Aircraft Freight Carrier Catch Elements for Secure Cabin Rail Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional aircraft freight systems face challenges in accommodating freight carriers in passenger cabins with fluctuating passenger loads, requiring flexible conversion without significant outlay, ensuring secure fastening to absorb flight forces, maintaining accessibility, and avoiding additional fixtures.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising freight carriers with base elements and catch elements that engage with existing aircraft floor rails, using wheels or sliding elements for mobility and engagement devices to prevent movement, ensuring secure fastening to the aircraft structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If freight carriers are installed in the passenger cabin, then freight accommodation is enabled, but the installation outlay and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The base element is designed with dual functionality: it serves as both a support structure for freight carriers and as a fastening system through integrated engagement elements. The engagement elements on the base element can connect with catch elements on freight carriers, allowing the same structure to provide both structural support and secure fastening without requiring separate installation systems
Solution Approach 2:
The freight carrier system is designed to be self-fastening through the interaction between engagement elements on the base element and catch elements on the freight carrier. The engagement elements automatically provide fastening capability when the freight carrier is placed on the base element, eliminating the need for additional fixtures or complex installation procedures
2Reliability
If freight carriers are secured to the floor surface, then flight forces are absorbed, but mobility and accessibility are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening system is designed to be dynamic rather than permanently fixed. The engagement elements and catch elements can be engaged or disengaged as needed, allowing the freight carrier to be securely fastened during flight to absorb forces, yet easily movable when needed for accessibility or emergency situations
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening system is divided into separate engagement elements on the base element and catch elements on the freight carrier. This segmentation allows the fastening function to be independently controlled - the freight carrier can be moved freely when not engaged, and securely fastened when engaged, without compromising either mobility or force absorption capability
3Strength
If additional fixtures are installed for fastening, then secure connection is achieved, but device complexity and installation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening function is merged with the base element structure itself. The engagement elements are integrated into the base element, combining the support and fastening functions into a single unified structure. This eliminates the need for separate additional fixtures while maintaining secure fastening capability
Solution Approach 2:
The base element is designed as a multi-functional component that provides both structural support and fastening capability through its integrated engagement elements. This universal design allows the same structure to perform multiple functions without requiring additional specialized fixtures
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
Facilitates easy installation and secure fastening of freight carriers in passenger cabins, absorbing flight forces, and maintaining accessibility while minimizing additional fixtures and installation costs.
Implementation Method 1
the supporting surface has structure to move the freight carrier over the floor surface
Implementation Method 2
the front catch element has front floor engagement devices which are configured to engage with locking elements in rails in the floor surface
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a freight carrier, front catch element and rear catch element, the front edge of the base element of the freight carrier having front engagement elements, and the rear edge has rear engagement elements. The front catch element has front floor engagement devices to engage locking elements so movement of the front catch element in the floor surface plane and perpendicular thereto is prevented. The front catch element has front engagement devices to engage the front engagement elements. The rear catch element has rear floor engagement devices to engage locking elements in rails so movement of the rear catch element in the floor surface plane and perpendicularly thereto is prevented. The rear catch element has rear engagement devices to engage the rear engagement elements so movement of the rear catch element relative to the base element parallel to the plane of the supporting surface and perpendicular to the plane towards the supporting surface is prevented.