Movable Cargo Platform With Steerable Wheel Assemblies
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cargo containers for aircraft need to be adaptable for use in both cargo holds and passenger cabins, where the maximum point loads on cabin floors are lower and manual, steerable movement is required without powered means, while handling heavy cargo efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A cargo container with a base member having steerable wheel devices, each comprising a carrier and wheel assembly that can rotate vertically, and a coupling assembly allowing synchronized rotation and adjustment of the wheels for easy manual movement and precise steering, distributed load management, and optional fixed wheels for additional support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the container is designed to be manually moved in the cabin, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for steerable wheel assemblies
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel assembly is divided into independent modular components: individual wheel units with their own carriers, steering mechanisms, and suspension elements. Each wheel can be independently steered and moved, allowing the container to be maneuvered manually while distributing the mechanical complexity across multiple simple modular units rather than one complex centralized mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The wheel carriers are designed to be movable relative to the base member, allowing dynamic adjustment of wheel position and steering angle. This enables the wheels to adapt to different movement directions and terrain conditions, improving manual operability while keeping each wheel unit relatively simple in structure
2Ease of operation
If steerable wheel devices are added to enable precise steering, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The steering function is segmented into individual wheel carriers, each equipped with its own simple steering mechanism. Rather than one complex centralized steering system, multiple independent simple steering units work together, making the overall system easier to operate while distributing mechanical complexity
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of steering the entire container body and having wheels follow passively, the invention inverts the approach by giving each wheel its own active steering capability. This allows the wheels to guide the container's movement direction, making manual steering more intuitive and easier to control
3Adaptability or versatility
If the container is designed for both cargo hold and cabin use, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases due to dual-purpose requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The container is designed with universal features that enable it to function in both cargo hold and cabin environments. The steerable wheel assemblies provide mobility suitable for cabin floors with lower load capacity, while the overall structure remains robust enough for cargo hold use. The container serves multiple functions: cargo transport, manual maneuverability, and adaptability to different aircraft zones
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the container have different properties optimized for specific functions: the wheel assemblies and carrier mechanisms are designed with lighter, more compliant materials suitable for cabin floor contact, while the main cargo compartment maintains the structural strength required for cargo hold deployment. This local differentiation allows dual-environment compatibility without requiring the entire structure to be overly complex
4Ease of operation
If the carrier is made movable to allow wheel extension and retraction, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier is designed as a dynamic, movable component rather than a fixed structure. It can extend to deploy wheels for movement and retract to secure wheels during storage or when not in use. This dynamic capability is achieved through simple mechanical linkages and suspension elements that allow smooth transitions between states without complex control systems
Solution Approach 2:
The carrier mechanism is designed to automatically perform deployment and retraction functions through its own mechanical properties. The movable carrier uses spring-loaded or gravity-assisted mechanisms that enable self-service operation, reducing the need for external actuation systems and keeping the overall device complexity low while maintaining ease of wheel deployment
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5a~6c
AI summary
The present invention relates to a cargo container for being received in an aircraft cargo hold (7) or cabin (5) comprising a base member (11) having an upper surface (13) configured to support cargo and a lower surface (15) adapted to face a floor surface (17) of the cargo hold (7) or cabin (5), a plurality of steerable wheel devices (19) wherein each of the plurality of steerable wheel devices (19) comprises a carrier (21) and a wheel assembly (23), each wheel assembly (23) comprising at least one wheel (25)which is rotatably supported in the carrier (21) wherein for each of the steerable wheel devices (19) a steering axis (29) is defined about which the carrier (21) may rotate relative to the base member (11), each steering axis (29) extending vertically relative to the floor surface (17), wherein the plurality of steerable wheel devices (19) includes a first group (43, 43'), said first group (43, 43') comprising a first coupling assembly (45) which is provided with a first actuator (49) having a first actuator member and couples the carriers (21) of the steerable wheel devices (19) of the first group (43, 43') such that a movement of the first actuator member in a first direction effects a rotational movement of the carrier (21) of each of the steerable wheel devices (19) of the first group (43, 43') in a first rotational direction and that a movement of the first actuator member in a second direction opposite the first direction effects a rotational movement of the carrier (21) of each of the steerable wheel devices (19) of the first group (43, 43') in a second rotational direction opposite the first direction, wherein the carrier (21) of each of the steerable wheel devices (19) is supported such that said carrier (21) is movable relative to the base member (11) parallel to the steering axis (29) of said steerable wheel device (19) between the extended position in which the at least one wheel (269 of said steerable wheel device (19) extends beyond the lower surface (15) and a retracted position in which the at least one wheel (25) of said steerable wheel device (19) is retracted behind the lower surface (15).