ADAPTIVE BRAKE CONTROL SYSTEM FOR GROUND SUPPORT EQUIPMENT AND RETROFIT KIT

Description

Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates in general to systems for avoiding collision of moving vehicles, and specifically to systems for avoiding collisions between moving vehicles and parked or still obstacles, such as collisions between airport ground support equipment and aircrafts. The present invention further relates to methods of retrofitting vehicles, such as ground support equipment, with such systems.Background of the Invention

[0002] In airports, collisions between ground support equipment (GSE) and aircrafts on the ground are a source for great damage and cost to the industry. In order to reduce the number of such collisions, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) has issued regulations, named IATA AHM 913, requiring the installation of collision prevention systems in GSEs and imposing a limit on the maximal allowable ground speed of a moving GSE when approaching an aircraft.

[0003] IATA AHM 913 includes several main requirements: (i) * The GSE must have three levels of speed limits, as a function of the distance between the GSE and the aircraft. These speed limits are named tortoise, snail, and stop at safe distance; (ii) * The GSE must have the ability to automatically and immediately stop if actual contact is made with aircraft; and (iii) * The GSE must have facility to record all occasions when it had automatically stopped due to unintended contact with an aircraft.

[0004] Compliance with AHM 913 regulations may be relatively easy to achieve utilizing technologies available today for prevention of collision of road vehicles, such as systems provided by Mobileye (https: / / www.mobileye.com / ), adaptive cruise control systems and / or technologies existing and / or developed for autonomous vehicles. While this seems to be the preferred solution for newly manufactured or modern GSE, the installation of such solutions in existing, or relatively old GSE, may not be technically possible, or may be too expensive. It is estimated that there are hundreds of thousands of such old GSE in the world, and as such, the ability to retrofit old GSE into compliance with changing regulations, has a clear and significant advantage.

[0005] Thus, there is a need in the art for a simple, inexpensive system and method for retrofitting "old" GSEs to comply with current IATA regulations, which system can be installed without the need for major changes in the GSE.

[0006] Reference is made to CN 202608753U which discloses a vehicle automatic control device for preventing accidents. The control device can prevent accidents effectively, comprises a vehicle speed sensor and a vehicle distance sensor, and further comprises an auxiliary brake actuator. The vehicle speed sensor is used for detecting the vehicle driving speed, the vehicle distance sensor is used for detecting the distance between the vehicle itself and a front vehicle, and the vehicle distance sensor and the vehicle speed sensor are both electrically connected with a central processor. The auxiliary brake actuator can drive a brake mechanism to move to brake. A brake controller controlling the moving of the auxiliary brake actuator is electrically connected with the central processor.Summary of the Invention

[0007] In accordance with the present invention, there is provided an adaptive brake control system for use in Ground Support Equipment (GSE) including a speed control system, as hereinafter set forth in Claim 1 of the appended claims.

[0008] Features of embodiments of the invention are set forth in the appended dependent claims.Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009] The present invention will be understood and appreciated more readily from the following detailed description of the invention, taken in conjunction with the accompanying Figures in which: Figure 1 is a schematic block diagram illustrating components of an Adaptive Brake Control (ABC) system according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 is a schematic illustration of a subsystem for gradual application of a braking force according to an embodiment of the invention; and Figures 3A and 3B, together are a flow chart of a method of using systems of the invention. Detailed Description of preferred embodiments of the Invention

[0010] The principles of the inventive Adaptive Brake Control (ABC) system, and of methods of use thereof, may be better understood with reference to the drawings and the accompanying description.

[0011] Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments or of being practiced or carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

[0012] In the context of the present application and claims, the term "GSE" refers to self-propelled ground equipment, self-propelled ground support equipment, and support vehicles.

[0013] In the context of the present application and claims, the term "grounded aircraft" relates to any aircraft touching the ground, regardless of whether it is parked or is in motion, and regardless of its mechanical or technical ability to take off.

