Aircraft Cargo Plate Positioning for Center of Gravity Balance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for adjusting the center of gravity in aircraft are inefficient and time-consuming, especially when frequent changes in cargo and passengers require rapid balancing to ensure safe and efficient flight.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a movable plate supported by air bearings and driven by a first and second driving unit, allowing precise adjustment of the center of gravity by moving the plate within the cargo hold.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cargo is redistributed to adjust center of gravity, then flight safety is improved, but time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cargo support system transitions from a static fixed-position design to a dynamic adjustable design. The movable plate can be repositioned along the longitudinal axis of the cargo hold using a driving mechanism, allowing real-time adjustment of cargo position and center of gravity without requiring cargo unloading or manual redistribution, thus resolving the contradiction between flight safety and time consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual cargo handling operations with an automated mechanical system. The driving unit (motor or actuator) automatically moves the movable plate to the required position based on center of gravity calculations, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual cargo redistribution while ensuring flight safety through precise automated control.
2Measurement precision
If cargo distribution is adjusted manually, then center of gravity accuracy is improved, but operational efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates a feedback mechanism where the center of gravity calculation unit continuously monitors and calculates the aircraft's center of gravity based on cargo weight and position data. This information is fed back to the control system, which automatically adjusts the movable plate position to achieve the target center of gravity, ensuring high accuracy while maintaining operational efficiency through closed-loop control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-adjustment of the center of gravity without requiring external manual intervention. The control unit automatically determines the required plate position and activates the driving mechanism to move the plate accordingly, enabling the system to service itself and eliminate the time-consuming manual cargo redistribution process.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple driving units are used to move the plate, then adjustment precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The driving system is segmented into multiple independent driving units distributed along the movable plate. Each driving unit can be controlled independently or in coordination with others, allowing precise positional control through differential actuation. This segmentation enables high adjustment precision while keeping each individual driving unit relatively simple in design.
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
Enables quick and efficient adjustment of the center of gravity, accommodating various cargo shapes and sizes, reducing transportation time, and ensuring stable flight conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of air bearings disposed between the movable plate and the bottom surface and configured to support and float the movable plate
Data Source
AI summary
A device for adjusting a center of gravity is provided. The device can measure a change and/or distribution of a load in a vehicle. The device can adjust a center of gravity to ensure control stability and maintain balance in an aircraft. The device may include: a movable plate configured to support cargo in a cargo hold; a plurality of air bearings disposed between the movable plate and a bottom of the cargo hold and configured to support and/or float the movable plate; and a first driving unit installed in the cargo hold and connected to the movable plate. The first driving unit may be configured to move the movable plate, if the movable plate is floated.