Electromechanical Cargo Restraint with Automatic Stow and Deploy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional aircraft cargo systems are cumbersome to install, maintain, and require manual deployment of restraints, which is time-consuming and relies on user intervention, limiting efficiency in cargo handling.
Innovation Solution
A cargo system featuring a floor panel, cargo sled, and electromechanical actuated cargo restraints that automatically deploy and stow based on the position of the cargo sled, using a position sensor to manage the restraint's position and rotation, allowing for efficient cargo handling and restraint of cargo during flight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If conventional cargo restraint systems are used, then cargo can be restrained during flight, but manual deployment is time-consuming and requires user intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The restraint system is pre-configured in a stowed position within the floor panel, ready for automatic deployment. The electromechanical actuator is pre-positioned to facilitate rapid deployment when needed, eliminating the need for manual setup and reducing deployment time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a position sensor to automatically detect cargo sled position and triggers the electromechanical actuator to deploy or stow the restraint without user intervention. The restraint mechanism self-activates based on detected position, enabling automated operation.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional cargo restraint systems with numerous components are used, then cargo can be restrained, but installation, replacement and maintenance are time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The restraint system integrates multiple functions into a single unit: the longitudinal restraint rod, restraint surface, electromechanical actuator, position sensor, deployment guide, and swivel structure are combined into one integrated assembly that moves as a unified mechanism, simplifying installation and maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated restraint mechanism serves multiple functions: it provides cargo restraint, automatic deployment, rotational movement via swivel structure, and self-positioning through the deployment guide, reducing the need for separate components and simplifying the overall system.
3Productivity
If a longitudinal restraint rod is deployed to restrain cargo, then cargo restraint is achieved, but the restraint must be stowed to allow cargo sled passage
Solution Approach 1:
The position sensor continuously monitors the cargo sled position and provides feedback to the control system. Based on this feedback, the electromechanical actuator automatically deploys the restraint when the sled is away and stows it when the sled approaches, enabling rapid, automated position management.
Solution Approach 2:
The restraint system transitions dynamically between deployed and stowed positions based on real-time cargo sled position. The electromechanical actuator enables rapid transitions, and the swivel structure allows rotational movement, facilitating quick adaptation to changing operational conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
A cargo system is provided. The cargo system may comprise a floor panel, a cargo sled configured to move across the floor panel, and a cargo restraint configured to translate relative to the floor panel. The cargo restraint may comprise a longitudinal restraint rod configured to protrude from the floor panel in a deployed position. The cargo restraint may also comprise a restraint surface disposed on the longitudinal restraint rod. The cargo restraint may enable the cargo sled to pass over the restraint surface in a stowed position. An electromechanical actuator may be mechanically coupled to the longitudinal restraint rod and configured to deploy and stow the cargo restraint.