Monitoring system for the removal of protections from aircraft components prior to takeoff

Abstract

Monitoring system for the removal of protections from aircraft components prior to takeoff, designed to include the use of multiple tags, each assigned to one of the protections commonly used in aviation to safeguard components when the aircraft is not in flight; these tags are subsequently removed from each protection before the aircraft's takeoff and affixed to a detection box, which communicates with a flag element located in the cockpit; said flag element being apt to Interrogate the detection box on the presence of tags removed from the protections before take-off; if the detection box detects the absence of a tag from a certain protection, said flag element is apt to open, displaying a paddle that is apt to indicate the possible presence of a protection still installed on one of the aircraft's components.

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0002] “MONITORING SYSTEM FOR THE REMOVAL OF PROTECTIONS FROM

[0003] AIRCRAFT COMPONENTS PRIOR TO TAKEOFF”

[0004] Summary of mveation

[0005] The invention relates to an innovative monitoring system designed to verify the correct removal of each protection commonly installed on various aircraft components when the aircraft is on the ground, thereby eliminating the possibility of malfunctions caused by the failure to remove one of those protections.

[0006] Background of the invention

[0007] The protections used on aircraft when on the ground are indispensable for preserving various sensitive parts of the aircraft from the elements, contamination, animals, and oilier potential damages. These protections include engine covers, .Pitot tubes covers, instrument covers, control surface locks, aircraft covers, and wheel chocks,

[0008] Engine covers protect the air intakes and engines from debris, dust, moisture, and animals, as the ingress of foreign objects into the engines can cause severe damage or malfunctions, compromising flight safety'. Pitot tubes covers protect the Pitot tubes, which are crucial for measuring airspeed and other flight parameters. These sensors are essential for providing accurate data to the navigation system, and obstructions or contamination can cause erroneous readings, affecting flight safety and performance.

[0009] Instrument covers protect flight instruments and other measuring devices located outside the aircraft. Keeping these instruments clean and functional is vital to ensure they provide accurate data during flight, Control surface locks prevent the movement of control surfaces such as ailerons, rudder, and stabilizers when the aircraft is parked, avoiding damage caused by strong winds that can move these surfaces, thus preventing mechanical malfunctions.

[0010] Aircraft covers, which cover the entire fuselage or significant parts of the aircraft, protect against adverse weather conditions and UV rays, preserving the paint and exterior surfaces from wear and degradation. Wheel chocks block the aircraft’s wheels to prevent unwanted movement, ensuring the aircraft remains stationary and stable during ground operations, preventing accidents.

[0011] It is crucial to remove these protections before takeoff for several reasons. Foremost is flight safety, as obstructions in the engines, sensors, or control surfaces can seriously compromise the aircraft's safety and navigability. The aircraft's performance and reliability can be severely compromised if all protections are not removed, as they can interfere with the proper functioning of the systems. Additionally, the failure to remove protections can violate aviation regulations and standard operating procedures, leading to penalties and other legal issues.

[0012] For these reasons, strict pre-flight checklists exist that include the verification and removal of all protections, ensuring that the aircraft is fully operational and safe before takeoff. However, pre- flight checklists, while essential for ensuring flight safety and reliability, present several critical issues related to aircraft protections. One primary issue is the fatigue and distraction of the crew: ground operators and pilots, especially during long shifts or under stress, may make errors or omissions while completing the checklist. The complexity and length of the checklists themselves represent another critical issue, as the number of necessary checks can increase the risk of some steps being overlooked, especially under time constraints.

[0013] Inexperienced or inadequately trained operators may unintentionally make errors, as less experienced personnel may not be familiar with all procedures necessary for correctly removing protections. Insufficient communication and coordination between ground staff and the flight crew can also cause misunderstandings about who is responsible for removing the protections, with the risk that the task is mistakenly assumed to have been completed by others.

