Directional Diverter for Aft-Loading Cargo Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cargo transfer systems, such as L-arm hoist assemblies and overhead booms, are unsuitable for aft-loading aircraft due to spatial constraints imposed by the aircraft's structure and elevated loading ramps, leading to inefficient cargo transfer.
Innovation Solution
A directional diverter secured to an ANSI/ISO corner fitting allows for horizontal movement of cargo, converting it to inclined travel on transfer beds, enabling efficient cargo transfer between aircraft and ground vehicles within spatial constraints, using a tilt frame and retractable transfer bed system with a Rapid Attach container interface and meshing wheel mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If L-arm hoist assemblies or overhead booms are used for cargo transfer, then cargo can be lifted and transferred, but the system requires substantial overhead clearance which is not available in aft-loading aircraft with elevated loading ramps
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of lifting cargo vertically with overhead structures, the patent inverts the approach by using a horizontal pulling mechanism that draws cargo along the inclined loading ramp surface, eliminating the need for overhead clearance while achieving the same cargo transfer function
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a directional diverter as an intermediary component that converts the horizontal pulling force into motion along the inclined ramp surface, enabling cargo transfer without requiring vertical lifting equipment or overhead space
2Productivity
If conventional cargo transfer systems are used, then cargo can be moved, but they cannot operate within the confined spatial envelope of aircraft and elevated ramps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic directional diverter that can be positioned and oriented to accommodate different cargo sizes and ramp configurations, allowing the system to adapt to various spatial constraints while maintaining efficient cargo transfer operations
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters from vertical lifting to horizontal pulling along the ramp surface, allowing cargo transfer to occur within the confined spatial envelope of aircraft while maintaining productivity
3Ease of operation
If cargo is pulled directly onto the inclined surface, then transfer can occur, but the corner fitting cannot properly engage the inclined surface without the directional diverter
Solution Approach 1:
The directional diverter serves as an intermediary between the corner fitting and the inclined surface, enabling the corner fitting to engage cargo while the diverter converts the pulling direction to match the ramp inclination, simplifying the overall loading operation
Data Source
AI summary
A device and method for transferring cargo are disclosed, including a device having a directional diverter and a means for securing the directional diverter to an ANSI/ISO corner fitting having a vertical face. The directional diverter may facilitate the conversion of horizontal movement of the container to inclined travel on an inclined surface, for example the inclined surface of a cargo transfer bed, such that when a force pulls the container in a direction generally normal to the vertical face and along the inclined surface, the directional diverter may contact the inclined surface prior to contact between the corner fitting and the inclined surface. In some embodiments, the directional diverter may be a sloped surface. In other embodiments, the directional diverter may be a roller or wheel.