Aircraft Cargo Loading BUS System Weight Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cargo loading systems for means of transport are complex, heavy, and require extensive cabling, limiting flexibility and efficiency in cargo handling and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A cargo loading system utilizing a BUS system with power drive units and a control module connected via data lines, allowing for efficient communication and power supply through a CAN-bus, reducing cabling needs and leveraging existing hardware platforms for weight reduction and simplified module integration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If discrete communication lines are used between control module and power drive units, then reliable data transmission is achieved, but cabling complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple discrete communication lines into a single BUS system where control signals and maintenance data are transmitted over a shared communication medium. This merging approach reduces the total amount of cabling required while maintaining reliable data transmission between the control module and multiple power drive units through standardized communication protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The BUS system serves multiple functions simultaneously: it transmits control signals from the control module to power drive units, carries maintenance data bidirectionally, and provides a standardized interface for multiple components. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate dedicated lines for each communication purpose, reducing overall cabling weight.
2Ease of operation
If multiple discrete control lines are provided to each power drive unit, then precise control is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple control lines into a single BUS system that handles all control communications. The control module communicates with each power drive unit through the shared BUS using address-based addressing schemes, maintaining precise control capabilities while dramatically simplifying the physical cabling structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The BUS system acts as an intermediary communication medium between the control module and power drive units. It provides standardized communication protocols and addressing mechanisms that enable precise control without requiring direct point-to-point connections, thereby reducing cabling complexity while maintaining control precision.
3Reliability
If separate communication systems are used for control and maintenance, then functional separation is achieved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal BUS system that handles both control signals and maintenance data through the same communication infrastructure. Different message types and protocols within the BUS system provide functional separation for control and maintenance operations, maintaining reliability while reducing overall system complexity compared to separate dedicated systems.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a cargo loading system (100) for a cargo compartment of a means of transport (300), in particular of an aircraft (300), for example a cargo aircraft or a passenger aircraft (300), comprising at least one power drive unit (101, 102, 103, 104, 105) for transporting cargo (304) of the means of transport (300). The at least one power drive unit (101, 102, 103, 104, 105) and a control module (106) are connected to a BUS (110) of a BUS system (108) by means of data lines (111, 112). The control module (106) is designed for generating control signals for the at least one power drive unit (101, 102, 103, 104, 105) and maintenance data of the at least one power drive unit (101, 102, 103, 104, 105) for the control and maintenance of the at least one power drive unit (101, 102, 103, 104, 105). The BUS system (108) is designed for transmitting the control signals and maintenance data of the at least one power drive unit (101, 102, 103, 104, 105) between the control module (106) and the at least one power drive unit (101, 102, 103, 104, 105). In this manner an existing hardware platform of the means of transport (300) can be used, and weight and cabling as well as the number of control boxes of the means of transport (300) can be reduced.