Remote Cargo Dolly Pin Actuation via Lever Linkage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cargo dollies require human intervention to drop pins, posing safety risks and causing delays in loading and unloading operations, as logistics personnel need to traverse between the dolly and the aircraft loader to manually operate pins, compromising safety and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The development of systems and methods for remotely controlling cargo holding pins on a cargo dolly, utilizing lever-based mechanisms, articulating links, and sensor-actuated systems to allow for simultaneous lock/unlock and automatic actuation of pins, eliminating the need for human intervention between the dolly and the container loader.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual pin dropping is used, then cargo can be secured, but safety risks increase and loading delays occur
Solution Approach 1:
A remote actuation system serves as an intermediary between the operator and the cargo pins. The system uses a mechanical linkage or electrical actuator to drop pins from a safe distance, eliminating the need for personnel to physically approach the gap between dolly and loader. This mediator transfers the pin-dropping function while keeping the operator protected.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical pin-dropping operation with an automated actuation system. This can be achieved through electrical motors, hydraulic actuators, or pneumatic systems that automatically drop the pins when activated by the operator from a safe distance, substituting human physical intervention with automated mechanical or electromechanical systems.
2Reliability
If manual pin dropping is used, then cargo can be secured, but loading time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The remote actuation system is pre-configured and ready to operate before the loading process begins. The operator can activate pin dropping immediately when needed without having to physically position themselves in the hazard zone, eliminating setup time and enabling immediate action when loading requires pin adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The remote actuation system enables rapid pin operation without the time-consuming process of manual intervention. The intermediary mechanism can drop pins faster and more consistently than manual operation, reducing the time required for each pin operation while maintaining cargo security.
3Ease of operation
If personnel traverse the gap to drop pins, then pins can be operated, but safety is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The remote actuation system acts as an intermediary that provides pin operation capability without requiring physical proximity to the hazard zone. The system maintains ease of operation by allowing the operator to control pin dropping from a safe distance, eliminating the need to traverse the dangerous gap while preserving full control over the pin mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the dangerous element (physical proximity to the gap) from the pin-dropping operation. By separating the operator's position from the pin location through a remote actuation mechanism, the system removes the safety hazard while maintaining the essential function of pin operation.
Data Source
AI summary
An improved cargo dolly for transporting cargo is described having a mobile dolly frame, a main shaft on the frame, a lever proximate to a first part of the frame (where the lever is movable relative to the frame and in responsive communication with the main shaft), a first set of transfer sprockets mounted to the main shaft, a secondary shaft rotatably disposed at a second part of the frame (where the first part is remote from the second part), a second set of transfer sprockets mounted to the secondary shaft, a chain disposed about the first set of transfer sprockets and the second set of transfer sprockets, and a locking pin having a first end fixed to the secondary shaft and a second end configured as an angled latch. Rotation of the lever responsively causes the locking pin to remotely rotate at the second part of the frame.