[0014] Reference is now made to Figure 1, which is a schematic block diagram illustrating components of an ABC system 100 according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0015] Controller 110 is the center, or 'brains', of the system. Controller 110 is adapted to receive input from various sensors in the GSE, which may be integral sensors or sensors added during retrofit of the GSE, and to trigger one or more appropriate responses according to pre-set rules, as will be further detailed below. Typically, controller 110 includes a processor functionally associated with a computer readable storage medium. The storage medium stores instructions which, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to carry out actions which control the operation of the GSE as described herein. In some embodiments, controller 110 may also be functionally associated with a communication module, such as a transceiver, for receipt of communications or control signals from a remote location.

[0016] At least one distance sensor 120 is adapted to measure the distance between the GSE and external obstacles, such as a grounded aircraft toward which the GSE is moving. Distance sensor(s) 120 sends the measured distance, via a suitable communication channel, to controller 110. Suitable types of distance sensors include laser sensors, LIDAR sensors, proximity sensors, and optical sensors (e.g. cameras). In some embodiments, multiple distance sensors 120 are installed at various locations or areas of the GSE, typically in locations or areas that are susceptible to encounter or collide with grounded aircraft.

[0017] A speed monitoring sensor 130 is adapted to measure the ground speed of the GSE, and to provide signals indicative of the measured ground speed to controller 110. The speed monitoring sensor 130 may be an integral speed monitoring sensor of the GSE if such exists, or a speed monitoring sensor retroactively installed, or added onto, the GSE.

[0018] In some embodiments, controller 110 may compute the ground speed of the GSE based on a plurality of distance measurements of the distance sensor 120 and the time duration between subsequent measurements. In some cases, such a computation may be additional to identification of the speed by speed monitoring sensor 130, and as a backup thereto. In other cases, the computation of the ground speed may replace the receipt of signals from a speed monitoring sensor, and speed monitoring sensor 130 may be obviated from system 100.

[0019] Controller 110 is adapted to utilize information received from distance sensor 120 and speed monitoring sensor 130 to identify whether there is any hazardous or undesired situation occurring or about to occur, and to initiate an appropriate response according to a predetermined set of rules, preferably in compliance with IATA AHM 913 regulations, or with the relevant local regulations.

[0020] For example, when distance sensor 120 measures a certain distance to an external obstacle, such as a grounded aircraft, the appropriate maximal ground speed according to IATA regulation is calculated by controller 110 and compared to the data received from speed sensor 130, or to a ground speed calculated based on information provided from distance sensor 120, as explained above. If the measured speed is greater than the allowed maximal speed at the measured distance, controller 110 provides a trigger signal to a brake actuator 150, for the brake actuator to induce application of a braking force sufficient to slow the GSE to the permissible or desired speed. While the GSE is slowing, controller 110 continues to monitor the ground speed of the GES as calculated or as measured by speed monitoring sensor 130, and, if necessary, controller 110 provides signals to suitably adapt the applied braking force to the current speed of GSE.

[0021] Additionally or alternatively, controller 110 may also trigger an alarm, which may be a visual, vocal, sensory, or other alarm, perceivable by the operator of the GSE, to alert the operator that the GSE is currently moving too fast that proper measures need be taken, in addition to the automatic response of system 100, to handle the situation. For example, the operator may partially release the accelerator or gas pedal, thereby to reduce speed and eliminate the need for continued application of the brakes. An alert or alarm may also, or alternatively, be provided to a remote control system (not shown) via a wireless communication system 170 preferably installed in the GSE. For example, the wireless communication system may include a WiFi interface, a cellular communication interface, such as using GSM, a Bluetooth connection, or a satellite based communication interface.

[0022] In some embodiments, wireless communication system 170 may be utilized to broadcast or otherwise transmit information about or from the system 100, such as sensor readings, indications of events that had occurred, and the like, continuously, periodically, intermittently, or upon receipt of a suitable request for information.

[0023] In some embodiments, in response to identification of a hazardous or undesired situation, controller 110 may also activate warning signals, such as hazard blinking lights or a warning sound of the GSE in order to warn people and vehicles in the vicinity of the GSE.

