Powered Rail Cargo Cart Platform with Drive Roller

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cargo handling systems for aircraft are complex and inflexible, requiring extensive power and control cables and being unsuitable for loading long cargo runs with multiple support bases, which limits stress distribution and efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A cargo handling system featuring a platform with recessed channels for engagement with rails, drive assemblies with motors and rollers for propulsion along rails, and clamps for stability, allowing for efficient longitudinal movement and power supply from onboard storage or rails.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If stationary motor driven power drive units with permanently installed hardware are used, then cargo can be transported within the cargo compartment, but the system complexity increases due to power and control cables running throughout the cargo compartment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecargo transport capabilityVSAvoidsystem structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the cargo handling function into independent mobile robotic units rather than a single complex stationary system. Each robot is a self-contained segment with its own drive mechanisms, sensors, and control systems, eliminating the need for extensive cable infrastructure throughout the cargo compartment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The mobile robotic units are self-propelled and self-controlled, carrying their own power sources and control systems. This self-sufficiency eliminates the need for external power and control cables, reducing system complexity while maintaining transport capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If stationary power drive units are used, then cargo transport is facilitated, but the system is not amendable to loading long cargo runs with multiple support bases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecargo transport facilitationVSAvoidadaptability to long cargo runs

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from static stationary drive units to dynamic mobile robotic units that can move freely along the cargo compartment. This mobility allows the system to adapt to various cargo configurations, including long cargo runs with multiple support bases, by positioning robots at optimal locations dynamically.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The mobile robotic units are designed to perform multiple functions: transporting various cargo types, positioning at different locations, and working in coordination with multiple support bases. This universality allows the same robotic units to handle both short and long cargo runs, enhancing system versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Device complexity

If mobile robotic units are used instead of stationary drive units, then system complexity is reduced, but new challenges arise in controlling coordination and communication between units

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem structure complexityVSAvoidcontrol coordination difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

Each mobile robotic unit is equipped with sensors that continuously monitor its position, status, and environment. This feedback is transmitted to a central controller or peer units, enabling real-time coordination and communication. The feedback mechanism allows the system to maintain control despite the mobility and independence of individual units.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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

Enables efficient loading and unloading of cargo by reducing complexity and enabling flexible, stress-distributed movement of cargo along aircraft decks, improving operational efficiency and adaptability.

Implementation Method 1

the drive roller is configured to ride above the upward facing surface of the first rail

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

the first recessed channel includes a first lateral side configured for sliding engagement with the upper portion of the first rail

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSliding engagement: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS11673668B2Powered rail mounted air cargo cart

Publication Date: 2023.06.13 GOODRICH CORP

AI summary

A cargo handling system is disclosed. In various embodiments, the cargo handling system includes a first rail defining an upward facing surface and a longitudinal direction and a lateral direction; a platform having a first recessed channel configured to engage an upper portion of the first rail to prevent a movement of the platform in the lateral direction and configured for rolling engagement with the first rail; and a first drive assembly disposed within the platform and configured to propel the platform along the first rail in the longitudinal direction, the first drive assembly having a first drive roller and a first motor.