Aircraft Cargo Latch and Roller Assembly for Modular Reconfiguration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cargo management systems in aircraft cargo holds are inflexible and require significant time and resources to reconfigure for different-sized cargo containers, leading to increased labor costs and complexity, especially during loading and unloading processes.
Innovation Solution
A modular cargo management system featuring a latch and roller assembly with pivotable components and a power drive unit (PDU) that allows for flexible and efficient movement and securing of cargo units, including Unit Load Devices (ULDs), using a combination of latches, rollers, and PDUs with eccentric actuators for frictionless movement and anti-roll-out functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a unitary cargo management system is installed in the cargo hold, then the system provides complete cargo management functionality, but the system cannot be easily modified and requires significant time and resources to reconfigure for different cargo sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The cargo management system is divided into modular components including individual latches, roller assemblies, and power drive units that can be independently installed, removed, and reconfigured. Each component is a self-contained unit that can be selectively positioned along the cargo hold to accommodate different cargo configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates movable and adjustable components rather than fixed structures. Latches can be repositioned along the cargo hold, rollers can be selectively engaged or disengaged, and power drive units can be moved to different locations to dynamically adapt to varying cargo dimensions and types.
2Reliability
If locking arrangements are manually operated or equipped with individual motors and actuation systems, then the cargo units can be securely locked in place, but the system's overall weight and complexity are significantly increased
Solution Approach 1:
The locking system utilizes the motion of the cargo units themselves to trigger the latching action. As cargo units move along the rollers, their movement automatically engages the latches through mechanical interaction, eliminating the need for separate motors and complex actuation systems while maintaining reliable locking.
Solution Approach 2:
The rollers serve as an intermediary mechanism that translates cargo unit movement into latch engagement. The mechanical interaction between the moving cargo, rollers, and latches creates a coordinated system where the cargo's own motion activates the locking function without requiring additional powered actuators.
3Ease of operation
If rollers are used for moving cargo units manually or with electric drive systems, then cargo units can be transported within the cargo hold, but the friction and resistance during movement increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces traditional friction-based roller contact with a different mechanical principle where cargo units are supported and moved with minimal resistance. The specific roller configuration and engagement mechanism reduce frictional forces, allowing easier movement of heavy cargo units with reduced power requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
In an aircraft, latches are used to secure cargo within the cargo hold of the aircraft. Such latches include a base plate configured for rigid attachment to a surface of the cargo hold, a latch head attached to the base plate and configured to prevent a movement of at least one cargo unit in a Y-direction and a Z-direction and to allow a movement of the at least one cargo unit in an X-direction, and a roller assembly attached to the base plate, opposite the latch head, and comprising at least one roller, the roller being configured to provide a vertical support to the at least one cargo unit in the Z-direction while allowing the movement of the at least one cargo unit in the X-direction.