[0024] In some embodiments, controller 110 is adapted to trigger an emergency stop of the GSE, as required by IATA regulations, such as if distance sensor 120, or a dedicated collision sensor (not explicitly shown) which may be installed in a bumper of the GSE senses an actual collision.-

[0025] In some embodiments, system 100 may further include a recorder 180, adapted to record events and occurrences sensed or triggered by components of system 100. In some such embodiments, the recorder continuously records all events. In other such embodiments, controller 110 initiates recording of events by recorder 180 only in certain situations, such as when a hazardous or undesired situation, e.g. over-speeding or suspected collision, is identified.

[0026] As required by IATA regulations, in the case of a suspected collision, controller 110 is adapted to trigger brake actuator 150 to apply the full braking force to completely stop and / or disable the GSE, which may also include stalling of the motor and / or disabling of hydraulic / pneumatic systems. In such embodiments, the brake will not be released, the motor will not be reactivated, the hydraulic / pneumatic systems will not be reactivated, and in general the GSE will not be reactivated / re-enabled until the operation of the ABC system is overridden by authorized or supervising personnel, for example utilizing a special dedicated key used in a dedicated keyhole on the GSE, or via secure remote access by a controlling system. In some such embodiments, the stopping of the GSE, and / or the release thereof, are recorded, for example by recorder 180.

[0027] In some embodiments, system 100 is disabled, or is inoperative, when the GSE is moving at a speed greater than an upper threshold speed. For example, system 100 may be disabled when the GSE is travelling at a speed typically used on highways.Application of braking force:

[0028] The present invention provides a mechanism for retrofitting a GSE to enable application of braking force, using the already existing controls and elements of the braking system with minimal changes to the GSE.

[0029] Figure 2 shows an embodiment of a subsystem for gradual application of a braking force by applying force to the GSE's brake pedal.

[0030] In Figure 2, a brake pedal 210 is connected to a base 220 by a hinge, and base 220 is rigidly connected to GSE body 230 (schematically shown as a plate) as is known in the art of GSE. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a rotary actuator 240, which in some embodiments includes a motor and a corresponding gear, is connected to body 230, in some embodiments by a rigid connection. An eccentric lever 250 is connected, at one end thereof, to rotary actuator 240, such that motion and / or rotation of eccentric lever 250 is driven and controlled by rotation or motion of rotary actuator 240. A roller, or cam follower, 260 is connected to the opposing end of eccentric lever 250 by a hinge that allows the roller 260 to freely rotate about its axis.

[0031] In use, during normal travel, eccentric lever 250 and roller 260 remain in their initial position, thereby ensuring that there is no interference in the normal operation of the brakes.

[0032] As shown in Figure 2, in use, when lever 250 is rotated in the direction illustrated by dashed arrow 280, roller 260 is moved toward pedal 210, while rotating about its own axis, and pushes pedal 210 towards body 230, which in turn causes braking force to be applied to the GSE's wheels. When lever 250 is released and rotates in a direction opposed to that shown by arrow 280, the pressure applied by roller 260 is released, thus decreasing the force applied to pedal 210, and the braking force applied to the wheels. Rotation and release of lever 250 are controlled by operation of rotary actuator 240, which in turn may be controlled by a computerized control system. In some embodiments the control system may be a dedicated control system, while in other embodiments, the control system may be the existing control system of the GSE, which is specifically modified or programmed for application of control signals to rotary actuator 240 at designated times, without necessitating the operator to take action in order to apply braking force, as explained in further detail hereinbelow with respect to Figures 10A to 10B.

[0033] It is a particular feature of the present invention and of the embodiment of Figure 2, that the implementation disclosed therein is fail-safe, and cannot interfere with normal function of the brake pedal or braking mechanism even if the ABC system were to malfunction.

[0034] Reference is now made to Figures 3A and 3B, which together are a flow chart of a method of using systems of the invention to maintain operation of a GSE in accordance with IATA regulation.

[0035] Briefly, the vehicle speed as well as its distance from obstacles are constantly monitored, and the inventive system uses the monitored readings to identify problems according to preset rules, and responds based on identification of such problems.

[0036] The numeral values provided in the Figures, and in the description below, are used as distance and speed measures and are approximately the values set by the current IATA regulations. However, the scope of the invention is not limited to the specific numeric values described herein, and operation of the system using a similar logical flow and other values is considered within the scope of the present invention. For example, different numeric values may be chosen to comply with a change in the regulations, or if a different response is desired at a specific regime of speed or distance from obstacles.

