Aircraft Cargo Hold Movable Plate for Rapid Center-of-Gravity Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for adjusting the center of gravity in aircraft are inefficient and time-consuming, particularly when frequent changes in cargo and passengers require rapid balancing to ensure safe and efficient flight.

Innovation Solution

A device comprising a movable plate supported by air bearings and driven by actuators, allowing precise adjustment of the center of gravity by minimizing friction and enabling rapid repositioning within the cargo hold.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If cargo is redistributed to maintain center of gravity balance during multiple short-distance stops, then flight safety is improved, but time consumption increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflight safetyVSAvoidtime consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The cargo hold floor is designed as a movable plate that can dynamically adjust its position along the longitudinal axis of the aircraft. This dynamic structure allows the cargo hold to automatically adapt to changing cargo distributions without requiring manual redistribution, thereby maintaining center of gravity balance while reducing time consumption during multiple short-distance stops

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The movable plate system enables the cargo hold to self-adjust its configuration in response to cargo loading changes. By incorporating sensors and control mechanisms, the system automatically detects cargo weight and position changes, then autonomously repositions the movable plate to maintain proper center of gravity, eliminating the need for manual cargo redistribution and reducing operational time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Measurement precision

If conventional cargo distribution methods are used, then center of gravity can be measured and adjusted, but the process is inefficient and cannot be completed in short periods

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecenter of gravity measurementVSAvoidadjustment efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual cargo redistribution with an automated movable plate system. Instead of physically moving cargo items to adjust center of gravity, the system uses a controlled movable floor that shifts the entire cargo load position electronically or mechanically, dramatically improving adjustment efficiency while maintaining measurement precision through integrated sensors

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The movable plate serves multiple functions: it acts as the cargo hold floor, a positioning mechanism for cargo, and an automated center of gravity adjustment device. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate measurement and adjustment operations, thereby improving productivity while maintaining measurement accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 accurate adjustment of the center of gravity, allowing for efficient loading and unloading of cargo, reducing transportation time, and ensuring stable flight conditions.

Implementation Method 1

a plurality of air bearings disposed between the movable plate and the bottom surface and configured to support and float the movable plate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAir bearing: Air Lubrication

Data Source

PatentEP4461645B1Device for adjusting center of gravity
Publication Date: 2026.05.06 HYUNDAI MOTOR CO LTD
  • EP4461645B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4461645B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4461645B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A device (100) for adjusting a center of gravity is provided. The device (100) can measure a change and/or distribution of a load in a vehicle. The device (100) can adjust a center of gravity to ensure control stability and maintain balance in an aircraft. The device (100) includes: a movable plate (10) configured to support cargo (3) in a cargo hold (2); a plurality of air bearings (20) disposed between the movable plate (10) and a bottom of the cargo hold (2) and configured to support and/or float the movable plate (10); and a first driving unit (30) installed in the cargo hold (2) and connected to the movable plate (10). The first driving unit (30) being configured to mov the movable plate (10), if the movable plate is floated.