Sliding Bolt Pallet Restraint for Aircraft Cargo
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional methods for restraining pallets during transportation and storage are inefficient, requiring extensive lashing that takes time to set up and undo, and can compress cargo, making quick unloading difficult, especially in emergency situations and under high forces like those experienced on moving aircraft.
Innovation Solution
A support device with a sliding bolt mechanism that securely holds an inner load holder within an outer container, allowing for easy locking and unlocking by sliding and rotating bolts, which engage with complementary features on the load holder to restrain it laterally and vertically, and includes a base member secured to the container floor with isolators to absorb shocks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional lashing methods (ropes, wires, chains) are used to restrain pallets, then the pallets are secured during transportation, but the process takes time to set up and undo, and extensive space is required around the pallet
Solution Approach 1:
The restraint system is divided into modular components: a base member with multiple recesses for different pallet configurations, and interchangeable bolt members with different head configurations. This segmentation allows quick adaptation to various pallet types without requiring complete re-lashing, significantly reducing setup and undo time while maintaining secure restraint.
Solution Approach 2:
The base member is designed with multiple recesses that can accommodate different pallet sizes and configurations. The bolt members can be rotated to present different head configurations (flat, curved, angled) to suit various restraint needs. This multi-functionality allows a single device to replace multiple specialized lashing tools, reducing time spent selecting and applying appropriate restraints.
2Reliability
If traditional lashing methods are used, then pallets are restrained, but extensive lashing is required which compresses the cargo and makes quick unloading difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the essential restraint function from the bulky traditional lashing system. Instead of wrapping ropes or chains around the entire pallet and cargo, the bolt members engage directly with the pallet structure through complementary formations, providing secure restraint with minimal contact and no cargo compression. The harmful lashing material is completely removed from the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The bolt members act as intermediaries between the base member and the pallet, transferring restraint forces directly to the pallet structure through precisely fitted complementary formations. This intermediary mechanism provides secure restraint without requiring the pallet to be surrounded by lashing material, eliminating cargo compression while maintaining reliability.
3Stability of the object's composition
If pallet racks are used to make stacking easier, then stacking is improved, but the racks require extensive restraining under high forces (3-5 G) which is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The base member is pre-configured with multiple recesses positioned to accommodate different pallet sizes and stacking configurations. The bolt members are designed with pre-positioned complementary formations that align with standard pallet structures. This preliminary preparation allows the restraint system to be quickly engaged without time-consuming measurement or adjustment, even under high gravitational forces during aircraft transport.
Solution Approach 2:
The bolt members are designed as simple, robust components that can be quickly engaged and disengaged. Rather than using complex, expensive restraining mechanisms that require careful operation under high G-forces, the system uses simple bolt members that can be rapidly deployed and removed, reducing time loss during loading and unloading operations.
4Reliability
If a rotatable mechanism is used to clamp the rack and device together, then the restraint is secure, but the mechanism is difficult to undo and requires regular maintenance and lubrication
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a complex rotatable clamping mechanism that requires multiple rotational movements to loosen, the invention inverts the approach: the bolt members are designed to be engaged by a simple linear pushing motion and released by a simple pulling motion. The complementary formations on the pallet provide the clamping action passively, eliminating the need for complex active mechanisms that are difficult to operate and maintain.
Solution Approach 2:
The complementary formations on the pallet structure itself provide the clamping and restraint functions. The pallet's own geometry is utilized to engage with the bolt members, eliminating the need for separate complex clamping mechanisms. This self-service approach simplifies the restraint system, making it easy to operate and free from maintenance requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A support device (100) for carrying an inner load holder (50/60) in use within an outer transport and storage container (10). The device includes a base member (101, 102, 103, 105) for being secured or securable to a floor (16) of the outer container, having at least one formation (104) for restraining lateral movements of the inner load holder relative to the device in a plane generally parallel to the floor. The device further includes a mechanism (108) for releasably restraining said inner load holder in a direction perpendicular to said floor or base, wherein said mechanism includes at least one sliding bolt member (110) for selectively engaging with a complementary feature (62) of the inner load holder and when so engaged, providing said restraining.