Low Profile Cargo Tray System for Aircraft Floor Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cargo handling systems in aircraft restrict the height of cargo, limiting the usable volume of the cargo compartment and preventing the loading of taller or oversized cargo, such as fuselage-mounted auxiliary fuel tanks, which could increase fuel capacity and range.
Innovation Solution
A low-profile cargo conveyance system with a tray system comprising segment trays positioned between floor beams, allowing rollers to move objects across the cargo area while maintaining a flush surface, and using interlocking pads and brackets to secure the trays to the floor beams, enabling increased clearance and supporting larger cargo or fuel tanks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If roller trays are mounted on top of the floor using axles or track channels, then cargo can be conveyed, but the upper surface of the rollers extends 2-3 inches above the cargo floor, restricting cargo height and reducing usable volume
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the roller support structure from a vertical mounting (above floor level) to a horizontal integration (within floor structure). The rollers are mounted on tracks that are integrated into the floor beams, allowing the roller upper surface to be flush with or below the floor surface, thereby eliminating the 2-3 inch height restriction while maintaining cargo conveyance functionality
2Ease of operation
If roller trays are mounted above floor beams, then cargo handling is enabled, but the tray system adds complexity and potential weight to the cargo area structure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the roller tray support function with the existing floor beam structure. The tracks are mounted directly on the floor beams, and the roller trays are integrated into the floor structure rather than being separate overhead components. This integration eliminates the need for additional support structures and reduces overall system complexity while maintaining cargo handling capability
Solution Approach 2:
The floor beam structure serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the aircraft floor, mounts the roller tracks for cargo conveyance, and supports the roller trays. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated support structures, reducing device complexity and weight
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
The system increases the cargo area clearance by 2-3 inches, allowing the carriage of oversized cargo or additional fuel, providing support for floor beams and enhancing cargo handling efficiency without adding significant weight or complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of rollers in the tray system configured to allow an object to be moved across the cargo area
Data Source
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AI summary
Different advantageous embodiments provide a method and apparatus to increase a clearance of a cargo area of an aircraft. The apparatus and method may comprise an aircraft with a cargo area. A tray system may have a plurality of segment trays with each segment tray positioned between a plurality of floor beams located underneath a surface of the floor of the cargo area. A plurality of rollers in the tray system may be configured to allow an object to be moved across the cargo area.