Reconfigurable Cargo Restraint Assemblies for Variable ULD Sizes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Typical aircraft cargo handling systems lack flexibility in accommodating cargo of different sizes, particularly in the lateral direction, requiring additional fixed hardware that increases weight and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A cargo restraint assembly comprising longitudinal and lateral restraints with shear pins and a locking mechanism, allowing for reconfiguration to accommodate various ULD sizes by removably coupling to fitting assemblies on the cargo deck, thereby restricting horizontal motion and enabling easy repositioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fixed side guides and retractable guides are used to provide restraint, then cargo restraint function is achieved, but system weight and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The restraint system is divided into modular corner assemblies, each comprising longitudinal and lateral restraints that can be independently positioned and configured. This segmentation allows flexible arrangement to accommodate different ULD sizes without requiring a complete restraint system redesign, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining restraint reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The corner restraint assemblies are designed as universal components that can serve multiple functions: providing longitudinal restraint, lateral restraint, and vertical positioning. These same assemblies can be reconfigured to accommodate different ULD dimensions, eliminating the need for multiple specialized restraint sets and reducing system weight and complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional fixed hardware is added to accommodate different cargo widths, then adaptability to various ULD sizes is improved, but system weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The restraint system transitions from fixed, static positioning to dynamic, reconfigurable positioning. The corner assemblies can be moved along the ULD edges and repositioned according to the specific dimensions of different cargo units, providing adaptability without requiring additional fixed hardware for each cargo size configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves adaptability by changing the positional parameters of the corner assemblies rather than adding physical hardware. By adjusting the location and orientation of existing restraint components, the system can accommodate various ULD widths and sizes, avoiding the weight penalty of additional fixed structures.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sets of fixed restraints are installed for different ULD sizes, then flexibility in cargo configuration is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single set of universal corner restraint assemblies replaces multiple specialized restraint sets. Each assembly is designed to perform multiple restraint functions and can be reconfigured for different cargo configurations, thereby achieving flexibility with a reduced number of components and lower system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The restraint system is segmented into independent, interchangeable corner assemblies that can be individually positioned and configured. This modular approach allows flexible cargo arrangements using the same set of components, eliminating the need for multiple complete restraint sets and reducing overall device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A cargo restraint system comprises a plurality of cargo restraint assemblies. Each cargo restraint assembly in the plurality of cargo restraint assemblies may be removably coupled to a cargo deck in various configurations. The plurality of cargo restraint assemblies may be reconfigurable based on a size of a plurality of unit load devices (ULDs) to be loaded and restrained. Each cargo restraint assembly may restrain four or fewer corners of respective ULDs simultaneously.