Mobile Cargo Mover for Aircraft Roller Tracks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cargo handling systems for aircraft are costly, heavy, require frequent maintenance, and add complexity and weight to the vehicle, limiting efficiency and fuel consumption.
Innovation Solution
A mobile cargo handling system with roller tracks and a portable cargo mover that supports cargo containers, reducing the need for fixed power drive units, allowing for easier maintenance and operation without permanent installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If fixed power drive units are permanently installed in the cargo holding area, then cargo containers can be moved into and out of locations within the cargo holding area, but the system becomes heavy, expensive, and requires periodic maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces fixed power drive units with a mobile cargo mover that can dynamically reposition itself to different locations within the cargo holding area. The mover transitions from a static infrastructure to a dynamic, relocatable device that provides the same cargo movement functionality without permanent installation, thereby reducing overall system weight and eliminating maintenance requirements associated with fixed equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the power drive functionality from fixed installations and consolidates it into a single mobile unit. By removing the need for multiple fixed power drive units permanently installed throughout the cargo holding area, the system eliminates heavy stationary equipment while maintaining the capability to move cargo containers to any location
2Ease of operation
If fixed power drive units are permanently installed in the cargo holding area, then cargo containers can be moved into and out of locations within the cargo holding area, but the system becomes expensive and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile cargo mover serves multiple functions that would otherwise require separate fixed installations. A single mobile unit can move cargo containers to any location within the cargo holding area, providing universal coverage without the need for location-specific fixed power drive units, thereby simplifying the overall system architecture and reducing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts cargo movement functionality from complex fixed installations and consolidates it into a simpler mobile platform. By removing the need for permanently fixed power drive units with their associated motors, conveying members, and control systems at multiple locations, the system achieves the same operational capability with reduced complexity
3Ease of operation
If fixed power drive units are permanently installed in the cargo holding area, then cargo containers can be moved into and out of locations within the cargo holding area, but maintenance operations increase downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile cargo mover enables maintenance operations without requiring the system to be taken offline. Since the mover is not permanently installed, it can be easily removed, serviced, or replaced without affecting the structural integrity or operational capability of the cargo holding area, thereby eliminating downtime associated with maintenance of fixed equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the power drive functionality from fixed installations that would require shutdowns for maintenance. By using a mobile unit that can be removed and serviced independently, the system maintains continuous operational capability, preventing the loss of time that would occur if fixed power drive units needed to be taken offline for maintenance
4Ease of operation
If fixed power drive units are permanently installed in the cargo holding area, then cargo containers can be moved into and out of locations within the cargo holding area, but the units take up space that could be used for other purposes
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile cargo mover occupies minimal space during operation and can be positioned in the clearance space between roller tracks when not in use. Unlike fixed power drive units that permanently occupy valuable cargo holding area space, the mobile mover dynamically positions itself only when needed for cargo movement, maximizing the available area for cargo storage and other purposes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the power drive functionality from fixed installations that permanently occupy space within the cargo holding area. By using a mobile unit that operates in the clearance space between roller tracks, the system eliminates the need for fixed equipment that would otherwise take up valuable space that could be used for additional cargo container restraints, conveyor rollers, or other cargo handling functions
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 reduces aircraft weight, decreases fuel consumption, and simplifies maintenance by eliminating the need for permanent power drive units, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing downtime.
Implementation Method 1
The roller tracks include rollers that are configured to rotatably support the cargo container
Implementation Method 2
The cargo mover is configured to engage the cargo container to move the cargo container on the roller tracks
Data Source
AI summary
A cargo handling system is configured to load and unload a cargo container with respect to a cargo holding area of a vehicle. The cargo handling system includes parallel roller tracks extending from a floor. The roller tracks are separated by a clearance space. The roller tracks include rollers that are configured to rotatably support the cargo container. A mobile cargo mover is configured to move within the clearance space. The cargo mover is configured to engage the cargo container to move the cargo container on the roller tracks. The cargo mover is configured to disengage the cargo container to move away from the cargo container.