System and method for automated deployment of a passenger boarding bridge

Abstract

The invention relates to a system and method for automated deployment of a passenger boarding bridge. The system and method have proximity sensors coupled to a distal end thereof and include a first movement mechanism for extension and retraction thereof. A processor receives signals from the proximity sensors and, based thereon, selectively generates and provides control signals to the first movement mechanism to automatically extend the structure to a predetermined position against a vehicle positioned in a predetermined area. A flexible boot is attached to the distal end of the structure. The processor generates and provides control signals to a second movement mechanism coupled to the flexible boot to extend the flexible boot against the vehicle. The processor also monitors and identifies any changes in a positional relationship between the flexible boot and the vehicle after initial extension thereof and provides generated control signals to the first movement mechanism to restorethe structure to the predetermined position.

Description

technical field [0001] The present disclosure generally relates to a system and method for automatically deploying and positioning passenger boarding bridges. Background technique [0002] The ability to quickly load and unload passengers from commercial aircraft has long been a concern for commercial airlines and airport management. The increase in the public's use of commercial airlines for travel has put further pressure on the limited capacity of airports to handle increased passenger traffic. In order to handle this increased passenger traffic, an increasing number of arriving and departing aircraft are scheduled to operate at airports with a limited number of gates. To better handle the increased passenger traffic with more aircraft requires a significantly improved ability to unload and then load passengers in a timely manner, thereby reducing aircraft disembarkation and boarding times ("parking times"). [0003] A "passenger boarding bridge" is an enclosed, movable...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Once an aircraft is at the gate, airport staff often spend a significant amount of time locating passenger boarding bridges (e.g., during busy airport periods), causing delays in disembarkation and subsequent boarding delays, adversely affecting waiting times

Additionally, as the aircraft is unloaded and then loaded again, weight changes can cause the aircraft to shift position significantly vertically, resulting in gaps between the aircraft and cabin / flexible cover, and requiring repositioning of the cabin and / or flexible cover

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