Pivotable Cargo Latch with Auto-Actuating Ramp

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing latch devices for securing and guiding cargo items in aircraft cargo holds are bulky, complex, and prone to jamming, requiring extensive space and manual intervention, which increases operational costs and delays due to incorrect operation or wear, and fail to efficiently adapt to different cargo dimensions.

Innovation Solution

A compact latch device with a sliding carriage that is pivotable into an inoperative position, featuring a releasing device with a ramp section that automatically triggers when a cargo item approaches, allowing the carriage to move aside and preventing unintentional lowering, enabling secure guidance and easy mounting in existing profile rails.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a complex latch device with locking claws and lugs is used to securely fasten cargo items, then the cargo securing reliability is improved, but the device complexity and weight increase substantially

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecargo securing reliabilityVSAvoidlatch device complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the essential function of cargo guidance and restraint from the complex locking mechanism. The sliding carriage provides the necessary guidance function without requiring the elaborate locking claws and lugs of prior art, removing unnecessary complexity while maintaining reliability through simpler means

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention employs a simple, lightweight sliding carriage that can be easily replaced if needed, rather than using expensive, complex locking mechanisms. The carriage performs its guidance function effectively without the need for durable, heavy-duty locking components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Ease of operation

If a bulky latch device is installed to provide adequate space for operation, then the ease of operation is improved, but the area occupied in the cargo loading deck increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelatch device operabilityVSAvoidcargo loading deck area

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The sliding carriage is designed to be automatically actuated by the cargo item itself during the loading process. The cargo item's movement along the ramp automatically triggers the carriage to slide into position and engage the restraining feature, eliminating the need for manual operation or additional space for operator access

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Area of stationary object

If the latch device is made compact to minimize space usage, then the area occupied is reduced, but the device becomes more prone to jamming and requires manual intervention

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecargo loading deck areaVSAvoidoperation reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of designing a compact device that risks jamming, the patent inverts the approach by designing the sliding carriage to automatically clear itself of potential obstructions. The carriage slides along the ramp and can be easily disengaged by lateral movement, preventing jamming while maintaining compact dimensions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operational parameters of the latch device by using a sliding motion along a ramp rather than a fixed positioning mechanism. This allows the carriage to adapt its position dynamically during cargo loading, reducing the risk of jamming while maintaining a compact form factor

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Stability of the object's composition

If the latch device is fixed in position to provide stable guidance, then the guidance stability is improved, but the adaptability to different cargo dimensions is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveguidance stabilityVSAvoidcargo dimension adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The sliding carriage transforms from a fixed positioning element to a dynamic component that moves along the ramp. This dynamic capability allows the carriage to adapt its position to accommodate different cargo dimensions while maintaining stable guidance through the restraining feature that engages with the cargo item

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS8915683B2Latch device for securing and/or guiding at least one cargo item

Publication Date: 2014.12.23 TELAIR INTERNATIONAL GMBH

AI summary

The present invention relates to a latch device for securing and/or guiding at least one cargo item on a cargo deck, wherein the latch device comprises:a sliding guide carriage extending longitudinally;a bearing in which the sliding guide carriage is movably supported in such a way that the sliding guide carriage is pivotable out of a restraining position into an inoperative position;at least one releasing device which is attached to the latch device by way of at least one articulation in such a way that the releasing device can be brought out of a blocking position into a releasing position, wherein in the blocking position the releasing device acts on the sliding guide carriage in such a manner that said carriage is locked in the restraining position,wherein the releasing device has at least one releasing device ramp section which is designed and arranged in such a manner that a cargo item approaching longitudinally pivots the releasing device out of the blocking position into the releasing position.