ULD Shim Wedge for Pop-Up Lock Gap Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Unit load devices (ULDs) shift due to manufacturing tolerances variations, causing safety concerns and instability when secured with pop-up locks on decking systems, as gaps between the ULDs and pop-up locks allow movement, potentially leading to accidents during loading and unloading.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of shim devices that provide adjustable mechanical interference as wedges between the ULDs and pop-up locks, occupying gaps and preventing movement, with adjustable apertures and handles for easy installation and adjustment to ensure secure positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pop-up locks are used to secure unit load devices on decking systems, then the locking function is provided, but manufacturing tolerance variations cause gaps that allow ULDs to shift and move
Solution Approach 1:
The shim device serves as an intermediary element positioned between the ULD and the pop-up lock. It fills the gap created by manufacturing tolerances and provides additional mechanical interference to prevent ULD shifting. The shim device has an aperture that receives the pop-up lock while extending beyond it to contact the ULD, thereby mediating the connection between the locking mechanism and the load device.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution segments the securing function into two distinct components: the pop-up lock provides the primary locking action, while the shim device provides the secondary function of filling gaps and providing additional mechanical interference. This segmentation allows each component to address specific aspects of the securing problem without requiring either component to be perfectly precise.
2Stability of the object's composition
If shim devices are introduced to fill gaps and prevent ULD movement, then positioning stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shim device is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it fills the gap between the ULD and pop-up lock, provides mechanical interference to prevent shifting, and accommodates the pop-up lock through its aperture. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components and simplifies the overall system despite adding one element.
Solution Approach 2:
The shim device incorporates adjustable features including an aperture that can accommodate varying positions of the pop-up lock and edges that can be adjusted to provide appropriate mechanical interference. This adjustability allows the shim device to adapt to different ULD and lock configurations, reducing the need for multiple specialized shim variants.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The shim devices effectively prevent ULDs from shifting, enhancing safety and stability during handling operations by providing a customizable mechanical interference that secures ULDs in place, reducing the risk of accidents and improving operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
shim devices that provide adjustable mechanical interference as wedges between the ULDs and pop-up locks, occupying gaps and preventing movement
Data Source
AI summary
A shim device and system for securing a unit load device (ULD) using the shim device are described. In one example, the system includes a pop-up lock in a deck for transporting a ULD. The system also includes the shim device, which can be placed between the ULD and the pop-up lock. The shim device provides a mechanical interference as a wedge, occupying any limited space that might exist between the bottom edge of the ULD and the pop-up lock. Thus, the shim device can prevent the ULD from moving by occupying the limited space between the ULD and the pop-up lock. In one example, the shim device includes a shim block having top, bottom, and side surfaces, an inner aperture that extends through the shim block, and a handle connected with and extending from the shim block.