Aircraft Cargo Toggle Lock with Movable Pawl for Warped ULDs
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Cargo restraints struggle to engage warped Unit Load Devices (ULDs) due to distortion, requiring manual force and multiple attempts, leading to increased loading time and labor costs.
Innovation Solution
A cargo restraint with a movable pivot mechanism that adjusts the elevation of a pawl to engage warped ULDs, allowing for efficient and single-person operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a cargo restraint is used with a fixed pawl position, then the structure is simple and reliable, but it cannot engage warped or distorted ULDs without requiring large manual force and multiple attempts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the pawl pivot point movable along a slot instead of fixed. The slot allows the pivot to move vertically, enabling the pawl to adjust its engagement position dynamically. This resolves the contradiction by providing adaptability to distorted ULDs while maintaining a relatively simple structure that uses basic mechanical components (slot, pivot, spring) rather than complex systems.
2Reliability
If large manual force is applied to engage a warped ULD, then engagement may be achieved, but cargo loading time increases and turnaround time is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by allowing the pivot position to vary along the slot, which changes the geometric parameters of the engagement. This enables the pawl to engage distorted ULDs without requiring excessive force, thereby reducing loading time while maintaining reliable engagement. The spring mechanism also dynamically adjusts force application based on engagement conditions.
3Reliability
If multiple people are required to engage a cargo restraint with a warped ULD, then engagement can be achieved, but labor costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the self-service principle through the spring-loaded mechanism that automatically adjusts and applies force during engagement. The movable pivot along the slot allows the system to self-adjust to distorted ULD geometries without requiring multiple operators to manually position and force the pawl. This enables single-person operation while maintaining reliable engagement.
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
Facilitates quick and efficient engagement of distorted ULDs, reducing labor requirements and turnaround time in cargo handling.
Implementation Method 1
a spring positioned to apply a force to the pawl to move the pawl between an engaged position and a disengaged position
Implementation Method 2
Movement of the first pivot along the length of the slot may be used to change the elevation of a restraining head of the first pawl
Data Source
AI summary
A cargo restraint that accommodates restraining ULDs having a distorted or elevated retention base is disclosed (e.g., a retention base that is spaced above a conveyor plane, for instance coinciding with a cargo deck). An outer pawl includes at least one pivot that is maintained in a fixed location on the outer pawl, and that is movable along a slot to change the elevation of the pivot (and the elevation of a restraining head of the outer pawl when in an erected position). Movement of the pivot along the slot first allows the restraining head of the outer pawl to be positioned above a retention base of a ULD, including when the retention base is at an elevated position. Further movement of the pivot along the slot allows the restraining head of the outer pawl to engage and move the retention base of the ULD toward/to the conveyor plane.