Aircraft Cargo Transfer Vehicle Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for moving loads in aircraft cargo holds are inefficient due to the complexity and weight associated with electric motors and cables for locking devices, which increase the overall weight and complexity of the system.
Innovation Solution
A system featuring roller tracks and a transfer vehicle that can move loads along a guide track, with a coupling arrangement allowing efficient movement and locking of loads using a drive mechanism and locking device, reducing the need for extensive power sources and cables.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electric motors and cables are provided for each locking device to secure loads, then the locking reliability is improved, but the weight and complexity of the system increase considerably
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the electric motors and cables from each individual locking device, extracting the power transmission system entirely. Instead, a single drive unit on the transfer vehicle provides mechanical power directly to the locking devices through a simplified cable system, eliminating the complexity of multiple distributed power sources while maintaining locking reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple locking devices into a single mechanically coupled system. When one locking device is actuated, the others are automatically actuated through mechanical connection, reducing the number of independent control systems needed and simplifying the overall device architecture while ensuring all locks are secured simultaneously
2Reliability
If electric motors and cables are provided for each locking device, then the locking function is improved, but the overall weight of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the heavy electric motors from each locking device and replaces them with a lightweight mechanical actuation system. A single drive unit on the transfer vehicle provides power to all locking devices through cables, dramatically reducing the total weight while maintaining the locking function
Solution Approach 2:
The locking devices are designed to be actuated passively through mechanical connection rather than requiring active power sources at each location. The single drive unit on the transfer vehicle serves all locking devices, and the system uses the existing cable infrastructure for both power transmission and control, eliminating the need for heavy distributed motor systems
3Productivity
If a transfer vehicle is used to move loads along roller tracks, then the loading and unloading efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transfer vehicle is designed as a multi-functional unit that combines load transport, positioning, and locking actuation capabilities. It can move along the roller tracks to position loads, then actuate locking devices to secure them, eliminating the need for separate systems and reducing overall device complexity while improving productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The transfer vehicle acts as an intermediary between the loading dock and the cargo hold. It receives loads externally, transports them along the roller tracks, and interfaces with the locking system, simplifying the overall system architecture by consolidating multiple functions into a single mediating device
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
This solution enables efficient loading and unloading of cargo holds by reducing weight and complexity, allowing for quick and reliable movement of loads while maintaining their position during transportation, and eliminating the need for extensive power sources and cables.
Implementation Method 1
at least one roller track (16), which has a plurality of rollers (18), which are arranged one behind the other in the cargo hold floor (14)
Data Source
AI summary
A system for moving loads in an aircraft, comprising a cargo hold floor and at least one roller track comprising a plurality of rollers, defining a plane of movement for the load, arranged one behind the other in the hold floor. At least one guide track is provided in the floor extending parallel to the roller track. At least one transfer vehicle is detachably received in the guide track, movable along the guide track. At least one locking device is configured, in a locking position, to block movements of a load relative to the roller track parallel to the movement plane and perpendicular to the movement plane and, in a release position, to allow relative movements. The locking device is configured to be actuated by a transfer vehicle in the guide track to shift the locking device out of the release position into the locking position, or vice versa.