Cargo Pallet Liner Extensions for ULD Volume Utilization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cargo pallets face challenges in maximizing space utilization within aircraft cargo holds due to side and top walls of unit load devices (ULDs) limiting access and occupying volume, and modified pallets with angled panels are prone to damage and restrict access during loading.

Innovation Solution

A cargo pallet design featuring a pallet base and a pallet liner with extensions that project outwardly, providing additional support surfaces beyond the pallet base footprint, and can be inclined relative to the pallet liner without connecting to the base, enhancing space utilization and structural support without additional support members.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If side and top walls of ULDs are used to contain cargo, then cargo containment is improved, but access to inner volume during loading is limited and volume is occupied by walls

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecargo containmentVSAvoidavailable cargo volume

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention divides the cargo containment system into separate functional elements: the pallet base provides structural support while the cargo net provides containment. This segmentation eliminates the need for enclosing walls, maximizing available cargo volume while maintaining containment through the net system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Volume of moving object

If angled panels are added to cargo pallet to increase stacking space, then cargo capacity is improved, but support cables or bars are damaged during loading or movement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecargo stacking spaceVSAvoidsupport structure integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention removes the vulnerable support cables or bars from the angled panel configuration. Instead, the pallet extensions are self-supporting structural elements that provide both the increased cargo capacity and the necessary support without requiring separate fastening components that can be damaged during handling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Strength

If support cables or bars are used to connect angled panels to pallet base, then structural support is improved, but access to pallet base during loading is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveangled panel supportVSAvoidaccess to pallet base

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges the support function and the structural extension function into a single integrated pallet extension design. The extensions are directly formed as part of the pallet structure, eliminating the need for separate support cables or bars, thereby providing both structural support and unobstructed access to the entire pallet base surface during loading operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS11840372B2Cargo carrier

Publication Date: 2023.12.12 FEDERAL EXPRESS CORP

AI summary

A cargo pallet is disclosed. The cargo pallet may have a pallet base. The cargo pallet may also have a pallet liner. The pallet liner may have a pallet liner base. The pallet liner base may be positioned on the pallet base. The pallet liner may also have a pallet extension, which may be fixedly attached to the pallet liner base. The pallet extension may project outwardly from the pallet liner base. The pallet extension may also have a support surface that may at least in part extend outwardly beyond a footprint of the pallet base.