Dual Pivot Cargo Restraint for Aircraft Pallets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cargo restraint systems for aircraft pallets require significant time for installation and removal, and can interfere with the forward and aft movement of pallets during loading and unloading, failing to provide efficient automatic engagement and disengagement for vertical restraint.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of pairs of 'U' shaped rails with pivotally mounted cargo restraints that automatically engage and disengage with pallet pockets as they move, using a spring-loaded mechanism to ensure vertical restraint without obstructing longitudinal movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fixed restraints are installed on rails to restrain pallets from vertical movement, then vertical restraint reliability is improved, but the restraints interfere with forward and aft movement of pallets during loading and unloading
Solution Approach 1:
The restraint system employs dynamic elements including a movable restraint body that can shift position, a rotatable block that pivots between engaged and disengaged states, and a spring mechanism that provides automatic resetting. These dynamic components allow the restraint to adapt its configuration based on whether a pallet is being moved or is stationary, resolving the contradiction between providing reliable vertical restraint and allowing free longitudinal movement during loading operations.
2Ease of operation
If removable restraints are used to allow free pallet movement during loading, then ease of operation is improved, but significant time is wasted in installing and removing restraints
Solution Approach 1:
The restraint system is designed to be self-actuating through the interaction between the pallet's movement and the spring-loaded mechanism. As the pallet moves forward, it automatically triggers the block to rotate and disengage the restraint. When the pallet is removed, the spring automatically resets the block to the engaged position. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual installation and removal operations, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and time loss.
3Productivity
If restraints are fixed in place in transverse alignment, then engagement efficiency with pallet pockets is improved, but interference with pallet movement during loading and unloading occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The restraint body is designed with longitudinal movability along the rail, allowing it to shift position dynamically. The block component can rotate about a vertical axis to transition between engaged and disengaged states. This dynamic capability allows the restraint to maintain optimal transverse alignment for efficient engagement with pallet pockets while simultaneously allowing free longitudinal movement during loading and unloading operations.
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 solution allows for efficient and automatic vertical restraint of pallets during transportation, minimizing installation time and ensuring unobstructed forward and aft movement, maintaining engagement only when necessary.
Implementation Method 1
a first resilient member which may be a coil spring is operatively connected between the base member and the lower pivot member to yielding resist movement of the lower pivot member from the cargo restraint position thereof to the retracted position thereof and to urge the return of the lower pivot to the cargo restraint position from the retracted position
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A dual pivot load restraint for a cargo aircraft for restraining pallet type loads from vertical movement having an upper pivot member pivotally engaged to a lower pivot member and the lower pivot member pivotally engaged to a base member, wherein resilient members resist and urge movement of the upper pivot member and the lower pivot member to and from engagement and retracted positions.