Timing Belt Cargo Lock Assembly for Remote Pawl Synchronization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cargo restraint systems in aircraft cargo compartments are inefficient and require manual operation, leading to increased operation time and potential cargo movement during transport.
Innovation Solution
A cargo handling system with a motorized timing belt drive assembly that synchronizes the extension and retraction of inner and outer pawls, allowing for remote control and integration into existing lock spaces with minimal modification, enhancing operational efficiency and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual operation is used for cargo restraint assemblies, then device complexity is reduced, but operation time increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operation with an automated motorized timing belt drive system. The motor (218) drives timing belts (250, 252, 254) that synchronize the extension and retraction of inner and outer pawls, eliminating manual intervention and reducing operation time while maintaining controlled mechanical functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The cargo restraint assembly performs its own locking and unlocking operations through the automated timing belt drive mechanism. The system self-regulates the coordinated movement of multiple pawls without requiring external manual operation, thereby increasing productivity while the integrated design keeps complexity manageable.
2Stability of the object's composition
If multiple pawls are operated independently, then device complexity is reduced, but cargo positioning stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the operation of inner and outer pawls into a single coordinated system. The timing belt drive assembly (214) with multiple belts (250, 252, 254) connecting different pulleys ensures that all pawls extend and retract simultaneously, creating unified cargo positioning stability rather than independent operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The timing belt drive system provides mechanical feedback that ensures synchronized movement of all pawls. The interconnected timing belts transmit motion precisely, ensuring that when one pawl moves, all other pawls move accordingly, maintaining stable cargo positioning through coordinated action.
3Productivity
If visual inspection is required for cargo positioning, then measurement precision is improved, but operation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automated timing belt drive system provides self-verifying cargo positioning through its precise mechanical synchronization. The coordinated movement of all pawls driven by the timing belts ensures correct positioning without requiring external visual inspection, as the system's own mechanical design guarantees proper alignment and securing of cargo.
Data Source
AI summary
A cargo handling system is disclosed herein. The cargo handling system includes a ball panel for moving and storing cargo and a cargo restraining device disposed within the ball panel. The cargo restraining device includes a first side plate, a motor coupled to the first side plate, an outer pawl, an inner pawl configured to engage the outer pawl, and a belt drive assembly coupled to the motor and to the inner pawl, the belt drive assembly configured to engage the inner pawl to extend and retract the inner pawl.