Rack shelf systems and method for loading payloads into a rack shelf system
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing equipment racks, shelves, and fasteners in aircrafts need frequent modification to accommodate changing payload requirements, leading to inefficiencies in material handling and loading.
Innovation Solution
A standardized rack shelf system with uniform rail assemblies and mounting trays that securely fasten to a rack system, allowing payloads with different form factors to be easily accommodated using straps and restraining rings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If equipment racks, shelves, and fasteners are frequently modified to accommodate changing payload requirements, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity and loss of time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal rack shelf system with standardized rail assemblies that can accommodate multiple payload types. The standardized design allows different payloads to be loaded onto the same rack structure using consistent mounting mechanisms, eliminating the need for frequent modifications while maintaining adaptability to various payload requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The rack shelf system is divided into modular components including rail assemblies, mounting trays, and standardized fasteners. This segmentation allows for easy reconfiguration and assembly of different payload configurations without modifying the entire rack structure, reducing both time and complexity of adaptation
2Adaptability or versatility
If equipment racks are frequently modified to accommodate new requirements, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The standardized rack shelf system employs universal mounting interfaces and standardized fastener dimensions that work across all payload types. This universality establishes consistent manufacturing precision requirements rather than varying tolerances needed for custom modifications, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses standardized dimensional parameters for rail assemblies, mounting trays, and fasteners. By fixing these parameters to standard values, the system achieves adaptability through configuration rather than modification, thereby maintaining consistent and manageable manufacturing precision standards
3Device complexity
If standardized rail assemblies are used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different payload form factors may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting trays incorporate restraining rings and fastening mechanisms that operate in multiple dimensions. This allows the standardized rail assembly to accommodate payloads of various form factors by utilizing vertical, horizontal, and diagonal restraint orientations, maintaining adaptability while preserving system simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic fastening mechanisms including straps and restraining rings that can be adjusted and positioned according to the specific payload form factor. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the standardized structure to adapt to different payloads without increasing inherent system complexity
Data Source
AI summary
In an embodiment a tray includes a base area having a top side, a bottom side, a rear end, peripheral sides and a front end, a plurality of flanges extending upward from the top side and arranged at the rear end and the peripheral sides, a pin, bolt or stud arranged at an outside of a flange arranged at the rear end or a hole arranged in the flange at the rear end configured to receive a pin, bolt or stud, a first plurality of restraining rings arranged at a first side flange at the first peripheral side and a second plurality of restraining rings arranged at a second side flange at the second peripheral side.