Cargo Tray Splice Connection for Direct Load Transfer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current cargo handling systems in aircraft lack an optimal method to transfer loads between adjacent components, often relying on thin floor fittings with significant play and tolerances, leading to inefficient load transfer and potential transfer of forces into the aircraft structure rather than the adjacent components.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a quick-attach splice mechanism with spring-loaded pins and pivoting splices that securely connect cargo trays, allowing efficient load transfer directly between trays without relying on floor fittings, using finger-actuated and spring-loaded mechanisms for easy connection and disconnection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If thin floor fittings with significant play and tolerances are used to connect cargo trays, then the system allows for easy assembly and disconnection, but the load transfer efficiency deteriorates and forces are transferred into the aircraft structure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of assembly and disconnectionVSAvoidload transfer efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The connection system is divided into separate components: a connector assembly with pins and a tray interface with holes. This segmentation allows for precise manufacturing of each component while maintaining ease of assembly through modular quick-connect functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connector assembly acts as an intermediary between cargo trays, providing a dedicated load transfer path. The pins and holes create a direct mechanical connection that transfers forces between trays rather than to the aircraft structure, solving the load transfer efficiency problem while maintaining quick-connect capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If traditional floor fittings are used for cargo tray connections, then the system structure remains simple, but the structural integrity and load transfer efficiency deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem structure simplicityVSAvoidstructural integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The connector assembly incorporates a pivoting mechanism that allows dynamic adjustment during connection and disconnection operations. The pins can rotate within the holes, enabling the system to adapt to minor misalignments while maintaining a strong mechanical connection for load transfer.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The connection system changes the critical parameter from floor fitting thickness to pin-hole fit precision. By using pins that fit into holes with controlled tolerances, the system achieves superior structural integrity compared to thin floor fittings, while the overall device complexity remains manageable through standardized components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If quick-attach splice mechanism with spring-loaded pins is implemented, then the load transfer efficiency improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveload transfer efficiencyVSAvoidconnector mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The spring-loaded tabs automatically engage with the pins to secure the connection. When the connector assembly is inserted, the springs provide automatic locking without requiring additional fastening operations, and the same mechanism enables easy release when needed. This self-service functionality maintains reliability while managing complexity through automation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The spring-loaded tab mechanism replaces traditional mechanical fasteners or locking systems. Instead of requiring threads, nuts, or complex latch mechanisms, the elastic deformation of springs provides both the locking force and the release mechanism, simplifying the overall device complexity while maintaining high load transfer efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Enhances structural integrity and load transfer efficiency between cargo trays, enabling quick and modular reconfiguration while minimizing stress on the aircraft structure.

Implementation Method 1

the tab is a spring-loaded tab biasing the pin to the extended position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Implementation Method 2

allowing efficient load transfer directly between trays without relying on floor fittings

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS12491998B2Tray connections for convertible aircraft cargo handling system

Publication Date: 2025.12.09 GOODRICH CORP

AI summary

A tray connector is disclosed herein. The tray connector includes a first side rail, a second side rail, parallel to the first side rail, a cross member extending from the first side rail to the second side rail, a pin extending from within the cross member and through the first side rail, and a tab configured to retract the pin.