Aircraft Cargo Webbing Restraint with Spring Tension Reels

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current aircraft cargo restraint systems using straps or nets to secure cargo to the fuselage framework increase aircraft downtime due to the complexity and time required for securing the cargo.

Innovation Solution

An aircraft cargo restraint system incorporating a fuselage framework with spring tension reels and actuators that bias and move webbing to restrain cargo, allowing for efficient positioning and securing of cargo within the aircraft cabin.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If straps or nets are used to secure cargo to the fuselage framework, then cargo restraint is achieved, but aircraft downtime increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecargo restraint effectivenessVSAvoidaircraft downtime

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs dynamic restraint systems including spring-loaded arms and telescopic struts that automatically adjust to cargo weight and position, replacing static strap-based systems. These dynamic mechanisms engage automatically when cargo is loaded, reducing manual securing time while maintaining effective restraint.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The restraint system incorporates self-adjusting features where spring mechanisms and tensioning devices automatically apply appropriate force based on cargo weight, eliminating the need for manual tensioning of straps and nets. This self-service capability significantly reduces the time required for cargo securing operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If complex restraint systems are used to secure cargo, then cargo restraint effectiveness is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecargo restraint effectivenessVSAvoidrestraint system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The restraint system is divided into modular components including individual spring-loaded arms, telescopic struts, and independent tensioning devices that can be independently adjusted or replaced. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function simply, while the system as a whole provides comprehensive restraint capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent designs restraint components that can accommodate various cargo types and weights using the same basic mechanism. The spring-loaded arms and telescopic struts can adjust to different load conditions, eliminating the need for multiple specialized restraint systems for different cargo configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

The system reduces downtime by enabling rapid and secure restraint of cargo, allowing for quicker loading and unloading while maintaining effective weight and balance control.

Implementation Method 1

one or more spring tension reels configured to bias the webbing towards a bottom of the cargo cabin

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Data Source

PatentUS11286048B2Aircraft cargo restraint system and method for restraining cargo within an aircraft

Publication Date: 2022.03.29 THE BOEING CO

AI summary

An aircraft cargo restraint system includes a fuselage framework defining a cargo cabin, a webbing configured to restrain cargo positionable within the cargo cabin, one or more spring tension reels configured to bias the webbing towards a bottom of the cargo cabin, and one or more actuators configured to move the webbing toward a top of the cargo cabin against the bias of the one or more spring tension reels.