[0014] Adverse environmental conditions, such as rain, strong winds, or extreme cold, can further complicate the accurate completion of checklists, increasing the risk of omissions. The time pressure associated with airport operations, often subject to tight schedules, can prompt the crew to expedite pre-flight checks, resulting in potential oversights. Another critical issue is the use of outdated documentation, as checklists must be constantly updated to reflect changes in safety protocols, equipment, or regulations. The removal of protections, if checked superficially or hastily, can lead to undetected protections, especially if they are not easily visible or accessible. .Finally, the sharing of checklist responsibilities among multiple crew members or different teams, such as maintenance personnel and pilots, can cause gaps in the process if there is no clarity on who is responsible for which part of the check. To address these critical issues, it is essential that airlines and airport operators implement measures such as continuous and rigorous training for all personnel involved in pre-flight checks, the use of digital checklists that provide real-time alerts and reminders.

[0015] However, the digitalization of such checklists remains distant today, making it essential to foresee the development of an automatic detection system that can verify the presence or absence of protections on the aircraft components. Not even patent US2024190583, published on June 13, 2024, resolves the aforementioned issues as it describes a specific cover intended solely for engine protection. Despite its revolutionary nature, it does not address the potential oversight of other protections installed on aircraft components.

[0016] The purpose of this patent is therefore to claim a system designed to assist flight personnel in determining the complete removal of protections, automatically recording each aircraft preparation.

[0017] Desmuthm of the invention

[0018] According to the present invention, it is realised a monitoring system for the removal of protections from aircraft components prior to takeoff that effectively solves the above- mentioned problems.

[0019] The monitoring system for the removal of protections from aircraft components prior to takeoff represents a significant innovation in the aviation sector.

[0020] The implementation of this system not only enhances operational safety but also reduces the risk of incidents due to improperly removed protections. Furthermore, it promotes greater awareness and responsibility among flight personnel regarding the necessity of adhering to stringent safety standards and operational procedures.

[0021] The invention under consideration differs from the known art because it uses a plurality of tags, each of which is specifically assigned to protections commonly used to protect the various components of the aircraft during ground phases between missions. These tags are designed to be removed from the protections themselves and then placed on a detection box prior to take-off. Each tag, by way of example but not limited to, is equipped with an RFID chip to automatically and computationally recognize the absence of any of the tags, further recording such non-compliance in an electronic register.

[0022] In one embodiment, these tags are made of waterproof and fluorescent material, ensuring visibility and resistance to atmospheric conditions.

[0023] The tags employed are bound to the detection box by means of adhesive Velcro, which is placed on several side surfaces of the detection box. This arrangement ensures that the presence or absence of tags is readily detectable during pre-flight operations.

[0024] The detection box, to which these tags are affixed, is located in a secure yet easily accessible area of the aircraft, such as the cargo hold or a storage compartment.

[0025] In one embodiment of the invention, this detection box is designed to be secured within the aircraft using common Velcro, facilitating its relocation if necessary.

[0026] This detection box plays a crucial role in the system subject of the invention, as it communicates the presence / absence of the tags to a flag element via at least one antenna, wirelessly. This flag element is designed to query the detection box, when needed by the pilots, to verify the presence of tags removed from the protections before takeoff.

[0027] Should the detection box signal the absence of a tag from a specific protection, the flag element activates by opening and displaying a paddle visible to the pilots. The paddle is designed to indicate the potential presence of a protection still installed on one of the aircraft components, highlighting the need for further inspection and potential corrective actions by the crew.

[0028] In one embodiment, the flag element includes an acoustic signaler to emit an audible notification after querying the detection box, varying the sound based on the obtained result. Integrated LED lights in the detection box provide additional visual assistance, especially in low-light conditions, clearly indicating the correct presence of all necessary tags before takeoff.

