Flexible and simple turnaround cargo handling assemblies

#The present disclosure relates generally to cargo handling systems, and more specifically, to flexible and simple turnaround cargo handling assemblies.

#Aircraft cargo handling systems are generally configured either for containerized cargo, often referred to as unit load devices (ULDs), or for bulk cargo. Current aircraft cargo handling systems do not provide flexibility to easily transition between containerized handling systems and bulk handling systems. For example, current cargo handling systems may have hardware associated with containerized systems (e.g., guide rails and power drive units) permanently mounted to the aircraft. The permanently mounted hardware adds unnecessary weight, takes up space, and can cause snags, or other interferences, when loading bulk cargo. Additionally, cargo handling systems, which do not permanently attach the hardware, tend to utilize track fittings for hardware attachment. These track fitting are susceptible to foreign object debris and may create uneven surfaces that can cause snags, or other interferences, when loading bulk cargo.

#A convertible cargo handling assembly is disclosed herein. In accordance with various embodiments, convertible cargo handling assembly may comprise a mat, a first fitting, and a first roller tray. The first fitting may including a first fixed component located in a first opening defined by the mat, and a first coupling component configured to engage the first fixed component. The first roller tray may be located over the mat and removably coupled to the first fixed component of the first fitting via the first coupling component.

#The subject matter of the present disclosure is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. A more complete understanding of the present disclosure, however, may best be obtained by referring to the detailed description and claims when considered in connection with the drawing figures.

#FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an aircraft cargo compartment, in accordance with various embodiments;

#FIG. 2A illustrates an assembly view of a convertible cargo handling assembly, in accordance with various embodiments;

#The detailed description of various embodiments herein makes reference to the accompanying drawings, which show various embodiments by way of illustration. While these various embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the disclosure, it should be understood that other embodiments may be realized and that logical aerodynamic, thermodynamic, and mechanical changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Thus, the detailed description herein is presented for purposes of illustration only and not of limitation. For example, the steps recited in any of the method or process descriptions may be executed in any order and are not necessarily limited to the order presented. Furthermore, any reference to singular includes plural embodiments, and any reference to more than one component or step may include a singular embodiment or step. Also, any reference to attached, fixed, connected, or the like may include permanent, removable, temporary, partial, full, and/or any other possible attachment option. Additionally, any reference to without contact (or similar phrases) may also include reduced contact or minimal contact.

#Cross hatching lines may be used throughout the figures to denote different parts but not necessarily to denote the same or different materials. Throughout the present disclosure, like reference numbers denote like elements. Accordingly, elements with like element numbering may be shown in the figures, but may not necessarily be repeated herein for the sake of clarity.

#As used herein, “aft” refers to the direction associated with a tail (e.g., the back end) of an aircraft, or generally, to the direction of exhaust of a gas turbine engine. As used herein, “forward” refers to the direction associated with a nose (e.g., the front end) of the aircraft, or generally, to the direction of flight or motion. As used herein, “proximate” refers to a direction toward, or a location generally closer to a reference component. As used herein, “longitudinal” refers to a forward to aft direction.