Aircraft Cargo Latch Sensor System for Automated Position Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current aircraft cargo compartment latch systems require manual verification to ensure cargo units are properly latched, which is time-consuming and difficult due to limited space, especially in certain aircraft types, and only reliably detect when latch claws are in the unlatched position.
Innovation Solution
The position sensor and target element are rearranged and calibrated to detect the latched position of the first latch claw, allowing for automatic generation of a latch signal, eliminating the need for manual verification, and can be positioned on the latch claw, latch housing, or compartment housing to ensure reliable detection without cables on the moveable latch claw.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual verification of latch status is used, then the loadmaster can verify cargo unit positioning, but the process takes a long time and is difficult to handle in limited space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical verification process with an automated sensor-based detection system. Position sensors (magnetic or optical) and target elements automatically detect the latch claw positions and generate electrical signals, eliminating the need for manual sight checking by the loadmaster.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch device performs self-verification through integrated position sensors that automatically detect whether latch claws are in latched or unlatched positions. The system self-monitors its own status without requiring external manual inspection, generating latch signals that indicate the current state of each cargo unit.
2Measurement precision
If the position sensor and target element are positioned to detect the unlatched position, then the latch signal is generated when claws are unlatched, but it is not possible to reliably detect when the latch claws are in the latched position
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system is segmented into multiple independent sensor-target pairs, each capable of detecting specific positions. By placing sensors and target elements at different locations, the system can detect both latched and unlatched positions independently, with each sensor configuration optimized for its specific detection purpose.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of detecting the unlatched position as the default state, the system is configured to detect the latched position as the primary state of interest. The position sensors and target elements are arranged and calibrated specifically to generate latch signals when the latch claw is in the latched position, inverting the traditional detection approach.
3Measurement precision
If cables are connected to the moveable latch claw for sensor signals, then the sensor can detect position, but the moveable latch claw becomes more complex and prone to failure
Solution Approach 1:
A magnetic field or optical field is introduced as an intermediary between the moveable latch claw and the position sensor. The target element attached to the latch爪 interacts with the field without requiring physical cable connections, allowing position detection while keeping the latch爪 structure simple and cable-free.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical cable connections with field-based communication (magnetic or optical fields). Position sensors detect the location of target elements on the moveable latch爪 through these fields, eliminating the need for physical cables and reducing mechanical complexity.
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
This configuration enables faster, more reliable monitoring of latch status, reducing the loadmaster's workload and ensuring cargo units are securely locked in place during flight, enhancing safety and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The position sensor preferably is a magnetic proximity sensor and the target element preferably comprises a ferromagnetic metal material
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
Described and illustrated is a vehicle cargo compartment (1), comprising a compartment housing (3) adapted for being received in a vehicle, and at least one latch device (7) mounted to said compartment housing (3) and adapted for locking a cargo unit in a fixed position, wherein said latch device (7) comprises a latch housing (25) mounted to said compartment housing (3), and at least a first latch claw (27) moveably mounted to said latch housing (25), wherein said first latch claw (27) is moveable between a latched position and an unlatched position, wherein a latch sensor system (57) is provided comprising a position sensor (63) and a target element (65), said position sensor (63) being adapted for detecting a predetermined position of the target element (65) and generating a latch signal (67) when the target element (65) is in said predetermined position. The object, to provide a vehicle cargo compartment, where it can be monitored easily and reliably when the first latch claw is in the latched position, is achieved by the position sensor (63) and the target element (65) being arranged and adapted in such a manner that the predetermined position of the target element (65) is detected and the latch signal (67) is generated, when the first latch claw (27) is in the latched position.