Cargo Pit Liner Segmentation for Fluid Containment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solutions for protecting aircraft cargo hold floors from corrosive, slippery, or sticky substances are inadequate, as they fail to effectively prevent fluid leakage and physical damage from cargo, and are often damaged or displaced during cargo handling.

Innovation Solution

A cargo pit liner with raised portions and channels to contain liquids, integrated with absorbent materials and secure attachment mechanisms, including flaps and anchor points, to create a sealed and durable surface that prevents fluid leakage and physical damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If thin plastic sheets are placed on cargo pit floors to protect against fluid leakage, then some fluid protection is provided, but the sheets bunch up, tear, or displace during cargo loading/unloading, making them ineffective

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid leakage protectionVSAvoidsheet integrity during cargo handling

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The cargo pit liner is divided into multiple raised portions (ridges) and channels (valleys), creating a segmented structure that provides both fluid containment and structural strength. The raised portions are spaced apart to form channels that collect and contain liquids, while the raised portions themselves provide impact resistance. This segmentation allows the liner to maintain its protective function while withstanding cargo handling activities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cargo pit liner combines different material properties within a single integrated structure. The liner is made from durable, flexible material that provides both fluid resistance and physical strength. The integrated design combines the functions of fluid containment (through channels), impact protection (through raised portions), and structural integrity (through the overall reinforced structure) into one composite solution that outperforms simple plastic sheets.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Quantity of substance

If absorbent cloth is placed over or under plastic sheets to absorb liquids, then some liquid absorption is achieved, but the solution remains ineffective at preventing fluid leakage and physical damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveliquid absorption capacityVSAvoidfluid leakage prevention

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The cargo pit liner incorporates absorbent material in specific locations within the channels, rather than uniformly throughout. The raised portions provide fluid containment and structural strength, while the absorbent material positioned in the channels provides targeted liquid absorption. This local placement of different functional materials optimizes both fluid containment and absorption without compromising the overall structural integrity or protective capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of operation

If cargo is loaded and unloaded on top of plastic sheets, then cargo handling is facilitated, but the sheets are damaged or displaced, rendering them ineffective

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecargo loading/unloading facilitationVSAvoidsheet effectiveness during operations

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The cargo pit liner is installed beforehand to provide a protective cushioning layer on the cargo pit floor. The raised portions and channels are pre-configured to absorb impacts from dropped cargo and contain any resulting fluid leakage. This prior protection allows cargo to be safely loaded and unloaded without damaging the underlying floor, while the liner itself is designed to withstand these operational stresses.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The cargo pit liner is designed with flexible yet durable material that can dynamically respond to cargo handling activities. The raised portions and channels are structured to flex and move with cargo placement and removal, maintaining their protective function throughout the loading/unloading process. The liner adapts to operational demands while maintaining its integrity and protective capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS20210206468A1Protective covers for use with aircraft cargo holds

Publication Date: 2021.07.08 CREATIVE SOLUTIONS INC

AI summary

Protective covers (e.g., “liners”) for use in protecting aircraft cargo hold floors from potentially harmful or dangerous fluids and other substances, and from physical damage, are described herein. In some embodiments, the cargo pit liners described herein can include a plurality of raised portions and adjacent recesses that provide a protective barrier between cargo and a floor of the cargo pit. The raised portions can facilitate movement of cargo and improve impact resistance, and the recesses can collect and retain potentially detrimental fluids.