Tiltable Cargo Transfer Bed for Aft-Loading Aircraft
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cargo transfer systems are unsuitable for aft-loading aircraft due to spatial constraints imposed by the aircraft's structure and elevated loading ramps, as they require substantial overhead clearance and may not load evenly with the aircraft's ramp.
Innovation Solution
A cargo transfer system utilizing a tilt frame and adjustable height carriage, allowing for horizontal movement of cargo within the spatial envelope of the aircraft and elevated loading ramp, includes a pivoting tilt frame supported by the vehicle chassis and a transfer bed with selective height adjustment, enabling efficient transfer of cargo between the aircraft and ground transportation vehicles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If L-arm hoist assemblies or overhead booms are used for cargo transfer, then cargo transfer capability is provided, but overhead clearance requirements make them unsuitable for aircraft with confined spatial envelopes
Solution Approach 1:
The transfer bed utilizes the horizontal dimension along the aircraft fuselage rather than requiring vertical overhead clearance. By moving cargo horizontally along the fuselage length, the system avoids the spatial conflict with aircraft structure while maintaining effective cargo transfer capability
Solution Approach 2:
The transfer bed is made movable along the upper surface of the tilt frame, allowing dynamic adjustment of its position. This enables the system to adapt to varying aircraft configurations and cargo requirements without requiring fixed overhead clearance
2Device complexity
If fixed height transfer systems are used, then structural simplicity is maintained, but inability to accommodate varying aircraft ramp heights reduces versatility
Solution Approach 1:
The transfer bed height is made adjustable through a carriage system that can move vertically along the tilt frame. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the transfer bed to match varying aircraft ramp heights while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the height parameter of the transfer bed to match different aircraft configurations. By adjusting the vertical position of the carriage and transfer bed, the system adapts to varying ramp heights without requiring complete structural redesign
3Adaptability or versatility
If the transfer bed is made adjustable in height, then versatility for different aircraft is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The height adjustment function is segmented into a separate carriage mechanism that moves independently along the tilt frame. This modular approach allows height adjustment without complicating the main transfer bed structure, as the carriage handles all vertical adjustment requirements
Data Source
AI summary
A device and method for transferring cargo are disclosed, including transferring cargo between an aft-loading aircraft and a ground transportation vehicle. In one embodiment, the invention may include a tilt frame, a transfer bed, and an adjustable carriage. The tilt frame may be pivotally engaged to a vehicle chassis where the tilt frame has a first end near the cab of the vehicle and a second end distal from the cab. The transfer bed may have a first end connected to the tilt frame and may be movable along an upper surface of the tilt frame. The adjustable height carriage may support a second end of the transfer bed. The transfer bed may be leveled at varying heights by moving the first end of the transfer bed along the upper surface of the tilt frame, and by varying the height of the carriage.