Electromagnetic Vehicle And Cargo Locking For Authorized Release

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Solution Overview

Problem

Inadvertent, unauthorized, and/or unexpected movement of vehicles and cargo poses safety risks and asset loss due to inadequate control mechanisms, particularly in environments like airports and cargo ships, where environmental factors and operational pressures lead to unintended release of parking brakes or incorrect cargo handling.

Innovation Solution

A locking system utilizing an electromagnetic locking arrangement with electromagnets to selectively attract and lock vehicles or cargo in position, controlled by a remote power supply and override system, ensuring secure immobilization until authorized movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a parking brake system is operated by aircrew, then the aircraft can be held in position, but the aircraft may be released inadvertently or without authorization

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol of aircraft movementVSAvoidoperation of parking brake
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical parking brake system with an electromagnetic locking arrangement. Electromagnets are positioned to engage with ferromagnetic materials on the aircraft wheels, providing automated magnetic locking instead of manual brake application. This substitution eliminates the need for aircrew to manually operate brakes while maintaining reliable position control through centralized automated control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary electromagnetic locking system between the aircrew and the aircraft movement control. The electromagnetic arrangement acts as a mediator that receives control signals from authorized personnel and executes the locking/unlocking action, preventing direct inadvertent operation by aircrew while maintaining authorized control capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If cargo is loaded onto cargo ship for transport, then cargo can be moved when needed, but cargo may move inadvertently due to theft or incorrect selection

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecargo handling efficiencyVSAvoidcargo position control
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical cargo securing methods with an electromagnetic locking system. Electromagnets positioned on the cargo ship deck engage with ferromagnetic materials on cargo items, providing automated magnetic securing instead of manual chain or strap application. This enables reliable cargo position control while maintaining efficient cargo handling through centralized control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If electromagnetic locking arrangement is provided, then vehicle or cargo can be locked securely, but the system requires electrical power and control infrastructure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking securityVSAvoidelectrical power and control system
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electromagnetic locking arrangement utilizes the inherent ferromagnetic properties of aircraft wheels and cargo items. The system requires only electrical power activation rather than complex mechanical actuation mechanisms. The electromagnets self-generate the locking force when energized, eliminating the need for additional mechanical linkages, springs, or complex control hardware.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

Prevents inadvertent movement, enhances safety by allowing controlled release based on authorization, reducing the risk of accidents and asset loss through centralized management of electromagnetic locks.

Implementation Method 1

an electromagnetic locking arrangement configured to be selectively operatable to attract the vehicle or item of cargo, thereby to lock the vehicle or item of cargo in the position on the surface

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic attraction: Electromagnet

Data Source

PatentEP4644259A1Locking system, vehicle locking system, cargo locking system, and method
Publication Date: 2025.11.05 BAE SYSTEMS PLC
  • EP4644259A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4644259A1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP4644259A1 patent drawingFigure 6

AI summary

According to the present disclosure, there is provided a locking system for locking a vehicle or item of cargo in a position on a surface, the locking system comprising: an electromagnetic locking arrangement configured to be selectively operatable to attract the vehicle or item of cargo, thereby to lock the vehicle or item of cargo in the position on the surface.