Auxiliary Cargo Restraint Assembly With Cam Lock Near Loading Door
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cargo securing systems in aircraft cargo compartments lack an efficient and reliable mechanism to prevent cargo from shifting near the cargo loading door during transport, necessitating additional security measures.
Innovation Solution
A cargo restraining device with a cam head and spring-loaded lock plate mechanism that secures cargo by rotating about a shaft, utilizing torsion springs to maintain the locked position and facilitate easy release, enhancing stability and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional cargo securing systems are used, then cargo can be restrained to some extent, but cargo near the loading door still shifts during transport due to insufficient restraint capability
Solution Approach 1:
The restraint system is divided into modular components: a base mounted on the ball panel, a rotatable cam head with locking mechanism, and a foot plate for actuation. This segmentation allows the device to be installed only where needed (near the loading door) rather than throughout the entire cargo compartment, enhancing local cargo security without requiring a complete system overhaul.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam head is designed to rotate about a shaft, transitioning between locked and unlocked positions dynamically. The spring-loaded lock plate automatically engages with the cam head's locking surface when the cam head rotates into position, providing active, adaptive restraint that responds to the cargo's position and movement rather than relying on static restraining structures.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a secure locking mechanism is implemented, then cargo stability is improved, but the ease of release for cargo unloading is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded lock plate automatically engages with the cam head's locking surface when the cam head rotates into the locked position, eliminating the need for manual locking operations. The system self-locks upon rotation, maintaining cargo stability without requiring continuous operator intervention or complex locking procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of requiring active operation to maintain locking and passive operation to release, the system is inverted: rotation actively engages the lock through automatic spring-loaded engagement, while release is achieved by simply rotating the cam head in the opposite direction, which automatically disengages the lock plate. This inversion makes both locking and releasing simple rotational actions.
3Reliability
If auxiliary restraint assemblies are added near the loading door, then cargo security in that area is enhanced, but the overall device complexity and installation requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cam head assembly serves multiple functions: it provides the locking mechanism, the rotational actuation interface, and the engagement point for the spring-loaded lock plate. The base can be mounted on the ball panel to restrain cargo, and the same structure facilitates easy release by rotating the cam head. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components for each function, simplifying the overall device despite its enhanced capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded lock plate acts as an intermediary between the cam head and the restraining function. It automatically engages with the cam head to provide secure locking without requiring direct connection between the operator's rotational input and the cargo restraint mechanism, thereby simplifying the operational interface while maintaining secure restraint.
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 device provides enhanced cargo security near the cargo loading door by preventing unwanted movement during transport, improving safety and efficiency in securing cargo within aircraft compartments.
Implementation Method 1
a first torsion spring coupled to the cam head and configured to return the cam head to an initial position in response to the lock plate disengaging from the lock slot
Implementation Method 2
a spring-loaded lock plate configured to engage the lock slot
Data Source
AI summary
A cargo handling system is disclosed herein. The cargo handling system includes a ball panel for moving and storing cargo and a cargo restraining device disposed within the ball panel. The cargo restraining device includes a base, a cam head having a rounded base portion, the rounded base portion having a lock slot formed therein, a shaft securing the cam head to the base, and a spring-loaded lock plate configured to engage the lock slot.