Aircraft Cargo Deck Locking Claws for Variable Load Securing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locking devices for securing cargo items on aircraft cargo decks are inflexible, unable to adapt to different cargo sizes, and fail to secure items during 'wing opening' load cases, leading to potential detachment and inadequate interlocking.
Innovation Solution
A locking device with movable fastening claws mounted on carriage elements, adjustable via guide rails and compression springs, allowing adaptation to cargo sizes and securing during 'wing opening' events, featuring a toggle mechanism for easy folding and locking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If locking elements have fixed positions, then the structure is simple, but the locking device cannot adapt to different cargo sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device employs movable carriage elements that can be displaced along guide rails, transforming the static locking mechanism into a dynamic one. This allows the locking elements to adapt their positions according to different cargo dimensions while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure through standardized guide rails and modular components.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking device is divided into independent modular components including carriage elements, guide rails, and locking elements. Each module can function independently and be adjusted separately, enabling adaptability to different cargo sizes without requiring complete structural redesign.
2Ease of operation
If locking elements are positioned for narrow cargo, then narrow cargo is secured properly, but wider cargo cannot pass over without collision
Solution Approach 1:
The carriage elements are designed to be movable along the guide rails rather than fixed. When wider cargo approaches, the carriage elements can be displaced to fold down positions, allowing cargo to pass over safely. After passage, they return to locking positions to secure the cargo, thus achieving both ease of loading and securing reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system prepares for potential cargo passage by having carriage elements that can quickly transition to folded-down positions before wider cargo arrives. This preliminary capability ensures that loading operations can proceed smoothly without collision while maintaining the ability to secure cargo reliably afterward.
3Reliability
If locking elements are made rigid to maintain position, then locking stability is maintained, but the structure cannot accommodate aircraft deformation during wing opening load cases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device uses spring-mounted carriage elements that can dynamically adjust their positions in response to aircraft structural deformations during wing opening load cases. The springs absorb dimensional changes while maintaining continuous contact and locking force, ensuring reliable cargo securing despite aircraft flexing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows the locking elements to change their positional parameters in response to aircraft deformation. The spring mechanism enables the carriage elements to move along the guide rails, adjusting their coordinates to compensate for dimensional changes in the aircraft structure while maintaining locking effectiveness.
4Ease of operation
If fastening claws are fixed in position, then the locking device is simple, but it cannot be moved sideways to allow lateral transfer through cargo doors
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening claws are mounted on movable carriage elements that can be displaced along guide rails. This dynamic mounting allows the claws to be moved sideways when needed for lateral cargo door transfer operations, while returning to fixed locking positions during normal cargo securing, thus achieving transfer capability without excessive 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
Ensures secure fastening of cargo items of varying sizes and maintains locking during aircraft deformation, facilitating easy loading and unloading while minimizing detachment risks.
Implementation Method 1
at least one compression spring (50) is formed between the carriage elements (30, 30') so that the two carriage elements (30, 30') are spring-mounted with respect to one another
Data Source
AI summary
A locking device for securing cargo items in a cargo deck of an aircraft. The locking device includes a frame having at least two longitudinal members, at least two fastening claws each with a locking lug, and at least two guide rails. The fastening claws are movably mounted on carriage elements. Each guide rail can be fastened to a respective longitudinal member at different positions. The at least two carriage elements are displaceably mounted on the guide rails. At least one compression spring may be formed between the carriage elements, so that the two carriage elements are spring-mounted with respect to one another.