[0029] In the operational context, said flag element installed in the cockpit serves as the key interface between the monitoring system and the flight crew. This device processes wirelessly transmitted information from the detection box, providing timely and accurate reports to the crew regarding the presence or absence of protections still installed on the aircraft components. Its structure, composed of plastic elements, includes a pallet equipped with an opening and lifting system, in order to signal the presence of the protections in an immediate and intuitive manner; in order to alert pilots to the presence of protections still installed on the aircraft, the opening of the pallet is guaranteed, in one of its forms of realisation, by the activation of a solenoid. Alternatively, a solenoid can be used to open this paddle, again in one of its possible forms of realisation.

[0030] By way of example but not limitation, an auxiliary battery is apt to increase the redundancy of this system.

[0031] In one embodiment, the monitoring system of the present invention is powered by at least two batteries, each contained internally within the detection box and the flag element, facilitating its use across different aircraft with ease of installation and management. Alternatively, the present system is powered by the aircraft’s local electrical distribution network to minimize space requirements and reduce weight.

[0032] The advantages offered by the present invention are obvious in consideration of the above description and will be even clearer with the accompanying figures and the detailed description.

[0033] Description of the drawings

[0034] The present invention will be described below with, at least, one preferred embodiment for explanatory and non-limiting purposes with the aid of the attached figures, in which:

[0035] ® FIGURE 1 shows the perspective view of the detection box 10 which is designed to host on its lateral surface 11 the plurality of tags 20 previously committed to those protections that have been removed from the components of the aircraft.

[0036] ® FIGURE 2 shows how the flag element 13 is suitable for opening and closing, employing a paddle 14 which is apt to have a lower pivot that allows the paddle 14 to rotate, opening and closing according to the information obtained from said detection box 10.

[0037] Detailed description of the preferred embodiment

[0038] The present invention will now be illustrated by way of example only, using the figures which illustrate some realizations in relation to the present, inventive concept. With reference to FIG.1 , the connection system between said tags 20 and said detection box 10 is illustrated. The detection box 10 is designed to secure each tag 20, previously removed from its respective protection, onto its lateral surface 11.

[0039] The information obtained by the detection box 10 is transmitted to the flag element 13 via a wireless connection, using an internally contained antenna. The detection box 10 is installed within the aircraft, in an easily accessible location for inspection and, if necessary, for replacement.

[0040] With reference to FIG.2, the flag element 13, which is designed to query the detection box 10 regarding the presence of tags 20 before the aircraft takes off, is illustrated. The flag element 13 is intended to be installed in the cockpit, as it facilitates the interaction between the pilots and the entire monitoring system of the invention.

[0041] The flag element 13 includes a base 15, secured to a surface of the aircraft, and a paddle

[0042] 14, which is capable of rotating approximately 90° to open and close relative to said base

[0043] 15. When the pilot wants to activate the automatic monitoring system, it is sufficient to lower the paddle 14, which, after querying the detection box 10, will reopen upwards if at least one tag 20 is missing. In this case, the paddle 14 will further display the message "remove before flight," indicating that it is necessary to repeat the equipment and protection check procedures.

[0044] Conversely, if all tags 20 are present and installed on the lateral surface 11 of the detection box 10, the base 15 will continue to power an internally placed electromagnet, which will keep the paddle 14 closed in the lowered position.