[0037] As seen in Figure 3A, initially, the inventive adaptive brake control system, as illustrated in Figure 1, is activated at step 1000. The activation of the system may occur manually or automatically, for example upon ignition of the engine of the GSE. Upon activation of the system, the distance and speed sensors (120, 130, Figure 1) begin providing signals to the system controller (110, Figure 1). In some embodiments, the sensors provide signals continuously, or periodically at a predetermined sampling rate, the sampling rate being in the range of once every 1 millisecond to once every 100 milliseconds.

[0038] The GSE begins moving at step 1002.

[0039] The system controller continuously processes the signals received from the distance and speed sensors.

[0040] At step 1004, the controller evaluates, based on the received signals, whether there is an obstacle within a first predetermined distance range from the GSE. For example, the first predetermined distance range is 3 to 7 meters. If at step 1004 the controller identifies that there is no obstacle within the first predetermined distance range from the GSE, the system does not enforce any speed limitations at step 1006, and flow returns to step 1004, to continue evaluating the presence of an obstacle near the GSE.

[0041] Otherwise, if at step 1004 it is determined that an obstacle is within the first predetermined distance range from the GSE, at step 1008 the controller evaluates whether the current speed of the GSE exceeds a first predetermined speed limit. If the first predetermined speed limit has been exceeded, at step 1009, the controller causes the brake actuator (150, Figure 1) to apply the brakes or otherwise slow the GSE in order to stop the GSE from exceeding the first predetermined speed limit, and to return the speed of the GSE to be within the first predetermined speed limit, which is predetermined for the first distance range. For example, in some embodiments, the first predetermined speed limit is 6 km / h. Application of the brakes and slowing of the GSE may utilize any of the mechanisms described hereinabove, and any other suitable mechanisms.

[0042] In some embodiments, the application of brakes at step 1009 includes partial application of brakes, and re-evaluation of the speed of the GSE to determine whether it is still above the first predetermined speed limit and whether additional application of brakes is required.

[0043] At step 1014, the controller evaluates, based on the received signals, whether the GSE has moved sufficiently such that the obstacle is now within a second predetermined distance range from the GSE. For example, the second predetermined distance range is 0.5 to 3 meters. If at step 1014 the controller identifies that there is no obstacle within the second predetermined distance range from the GSE, the flow returns to step 1008, for the system to continue ensuring that the GSE continue to travel at a speed beneath the first speed limit.

[0044] Otherwise, if at step 1014 it is determined that an obstacle is within the second predetermined distance range from the GSE, at step 1018 the controller evaluates whether the current speed of the GSE exceeds a second predetermined speed limit. If the second predetermined speed limit has been exceeded, at step 1019, the controller causes the brake actuator (150, Figure 1) to apply the brakes or otherwise slow the GSE in order to stop the GSE from exceeding the second predetermined speed limit, and to return the speed of the GSE to be within the second predetermined speed limit, which is predetermined for the second distance range. For example, in some embodiments, the second predetermined speed limit is 0.8 km / h. Application of the brakes and slowing of the GSE may utilize any of the mechanisms described hereinabove, and any other suitable mechanisms.

[0045] In some embodiments, the application of brakes at step 1019 includes partial application of brakes, and re-evaluation of the speed of the GSE to determine whether it is still above the first predetermined speed limit and whether additional application of brakes is required.

[0046] At step 1024, the controller evaluates, based on the received signals, whether the GSE has moved sufficiently such that the obstacle is now within a third predetermined distance range from the GSE. For example, the third predetermined distance range is 0 to 0.5 meters. If at step 1024 the controller identifies that there is no obstacle within the second predetermined distance range from the GSE, the flow returns to step 1018, and the system continues to ensure that the GSE is travelling at a speed slower than the second speed limit.

[0047] Otherwise, if at step 1024 it is determined that an obstacle is within the second predetermined distance range from the GSE, at step 1027, the system determines whether, in spite of all the steps taken, a collision has occurred between the GSE and an obstacle, such as an aircraft.

