Coaxial Cargo Restraint Actuation for Flexible Load Configurations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cargo restraint systems in aircraft are limited by their simultaneous actuation scheme, which restricts the number of available cargo load configurations and does not allow for flexible control of restraints.
Innovation Solution
A coaxial actuation system is introduced, featuring a drive shaft assembly with a first outer tube and an inner shaft, allowing for independent actuation of restraints by rotating the outer and inner tubes to raise or stow restraints.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If all restraints are actuated simultaneously, then the actuation system is simple, but the number of available cargo load configurations is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The actuation system is divided into multiple independent actuator assemblies, each capable of independently actuating specific restraints. The drive shaft assembly includes an inner shaft and outer tube that can rotate independently, allowing different groups of restraints to be actuated separately rather than all at once, thereby increasing cargo load configuration options.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static simultaneous actuation scheme to a dynamic selective actuation scheme. The coaxial actuator assemblies allow the operator to dynamically choose which restraints to actuate based on cargo configuration needs, with the inner shaft and outer tube providing independent rotational control for different restraint groups.
2Ease of operation
If a coaxial actuator assembly is used with independent inner shaft and outer tube rotation, then flexible control of restraints is enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator assembly employs a nested coaxial structure where the inner shaft is positioned within the outer tube. This nesting allows both components to rotate independently while sharing the same space, providing flexible restraint control without requiring separate actuator assemblies for each restraint group, thus managing complexity through efficient spatial arrangement.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple coaxial actuator assemblies are used to actuate different groups of restraints, then cargo load configurations are enhanced, but the quantity of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each coaxial actuator assembly is designed as a universal unit capable of actuating different restraints depending on its position and configuration. The inner shaft and outer tube mechanism provides multi-functional capability, allowing a single actuator assembly design to serve multiple restraint groups throughout the cargo hold, reducing the need for entirely separate actuator systems.
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 system enables more flexible control over cargo load configurations by allowing restraints to be actuated in multiple groups, enhancing the ability to secure cargo effectively during various phases of flight.
Implementation Method 1
a compression spring configured to bias a first end of the plunger away from an upper surface of the head
Implementation Method 2
a plunger torsion spring configured to apply a first biasing load to the plunger lever
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A cargo restraint system may comprise an inner shaft (154) and a first outer tube (152) coaxially configured to rotate about an axis and a first restraint located about the first outer tube (152) and configured to rotate about the axis. A second outer tube coupled to the inner shaft (154) configured to rotate about the axis and a second restraint (104) located about the second outer tube and configured to rotate about the axis. The first restraint (102) and the second restraint (104) may include a head configured to rotate about the axis and a plunger configured to translate between an engaged state and a disengaged state.