[0045] Finally, it is clear that modifications, additions or variants that are obvious to a person skilled in the art may be made to the invention described above, without falling outside the scope of protection provided by the attached claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. Monitoring system for the removal of protections from aircraft components prior to takeoff, characterized m that it comprises the use of a plurality of tags (20) suitable to be assigned and bound each to protections which are commonly used in aviation to protect components when the aircraft is on the ground, between one mission and another; said tags being subsequently suitable to be affixed to a detection box (10) which is capable of communicating with a flag element (13) arranged in the cockpit; said flag element (13) being apt to interrogate the detection box (10), at the pilots’ request, on the presence of tags (20) removed from the protections before take-off; if the detection box (10) detects the absence of a tag from a certain protection, said flag element (13) is apt to open, showing a paddle (14) which is apt to signal the possible presence of a protection still installed on one of the components of the aircraft; said monitoring system for the removal of protections of aircraft components comprising: - a plurality of tags (20), each assigned to a protection installed on an element of the aircraft which is to be protected between missions; said tags (20) being capable of being positioned on different lateral surfaces (11) of said detection box (10); said tags (20) being suitable for being bound to the detection box (10) by means of a female Velcro able to engage with a male Velcro placed on the surfaces (11) of said detection box (10); - at least one detection box (10), installed in a secure area of the aircraft but at the same time easily accessible, such as the hold or a glove compartment; said detection box (10) being capable of being interrogated by said flag element (13) concerning the presence of tags (20) bound on the lateral surface (1 1) of said detection box (10); said detection box (10) being constituted by a plastic box, capable of including inside it at least one antenna having the task of communicating with said flag element (13) the presence of the tags (20), in a completely wireless way; male Velcro is apt to favour the anchoring of the tags (20), keeping them within the reach of RFID antennas in order to determine the possible absence of a tag (20) before the take-off of the aircraft; said detection box (10) further comprising a plurality of LED lights, apt to express the percentage of charge remaining inside a battery';- at least one flag element (13), installed in the cockpit, capable of interfacing with the pilots; said flag element (13) being suitable for processing all the information received from the wireless communication with said detection box (10), signalling the possible absence of protections from the detection box (10) still implying the presence of such protections on the aircraft components before take-off; said flag element (13) being composed of two plastic elements, one is a base (15), anchored in the cockpit, and the other is a paddle (14), which is suitable for assuming a closed position, in which no anomalies are signalled, and an open position, apt to signal the absence of certain protections on the aircraft components if one or more tags on the surface of said detection box (10) are found to be missing, the paddle (14) is suitable to be lifted by means of an opening system; said paddle (14) being characterized by a fluorescent colour and by an inscription reminding pilots to recheck all the protections used during the storage phase of the aircraft.

2. Monitoring system for the removal of protections from aircraft components prior to takeoff, according to claim 1 above, characterized in that said tags (20) are equipped with an RFID chip, for the purpose of automatically and computer-controlled recognition of the absence of one of the tags (20), further recording said failure on an electronic register.

3. Monitoring system for the removal of protections from aircraft components prior to takeoff, according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said tags (20) are made of an impermeable and fluorescent material, in order to be always visible and resistant to atmospheric conditions.

4. Monitoring system for the removal of protections from aircraft components prior to takeoff, according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said detection box ( 10) is suitable to be constrained inside the aircraft by means of a common Velcro, which allows its removal in case it is necessary to change location.

5. Monitoring system for the removal of protections from aircraft components prior to takeoff, according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said flag element (13) comprises an acoustic beacon suitable for emitting an audible notification after interrogating the detection box (10), varying the sound according to the result obtained.

6. Monitoring system for tiie removal of protections from aircraft components prior to takeoff, according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said paddle (14) comprises internally a metal core apt to keep the paddle (14) in a closed position, by means of an electromagnet, when all tags (20) have been detected on the lateral surface of said detection box (10), said electromagnet being apt to be switched off to allow the paddle (14) to be opened if the absence of some tags (20) from the detection boxis detected.

7. Monitoring system for the removal of protections from aircraft components prior to takeoff, according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the opening of said paddle (14) is controlled by a solenoid.

8. Monitoring system for the removal of protections from aircraft components prior to takeoff, according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is powered by at least two batteries, each included internally in said detection box (10) and in said flag element (13), resulting in a system that can be used on several aircraft, due to ease of installation and management.

9. Monitoring system for the removal of protections from aircraft components prior to takeoff, according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is powered by the aircraft's local power distribution network at 12V, .minimizing bulk and reducing weight.

10. Monitoring system for the removal of protections from aircraft, components prior to takeoff, according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said auxiliary battery installed internally to said flag element (13) is suitable for increasing the redundancy of the present system

Images