Steerable Wheel Assemblies for Aircraft Cargo Platforms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cargo transport platforms for aircraft need to be adaptable for use in both cargo holds and passenger cabins, where maximum point loads are limited, and require steerable and maneuverable solutions to navigate floor surfaces efficiently without damaging the floor.
Innovation Solution
A cargo transport platform with a base member and steerable wheel devices, each comprising a carrier, wheel assembly, drive assembly, and control unit, allowing for independent control of direction and velocity, enabling precise movement and distribution of load across multiple points.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If cargo transport platforms use conventional non-steerable wheels, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates because precise positioning and maneuvering on aircraft floors becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel assembly is made dynamically steerable through a steering mechanism that allows the wheel plane to rotate about a steering axis. The carrier rotates relative to the base member, enabling the wheel to change its orientation and steer the platform in different directions while maintaining dynamic adaptability to navigation requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The wheel assembly is segmented into independent rotatable components: the wheel rotates about a wheel axis for forward motion, while the carrier rotates about a steering axis for directional control. This segmentation allows independent control of propulsion and steering functions
2Adaptability or versatility
If cargo containers are designed for cargo hold only, then the adaptability is reduced, but the manufacturing precision requirements are simplified
Solution Approach 1:
The platform base member is designed with universal features including steerable wheel assemblies and drive mechanisms that enable it to function in both cargo holds and passenger cabins. The same platform can be used across different aircraft configurations and operational scenarios, eliminating the need for specialized designs
3Strength
If cargo containers are made heavy for structural strength, then the strength is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates because manual shifting becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The manual mechanical pushing system is replaced with an automated drive mechanism comprising drive assemblies with motors that rotate the wheel assemblies. This substitution eliminates the need for manual force application while maintaining the platform's structural strength for heavy cargo
Solution Approach 2:
The platform is equipped with self-propulsion capabilities through integrated drive assemblies that automatically power the wheel assemblies. The system serves itself by providing autonomous movement without requiring external manual intervention
4Device complexity
If cargo containers concentrate load on few points, then the device complexity is reduced, but the object-affected harmful factors increase due to floor damage risk
Solution Approach 1:
The load distribution is segmented across multiple wheel assemblies positioned at different locations on the base member. Each wheel contacts the floor at a separate point, dividing the concentrated load into multiple distributed contact points that reduce pressure on any single location
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a cargo transport platform for being received in an aircraft cargo hold (7) or cabin (5) comprising a base member (13) having an upper surface (15) configured to support cargo elements and a lower surface (29) adapted to face a floor surface of the cargo hold (7) or cabin (5), a plurality of steerable wheel devices (31) supported in the base member (13) and adapted to allow the platform (11) to slide on the floor surface (23), wherein each of the plurality of steerable wheel devices (31) comprises a carrier (33) and a wheel assembly (35), each wheel assembly (35) comprising at least one wheel (37, 39) which is rotatably supported in the carrier (33) about a wheel axis (41) and arranged such that it projects beyond the lower surface (29), wherein for each of the steerable wheel devices (31) a steering axis(43) is defined about which the carrier (33) of said steerable wheel device (31) my rotate relative to the base member (13), each steering axis (43) extending vertically relative to the floor surface (23), wherein each steerable wheel device (31) comprises a drive assembly (59, 61) wherein the drive assembly (59, 61) is adapted to rotate the carrier (33) of said steerable wheel device (31) about its steering axis (43) and to rotatingly drive the at least one wheel (37, 39) of the wheel assembly (35) of said steerable wheel device (31) about its wheel axis, and a control unit connected to each of the drive devices assemblies and adapted to provide control signals to the drive devices assembly so as to effect movement of the platform along a predetermined path.