Rotatable Cargo Tie-Down Carriage for Dual Strap Fittings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current supplemental restraint devices in cargo handling systems for aircraft are limited by their two-pin configuration, which restricts their ability to rotate and optimally distribute load, and are often incompatible with both hook and seat track strap fittings.
Innovation Solution
A tie-down system with a carriage featuring a single rail interface pin on each side and a seat fitting channel, allowing for rotation and compatibility with both hook and seat track strap fittings, thereby increasing flexibility and adaptability in securing cargo loads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a two-pin configuration is used to secure the supplemental restraint device to the roller tray, then the device can be attached to the roller tray, but the possible locations for the device are limited and rotation is not allowed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a supplemental restraint device that can function with multiple attachment methods. The device includes both a hole for pin attachment and a channel for seat track fitting attachment, allowing it to be universally compatible with different restraint systems and installation locations, thereby increasing location flexibility and rotation capability while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If supplemental restraint devices are designed to be compatible with seat track fittings, then they can secure cargo with specific restraint needs, but they are generally only usable with straps that employ hooks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by incorporating dual compatibility features into the supplemental restraint device. The device includes a channel defined by surfaces that can receive seat track fittings, while also providing a hole for pin attachment. This allows the same device to work with both hook straps (via pins) and seat track fittings, expanding adaptability without significantly increasing device complexity.
3Ease of operation
If the location of supplemental restraint devices is fixed at predetermined installation points, then the devices can be easily installed, but they cannot optimally distribute load from the restraint to the cargo deck
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the supplemental restraint device movable along the roller tray rather than fixed at predetermined points. The device can be positioned at various locations and orientations to optimally distribute load from the restraint to the cargo deck, while still maintaining ease of installation through simple pin or seat track fitting attachment mechanisms.
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A tie down (110) for a cargo handling system may comprise a carriage (120). the carriage may include a first sidewall surface (134), a second sidewall surface (136) opposite the first sidewall surface, a first surface (200) extending from the first sidewall surface to the second sidewall surface, and a second surface (202) opposite the first surface. A first rail interface pin (180) may be configured to extend from the first sidewall surface. A second rail interface pin (182) may be configured to extend from the second sidewall surface. A seat fitting channel (122) may be formed in the carriage and may extend between the first sidewall surface and the second sidewall surface.