Moveable Side Guide Roller Tray for ULD Adaptability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional cargo management systems struggle to accommodate ULDs of varying sizes due to fixed roller tray positions, which fail to provide adequate support and conveyance to the outboard edges of ULDs when side guides are repositioned.

Innovation Solution

The integrated side guide roller tray assembly features a guide rail with adjustable mounting brackets and roller trays that can be repositioned along tracks, incorporating a locking system to secure the assembly to the tracks, allowing for easy adaptation to different ULD widths by translating the roller trays and guide rail to accommodate various ULD sizes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If roller trays are installed in fixed positions to accommodate a particular ULD size, then the system provides stable support and conveyance for that specific ULD size, but the system cannot accommodate different sized ULDs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccommodation of different ULD sizesVSAvoidrepositioning mechanism for roller trays

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The roller trays are designed to be moveable along the cargo bay floor rather than fixed in position. The assembly includes roller trays that can be repositioned longitudinally to accommodate different ULD widths, transforming the static system into a dynamic one that adapts to varying cargo dimensions while maintaining support functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated side guide and roller tray assembly serves multiple functions: it guides ULD movement, restrains ULD position, and provides conveyance support. The side guide structure acts as both a lateral restraint and a mounting framework for the roller trays, eliminating the need for separate components and simplifying the overall system while achieving versatility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If side guides are repositioned to accommodate different sized ULDs, then the system gains flexibility in ULD size accommodation, but the roller trays are not in position to provide support and conveyance to the outboard edge of the ULDs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveside guide repositioning for different ULD sizesVSAvoidsupport and conveyance function of roller trays

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The side guide and roller trays are merged into an integrated assembly where the roller trays are mounted to the side guide structure itself. This integration ensures that when the side guide is repositioned to accommodate different ULD sizes, the roller trays move together as a unified structure, maintaining their support function at the outboard edge of any ULD size

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

Both the side guide and roller trays are designed to move together along the cargo bay. The roller trays are coupled to the side guide in a manner that allows simultaneous repositioning, ensuring that the support function remains reliable regardless of the ULD size being accommodated

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3640145B1Moveable integrated side guide and roller tray assembly for cargo management system

Publication Date: 2022.04.06 GOODRICH CORP

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Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A

AI summary

An integrated side guide roller tray assembly for a cargo management system may comprise a guide rail. A first end mounting bracket may be coupled to a first end of the guide rail. A second end mounting bracket may be coupled to a second end of the guide rail opposite the first end. A roller tray including a roller may be coupled to the first end mounting bracket.