.
Data Source
AI summary
A high capacity cargo/container dolly. The cargo/container dolly includes retractable side stops that actively retract a roller linkage assembly upon retraction of the retractable side stops rather than relying on passive gravitational forces for the retraction. In some embodiments, the retractable side stops are configured to avoid hold up on the cargo during retraction. The retractable side stops may be coupled to a retraction mechanism that may be actuated from either side of the cargo/container dolly, as well as from one or both ends of the cargo/container dolly. The dolly may include aspects that accommodates dynamic loads that occur during transport to mitigate inadvertent retraction of the retractable side stops or spurious release of catch assemblies that retains cargo on the dolly. The dolly may also include self-locking roller assemblies that release only in the presence of cargo, and deck modules that protect the deck roller from road spray contamination.