COTS Container Tiedown Adapters for Aircraft Cargo Restraint
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current cargo restraint systems for military aircraft are complex and time-consuming to install, and they do not allow access to mission equipment during flight due to the need for constant restraint, which is a critical issue for emergency situations.
Innovation Solution
A container and tiedown system using four tiedown adapters with swivels and cable fairleads, attached to a Commercial-Off-The-Shelf container, which allows for quick installation and maintains required strength while enabling access during flight by distributing load through a turnbuckle and adjustable straps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional strap restraint systems are used to meet crash load requirements, then the restraint strength is sufficient, but the installation complexity increases and access to equipment during flight is prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces tiedown adapters as intermediary devices that connect between the container corners and the strap system. These adapters simplify the restraint system by providing pre-configured attachment points and load distribution, reducing the complexity of calculating and installing multiple straps at various angles while maintaining the required restraint strength for 20G crash loads.
Solution Approach 2:
The restraint system is segmented into modular components: tiedown adapters attached to container corners, cable assemblies with turnbuckles for tensioning, and ratchet straps for final securing. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function independently, simplifying installation and adjustment while maintaining overall system strength.
2Strength
If multiple straps are routed over the top of the container to meet restraint requirements in all directions, then the restraint strength is sufficient, but access to equipment during flight is prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic restraint strategies where the container can be partially unrestrained during flight when access is required. The tiedown system allows for quick release and re-application of restraints, enabling the container to transition between restrained and accessible states while maintaining safety during crash conditions.
3Strength
If trained personnel use the current strap system with geometric calculations, then the restraint strength is sufficient, but the installation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tiedown adapters are pre-configured with attachment points and geometric relationships established before installation. The adapters come with pre-determined strap routing paths and attachment locations, eliminating the need for on-site geometric calculations and allowing installation personnel to simply attach components without complex measurements or computations.
Solution Approach 2:
The tiedown adapters incorporate self-aligning features and intuitive attachment mechanisms that guide the installation process. The system is designed to self-adjust and self-verify proper installation, reducing the need for trained personnel to perform complex calculations and measurements during installation.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for securing a container, in particular a Commercial-Off-The-Shelf (COTS) container to an aircraft consists of four tiedown adapters. The tiedown adapters are attached one each to a corner of the COTS container, typically at about the vertical midpoint of the edge. The tiedown adapters each comprises a base and a swivel. The base abuts the COTS container and has an integral cable fairlead. A cable is threaded through the fairleads so it wraps horizontally around the COTS container. The ends of the cable are then attached to each other using a turnbuckle, which is adjusted to put a predetermined tension in the cable. A shackle is attached to the swivel of each of the tiedown adapters and attached to an Adjustable Strap Assembly (ASA) or similar tiedown, which is attached to one of the load rings in the aircraft.