ULD Seat-Track Anchor Tool for Ergonomic Cargo Pallet Movement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Moving Unit Load Devices (ULDs) such as air cargo pallets in cargo aircraft is challenging due to lack of visibility and ergonomic handling issues, leading to inefficiencies and potential damage to cargo.
Innovation Solution
Development of assistance tools that anchor to the ULDs' seat tracks, featuring handles and anchor assemblies allowing for ergonomic manipulation, enabling safer and more controlled movement by eliminating the need to use feet or pull on retaining nets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If workers push against boxes stacked on PAJ from behind, then PAJ can be moved across roller decking, but worker visibility is blocked and ergonomic posture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary tool (pulling device with handle) that mediates between the worker and the PAJ. The device attaches to the PAJ structure and extends the interaction point forward, allowing workers to pull PAJs without blocking their visibility while maintaining effective force application.
2Ease of operation
If workers pull against retaining net to move loaded PAJ, then PAJ can be moved, but retaining net structural integrity is compromised and control precision is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the force application function from the retaining net by introducing a separate pulling device. The device attaches to dedicated attachment points on the PAJ structure (not the retaining net), separating the movement function from the cargo securing function and preserving the retaining net's structural integrity.
3Productivity
If workers use feet to unload PAJ across roller decking, then PAJ can be moved, but worker safety deteriorates and cargo damage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the foot-based pushing mechanism with a hand-operated pulling device. This substitution allows workers to use their upper body strength through ergonomic handles, eliminating the need to use feet while maintaining movement efficiency and improving safety.
4Speed
If PAJ is designed with flat thin aluminum sheet for rolling, then rolling capability is improved, but structural strength for heavy loads is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the PAJ structure into distinct functional components: the flat aluminum sheet for rolling capability, reinforced attachment points for structural strength, and separate cargo securing mechanisms. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function without compromising overall performance.
Data Source
AI summary
A tool includes a handle, an extension member extending from the handle, and an anchor assembly coupled to the extension member opposite the handle. The anchor assembly is configured for selective anchoring to a seat track of an air cargo pallet, and the anchor assembly includes at least one locking member that is movable between an unlocked position and a locked position. In particular, when the at least one locking member is in the unlocked position, the at least one locking member is configured to advance into a slot of the seat track. When the at least one tool is in the locked position, the at least one locking member is configured to mechanically interfere with at least a portion of the seat track in a manner retaining the at least one locking member in the slot, thereby anchoring the anchor assembly to the seat track.