Wireless Infrared Control for Aircraft Cargo Power Drive Units
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing cargo loading systems in aircraft require numerous local control panels (LCPs) that limit the operators' visibility and mobility, making it difficult to precisely position and move unit load devices (ULDs) due to fixed locations of LCPs, which restricts efficient cargo handling and increases operational costs and safety risks.
Innovation Solution
A cargo loading system that utilizes a wireless remote control handset emitting coded infrared light signals to control power drive units (PDUs) via a wired network, eliminating the need for multiple LCPs by allowing operators to control PDUs from a more flexible and safe location, with the system determining which PDUs to activate based on received signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple local control panels (LCPs) are installed at fixed locations to control PDUs, then cargo movement control is enabled, but operators' visibility and mobility are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The control functionality is extracted from multiple fixed LCPs and consolidated into a single mobile wireless remote control handset. The handset contains all necessary control buttons and communicates wirelessly with PDUs, eliminating the need for operators to be stationed at fixed panels and improving both visibility and mobility while reducing the number of control devices.
Solution Approach 2:
A wireless communication system acts as an intermediary between the operator's handset and the PDUs. The handset transmits control signals wirelessly to the desired PDU, which then executes the commanded action. This intermediary wireless communication layer replaces the need for physical presence at fixed control panels.
2Adaptability or versatility
If numerous LCPs are deployed throughout the cargo deck, then control coverage is improved, but system cost and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
Control functionality is extracted from multiple heavy LCP units and consolidated into a single lightweight wireless handset. The handset can be moved to different locations to provide control coverage throughout the cargo deck, eliminating the need to install multiple fixed control panels and significantly reducing system weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The wireless handset serves as a universal control device that can operate any PDU on the cargo deck by wirelessly transmitting commands to the targeted unit. This multi-functional handset replaces numerous location-specific LCPs, providing comprehensive control coverage with a single device.
3Ease of operation
If LCPs are installed at fixed locations, then control functionality is provided, but operational safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control system transitions from static fixed LCPs to a dynamic mobile handset that operators can move freely while maintaining control capability. Operators can position themselves in safe locations with optimal visibility while retaining full control functionality through the wireless handset, eliminating the safety risks associated with being stationed near moving cargo.
4Measurement precision
If multiple LCPs are used to control PDUs, then precise positioning control is attempted, but operator mobility restricts precise positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The handset extracts and consolidates positioning control functionality into a mobile device. Operators can move the handset to optimal viewing positions to precisely observe cargo location while maintaining full control capability, achieving both precise positioning control and operator mobility simultaneously.
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 enhances operational efficiency and safety by allowing operators to control PDUs from a better vantage point, reducing the need for costly and weighty LCPs, and providing a fail-safe 'system stop' feature, while maintaining precise control over cargo movement.
Implementation Method 1
Power drive units equipped with infrared receivers are configured to receive and relay coded signals
Data Source
AI summary
An air cargo loading system also includes a controller, a main control panel and a plurality of PDUs (PDUs), at least the controller and the PDUs being connected by a wired network. Each PDU has a motor, at least one driver roller element coupled to said motor, a light source, a light detector, and a processor. The light detector of each PDU is configured to receive and process an incoming coded light signal from a wireless remote control handset. The PDU's processor determines whether the received coded light signal is a valid command signal and, if so, provides a command information signal to the controller via the wired network. The controller decodes the command information signal and, in view of its knowledge of container locations, various switch settings and other status information, the controller then sends the appropriate control signals to turn on the required PDUs in response thereto. Because wireless remote handsets are used to communicate with the controller, the air cargo system may either be wholly devoid of local control panels or, have only a very small number of local control panels.