Power Drive Unit Mounting for Aircraft Cargo Space
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Solution Overview
Problem
Large aircraft cargo management systems face space constraints due to the presence of power drive units and other systems, limiting the movement of pallets and containers within trays.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a power drive unit with a right angle gearbox, planetary gearbox, and a vertically offset gearbox, along with a compliant tire and electronic controller housed in specific materials, allows for efficient space utilization and reduced weight and machining costs by mounting the PDU to the support structure, enabling more space for restraints and latches.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If power drive units are installed in aircraft cargo management systems, then cargo movement capability is improved, but space within trays is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the power drive unit from occupying horizontal tray space to mounting on the vertical support structure. The PDU is attached to the exterior surface of the support structure, utilizing vertical space rather than horizontal space, thereby resolving the contradiction between maintaining cargo movement capability and preserving tray space.
2Productivity
If conventional power drive units are used, then cargo transport function is achieved, but weight and machining costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter of the PDU housing from traditional metals to polymer materials. This material substitution reduces the weight of the power drive unit while maintaining its structural integrity and cargo transport function, directly addressing the weight reduction goal.
3Strength
If conventional power drive units with metal housings are used, then structural strength is maintained, but machining costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from metal to polymer for the PDU housing. Polymer materials require less intensive machining operations compared to metals, reducing machining complexity and costs while still providing sufficient structural strength for the application.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs polymer materials that can be engineered to provide the necessary structural strength without requiring complex metal machining. The use of advanced polymer composites allows for cost-effective manufacturing while maintaining adequate strength requirements.
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 configuration reduces the weight and costs associated with conventional systems, allows for more space within the trays, and facilitates efficient movement of cargo by reducing the occupied space on the cargo floor.
Implementation Method 1
a planetary gearbox in mechanical communication with the motor
Implementation Method 2
an internal spline and a right angle gearbox in mechanical communication with the planetary gearbox
Implementation Method 3
A compliant tire may be mounted on the wheel
Data Source
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AI summary
Aircraft cargo management systems (100) comprising a support structure (101) comprising a first rail (110) and a second rail (111), the first rail (110) arranged parallel to the second rail (111), wherein the first rail (110) has a first exterior face (102) and the second rail (111) has a second exterior face (104), a wheel (120) mounted on an axle (115), the axle (115) mounted to the first exterior face (102) and passing through the second exterior face (104), and a power drive unit PDU (151) mounted to the axle (115) and configured to rotate the axle about an axis are provided. PDUs comprising an electronic controller (152) housed in a controller housing (150), a motor (131) housed in a motor housing (130), and a first connecter (139) mounted to the motor housing (130) and a second connector (159) mounted to the controller housing (150), the first connector (139) configured to mate with the second connector (159) and to conduct electricity between the motor (131) and the electronic controller (152) are also provided.