[0048] If no collision has occurred, at step 1028 the controller causes the brake actuator (150, Figure 1) to apply the brakes to fully stop the GSE before the GSE collides with the obstacle. Application of the brakes and slowing of the GSE may utilize any of the mechanisms described hereinabove, and any other suitable mechanisms.

[0049] Otherwise, if a collision has occurred, at step 1030 the controller applies an emergency braking process for immediately fully stopping the GSE, and applies alerts to the operator of the GSE, or any other control and operation personnel, indicating that a collision has occurred, for example using the alarm (160, Figure 1).

[0050] As would be apparent to the person skilled in the art, in some embodiments, such as the embodiments illustrated in Figures 7A to 9, application of brakes as mentioned in step 1009 of Figure 10A and in step 1019 of Figure 10B is replaced with a different action designed to decrease the speed of the GSE, as described hereinabove.

[0051] Although the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. An adaptive brake control system for use in Ground Support Equipment (GSE) including a speed control system comprising a brake pedal (210), the system comprising: a distance sensor (120) adapted to measure a distance from an edge of the GSE to an external object; a speed sensor (130) adapted to measure a ground speed of the GSE; an actuator (150) adapted to cause the speed control system of the GSE to slow or stop the GSE; and a controller (110), functionally associated with said distance sensor (120), said speed sensor (130), and said actuator (150), said controller adapted to receive inputs from said distance sensor (120) and said speed sensor (130), and, based on said received inputs, to trigger said actuator (150) to effect slowing or stopping of the GSE, characterised in that said actuator comprises: a rotary actuator (240); a lever (250) connected to said rotary actuator (240) , such that motion of said lever (250) is driven by rotation of said rotary actuator; and a roller (260) connected to said lever (250) , such that said roller is rotatable about its axis, wherein rotation of said rotary actuator (240) in a first direction causes corresponding rotation of said lever (250) and said roller (260), such that said roller, when mounted to the GSE, applies force to said brake pedal to slow motion of said GSE, and rotation of said rotary actuator in a second, opposing direction causes corresponding rotation of said lever and said roller in said second direction, such that said roller, when mounted to the GSE, relieves force from said brake pedal to enable acceleration of said GSE.

2. The adaptive brake control system of claim 1, further comprising at least one alarm system (160), functionally associated with said controller (110), and wherein said controller is adapted to trigger said alarm system to provide a perceivable alarm in response to said controller identifying hazardous conditions of said GSE.

3. The adaptive brake control system of claim 1 or claim 2, further comprising a wireless communication system (170), functionally associated with said controller, and wherein said controller is adapted to operate said wireless communication system to provide at least one signal to a location remote from the GSE.

4. The adaptive brake control system of claim 3, wherein said at least one signal comprises at least one of an alert signal, an alarm signal, a sensor reading, or an indication of an event.

5. A kit for retrofitting Ground Support Equipment (GSE) including a speed control system comprising a brake pedal (210) to automatically slow the GSE in response to hazardous conditions, the kit comprising: a distance sensor adapted to measure a distance from an edge of the GSE to an external object; a speed sensor adapted to measure a ground speed of the GSE; and an actuator adapted to cause the speed control system of the GSE to slow or stop the GSE; and wherein said distance sensor, said speed sensor, and said actuator are adapted to be functionally associated with a controller, said distance sensor and said speed sensor are adapted to provide signals to said controller, and said controller is adapted, based on said signals provided by said distance sensor and said speed sensor, to trigger said actuator to effect slowing or stopping of the GSE, characterised in that said actuator comprises: a rotary actuator (240); a lever (250) connected to said rotary actuator, such that motion of said lever is driven by rotation of said rotary actuator; and a roller (260) connected to said lever, such that said roller is rotatable about its axis, wherein rotation of said rotary actuator in a first direction causes corresponding rotation of said lever and said roller, such that said roller, when mounted to the GSE, applies force to said brake pedal to slow motion of said GSE, and rotation of said rotary actuator in a second, opposing direction causes corresponding rotation of said lever and said roller in said second direction, such that said roller, when mounted to the GSE, relieves force from said brake pedal to enable acceleration of said GSE.