Aircraft Cargo Hold Locking Hooks With Single-Motor Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locking systems for securing cargo in aircraft cargo holds require manual operation or complex actuation mechanisms, lacking efficient and simple automatic solutions.
Innovation Solution
A locking system with kinematically coupled hooks and driver wheels, actuated by a motor-driven gearbox, allowing automatic pivoting of hooks between stowed and locking positions using a torque transfer mechanism, enabling robust and compact automatic operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual operation of locking hooks is used, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity and ease of operation deteriorate due to manual labor requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate hooks into a single kinematically coupled unit where one hook's movement automatically triggers the other hook's movement through a shared axis of rotation. This merging reduces the need for separate actuators for each hook, thereby improving productivity while limiting the increase in device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The locking system is designed so that actuating one hook automatically actuates the other hook through kinetic coupling. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for complex multi-actuator systems, allowing automatic operation that improves productivity without proportionally increasing device complexity
2Ease of operation
If automatic actuation with multiple actuators is used, then ease of operation improves, but device complexity increases due to multiple actuators and control systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the actuation function for two hooks into a single actuator system. The kinematic coupling ensures that one actuator can simultaneously control both hooks, maintaining ease of automatic operation while reducing the number of actuators and associated control complexity
Solution Approach 2:
A single actuator is designed to perform multiple functions by sequentially or simultaneously actuating both hooks through the kinematic coupling mechanism. This multi-functionality approach maintains ease of operation while minimizing the number of components required
3Volume of moving object
If compact locking system is used, then space requirements are reduced, but ease of manufacture may deteriorate due to tighter tolerances and more complex assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested arrangement where the second hook is positioned within the space defined by the first hook's movement path. The kinematic coupling allows both hooks to share a common axis of rotation, nesting their functional spaces and reducing the overall volume of the locking system while maintaining manufacturability through standardized components
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
The system provides a robust, compact, and easily retrofittable automatic actuation mechanism for securing cargo, enhancing safety and efficiency by allowing automatic operation of the locking system with reduced space requirements.
Implementation Method 1
a gear unit with a drive wheel, which can be rotated by a drive motor, has a drive lug, and wherein the drive lug can engage with the hook driver in order to transfer a torque to the hook
Implementation Method 2
The first and second follower wheels are kinematically coupled to each other such that they can rotate synchronously
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4(B)
Figure 5
AI summary
A locking system (100) for securing cargo items in the cargo hold (210) of an aircraft (200) comprises a first (3) and a second hook (5) which are kinematically coupled to each other and can be pivoted together between a stowage position and an erection position, a first hook follower (20A) which is non-rotatably coupled to the first hook (3), a second hook follower (40A) which is non-rotatably coupled to the second hook (5), and a gearbox (6) with a first follower wheel rotatable relative to the first hook, which has a first follower (61A) which can be engaged with the first hook follower (20A), and a second follower wheel (62) which is rotatable relative to the second hook and which has a second follower (62A) which can be engaged with the second hook follower (40A).The first and second drive wheels (61, 62) are kinematically coupled to each other such that they can be rotated synchronously by a drive motor (7), wherein the first drive wheel (61A) is positioned relative to the first hook drive wheel (20A) and the second drive wheel (62A) is positioned relative to the second hook drive wheel (40A) such that when the drive wheels (61A, 62) rotate, only one of the drive wheels (61A) can engage with the respective hook drive wheel (20A) in order to transmit a torque only to the first hook (3) when pivoting it from its stowed position to its locked position, and a torque only to the second hook (5) when pivoting it from its erected position to its stowed position. (Fig. 3).