Pre conditioned air duct storage and deployment reel apparatus

Abstract

The pre conditioned air duct storage and deployment apparatus includes a plenum reel assembly having an air outlet means for connection to one end of the ducting, a frame rotatably supporting the plenum reel assembly comprising a reversible drive motor supported by the frame having an output drive shaft rotatably driving the plenum reel assembly in a first direction to retract the ducting and a second direction to deploy the ducting, a rotary swivel assembly having a first diameter fixedly supported by the frame and having a second diameter fixedly attached and rotatably supporting the plenum reel assembly about an axis coextensive with the drive shaft axis. The frame and plenum reel assembly has an opening for means of air transference through the rotary swivel assembly and the fixed portion of the swivel assembly has connecting means to an external pre conditioned air source.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]None.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]This invention relates to a powered reel apparatus for storage and deployment of duct for the supply of pre conditioned air for the heating and cooling of the interior of an aircraft while parked at an airport.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Commercial aircraft are equipped with an auxiliary power unit, or APU, to supply electrical power while the aircraft is parked on the ground and the engines are not running. A function of the APU is to power the aircraft on-board air conditioning system, however, the APU is a source of both high noise and also high carbon emissions. Recently most airports have come under the directive of regulations targeting a reduction in noise and also a reduction of the carbon pollution, and as a result, it is now required to shut down the aircraft engines and the APU and to supply pre conditioned air from an external source to aircraft parked at a terminal during the unloading an...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The pre conditioned air duct reel apparatus is a device that allows for the deployment and retraction of an air duct. It includes a mounting frame and a plenum reel assembly with a gear drive assembly and a rotary air swivel mechanism. The apparatus also has adjustable rotary limit switch cams to control the duct's deployment and retraction. The technical effect of this invention is to provide a reliable and safe mechanism for the deployment and retraction of an air duct, which can prevent over winding or under winding of the duct and ensure its proper functioning.

Problems solved by technology

A function of the APU is to power the aircraft on-board air conditioning system, however, the APU is a source of both high noise and also high carbon emissions.

If the unit is stationary, however, then the problem of conveying the pre conditioned air to the aircraft is not so easily solved.

And a means of deploying and storage of the duct is not yet solved.

The Bombardi patents disclose pre conditioned air systems that are mounted to the passenger bridge and deploys the amount of hose required to suit the length of a particular aircraft, however, the system is technically complex with many moving parts and drive belts that can wear and break.

Additionally, these types of systems are relatively expensive.

While comparatively less expensive than the Bombardi style systems, these types of systems are maintenance intensive and care has to be taken to grease the chain and drive systems regularly and adjust the chain tension due to chain stretching over time.

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