Coaxial Guide and Restraint for Air Cargo Pallets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current air cargo transportation systems for Boeing 747 aircraft lack suitable guide and restraint devices for centerline-mounted pallets, requiring excessive manpower for strapping and delaying unloading due to the complexity of removing straps at destination.
Innovation Solution
A guide and restraint assembly with a base having a first end and a second end, featuring a rotatable guide and lockhead that can be coaxially arranged, allowing for secure engagement with seat tracks and lock trays, and a caster for stability, enabling the device to guide and restrain pallets without the need for straps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If straps are used to restrain centerline-mounted pallets, then the pallet can be secured during flight, but a large amount of manpower is required and unloading is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual strapping system with an automated mechanical restraint system. The guide/restraint device uses a base with tension studs and shear bosses that engage with seat tracks, and a lockhead that rotates into an upright position to mechanically restrain the pallet. This mechanical system eliminates the need for manual strapping operations, reducing manpower requirements and accelerating both loading and unloading processes while maintaining reliable pallet security during flight.
2Adaptability or versatility
If standard-sized pallets are mounted along the centerline to carry out-sized cargo, then the cargo can be transported, but existing guide/restraints are not suitable and straps are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal guide/restraint device that serves multiple functions: it can restrain both centerline-mounted pallets carrying out-sized cargo and standard-position pallets. The device incorporates a base with engagement mechanisms for seat tracks, a guide component, and a lockhead that can be positioned in different configurations. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate strapping equipment, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining adaptability to various cargo configurations.
3Reliability
If a guide and lockhead are coaxially mounted on a common shaft, then the device can guide and restrain pallets effectively, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the guide and lockhead functions into a single integrated assembly mounted on a common shaft. The guide component and lockhead are coaxially arranged, sharing the same rotational axis and mounting structure. This consolidation reduces the number of separate components and mounting points, simplifying the overall mechanical structure while maintaining the dual functionality of guiding the pallet into position and restraining it securely during flight.
Data Source
AI summary
An air cargo device for facilitating the movement and retention of unit load devices on an air cargo deck includes a base member on which are mounted a caster roller, a guide and a restraint. The guide and the restraint are coaxially mounted and together occupy one of three positions: both the guide and restraint being recessed; the guide raised with the restraint recessed, and both the guide and restraint being raised. One end of the base member is provided with retractable tension studs suitable for mating with a portion of a seat track, while the opposite end of the base member is provided with shoulder bolts for mating with a lock tray. This permits the device to bridge between the two types of cargo floor fixtures.