Cargo Restraint Assembly With Retractable Longitudinal Guidance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cargo systems lack effective longitudinal guidance and lateral restraint mechanisms, particularly when cargo is positioned such that guidance and restraint are required along the longitudinal edges of unit load devices (ULDs).

Innovation Solution

A restraint assembly comprising a base mounted to a tray, a rotatably coupled lateral restraint with a guide face, and a vertical restraint extending from the lateral restraint. The assembly has a stored position where components are beneath the conveyance plane and a raised position where they provide longitudinal guidance, lateral restraint, and vertical restraint above the plane.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a continuous vertical restraint lip is used, then lateral restraint is provided, but longitudinal guidance capability is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelateral restraintVSAvoidlongitudinal guidance capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The restraint system is divided into separate functional components: a vertical restraint lip for lateral restraint and a lateral restraint assembly with guide face for longitudinal guidance. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in its specific function, resolving the contradiction between providing reliable lateral restraint and enabling effective longitudinal guidance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The lateral restraint assembly is made movable relative to the vertical restraint lip, allowing the guide face to engage with the cargo at different positions. This dynamic configuration enables the system to adapt to different cargo sizes and positions, providing both lateral restraint and longitudinal guidance effectively.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If restraint components are positioned above the conveyance plane, then guidance and restraint functionality is improved, but interference with cargo loading and unloading occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveguidance and restraint functionalityVSAvoidcargo loading and unloading

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The lateral restraint assembly is designed to be movable between a retracted position (below or at the conveyance plane) and a deployed position (above the conveyance plane). During cargo loading and unloading, the assembly is retracted to avoid interference. When cargo is positioned, the assembly is deployed to provide guidance and restraint, thus resolving the contradiction between functionality and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The restraint system operates in periodic cycles: retracted during loading/unloading operations and deployed during conveyance and positioning operations. This periodic action ensures that the system provides guidance and restraint functionality when needed while avoiding interference during cargo handling operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Adaptability or versatility

If the lateral restraint is rotatably coupled with oblique rotational axis, then both longitudinal guidance and lateral restraint are achieved, but structural complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveguidance and restraint capabilityVSAvoidstructural complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lateral restraint assembly is rotatably coupled to the vertical restraint lip with an oblique rotational axis, allowing the guide face to engage with the cargo at optimized angles. This dynamic rotational capability enables the system to provide both longitudinal guidance and lateral restraint effectively, despite the increased structural complexity of the oblique axis configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 restraint assembly effectively guides and restrains cargo by providing longitudinal, lateral, and vertical support, enhancing the safety and efficiency of cargo handling operations.

Implementation Method 1

The lateral restraint comprises a guide face and a top edge, wherein the lateral restraint is rotatably coupled to the base

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRotation:

Implementation Method 2

The vertical restraint extends from the top edge of the lateral restraint

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravitational force: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentEP3778394B1Restraint assembly for cargo system

Publication Date: 2025.06.18 GOODRICH CORP

Figure 1~2
Figure 3A
Figure 3B

AI summary

A restraint assembly (100) includes a base (105) configured to be mounted to a tray of the cargo system, a lateral restraint (110), and a vertical restraint (120). The lateral restraint comprises a guide face and a top edge, wherein the lateral restraint is rotatably coupled to the base, according to various embodiments. The vertical restraint extends from the top edge of the lateral restraint, according to various embodiments. The restraint assembly comprises a stored position and a raised position. In the stored position both the lateral restraint and the vertical restraint are configured to be disposed within a volume defined by the tray of the cargo system. In the raised position the vertical restraint and at least the guide face of the lateral restraint are configured to be disposed above the volume defined by the tray of the cargo system to provide guidance and restraint to cargo.