Wireless Cargo Loading Control System for Aircraft

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cargo loading systems for aircraft are inflexible and require fixed operating positions, leading to restricted mobility and increased maintenance costs due to multiple control panels and wiring, which hinders efficient loading and unloading processes.

Innovation Solution

A cargo loading system with a power drive unit and a portable, wireless control panel that can control all power drive units, reducing the need for multiple control panels and wiring, allowing for flexible operation and configuration, and enabling wireless command transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If multiple control panels are installed at fixed positions in the cargo hold, then the cargo loading system can control power drive units, but the mobility of operating personnel is restricted and maintenance costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemobility of operating personnelVSAvoidnumber of control panels and wiring
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control functionality is extracted from multiple fixed control panels and consolidated into a single portable control unit that can be moved freely throughout the cargo hold. This extraction eliminates the need for multiple stationary control stations while maintaining full control capability over the power drive units.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The portable control unit serves as a universal control device that can operate all power drive units in the cargo hold regardless of location. This multi-functional design replaces multiple specialized control panels, reducing device complexity while improving operational flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If multiple control units and control boxes are installed for each sector, then cargo transport can be controlled, but maintenance costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecargo transport controlVSAvoidmaintenance costs
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple control units and control boxes are merged into a single portable control unit. This consolidation reduces the total number of components that require maintenance while maintaining reliable control over all cargo transport functions through centralized control architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If multiple control units and cabling are used, then cargo loading can be controlled, but the weight of the means of transport increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecargo loading controlVSAvoidweight of cabling and control units
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The control functionality is extracted from a fixed infrastructure of heavy cabling and multiple control units, and relocated to a single portable control unit. This extraction dramatically reduces the total weight of control system components while maintaining full operational capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanical cabling system connecting multiple fixed control units is replaced with wireless communication technology. This substitution eliminates the need for extensive physical wiring, significantly reducing the weight of the control system while maintaining reliable control signals.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP2396222B1Modular adaptive electrical freight loading system
Publication Date: 2016.08.31 AIRBUS OPERATIONS GMBH
  • EP2396222B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2396222B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2396222B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The invention relates to a freight loading system (200) for a means of transportation, comprising a force drive unit (201) for moving freight in a freight space (111) of a means of transportation, and a control operation unit (202). The control operation unit (202) is designed to control the entire motion of the freight by means of the force drive unit (201).