Automated Aircraft Bridge Docking via Laser Distance Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for docking an air passenger bridge or goods handling bridge to an airplane door are time-consuming and inefficient, requiring manual intervention and reliance on accurate data systems for correct alignment, which can lead to delays and safety risks.

Innovation Solution

A method for automatic docking using contactless distance measurement and display systems activated by an airport data system, where a control computer controls the bridge movement only after verifying the correct airplane type and version through a start signal, ensuring precise alignment without human intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual docking procedure is used with attendant operating the bridge, then the docking can be performed with simple equipment, but the docking time becomes excessively long (up to five minutes)

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedocking speedVSAvoiddocking system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The docking system performs self-positioning and self-docking operations automatically. The control computer controls the bridge to move autonomously to the correct position based on distance meter readings and stored door positions, eliminating the need for manual operation by airport personnel while achieving rapid docking.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical operation with an automated control system that uses electronic distance measurement and computer-controlled bridge movement. The mechanical manual positioning is substituted by an automated system combining distance meters, control computers, and automated bridge drive mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If automatic docking is implemented without verification, then the docking process is fast, but the reliability decreases due to potential errors in airplane type data

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedocking accuracyVSAvoidautomation level

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the distance meter continuously measures the distance to the airplane and provides this information to the control computer. The computer compares the measured distance with expected values and adjusts the bridge position accordingly, ensuring accurate docking while maintaining automation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent stores door position data for different airplane types and versions in advance in the control computer. Before docking begins, the system retrieves the appropriate pre-stored data based on the detected airplane type, preparing the docking parameters in advance to ensure accuracy without manual intervention during the actual docking process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Speed

If distance meter is used for positioning airplane, then the positioning speed is improved, but the measurement precision may be insufficient for correct door alignment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning speedVSAvoiddoor alignment precision

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The control computer acts as an intermediary that processes the distance meter readings and translates them into precise bridge position commands. The computer uses the distance information combined with pre-stored door position data for specific airplane types to calculate the exact position needed, bridging the gap between rough distance measurement and precise door alignment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the parameter used for positioning from direct distance measurement to a calculated position based on distance plus stored reference data. The control computer combines the measured distance with pre-stored door position parameters for specific airplane models to determine the precise target position, achieving both speed and precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Significantly reduces the time required for docking and enhances safety by ensuring accurate alignment and reducing the risk of errors in bridge positioning, thereby improving operational efficiency and passenger experience.

Implementation Method 1

The technique most used at presence for measuring the distance and in certain instances also the position of the airplane relative to this centre line involves the use of distance determining or range finding lasers.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLaser: Laser

Implementation Method 2

distance determining or range finding lasers

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTime of Flight: Time of Flight

Data Source

PatentEP1931569B1Method for automated docking of a passenger bridge or a goods handling bridge to a door of an aircraft.

Publication Date: 2013.12.25 FMT INT TRADE

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AI summary

Method for automatically docking a passenger bridge (1, 2) to an airplane (5) door (3, 4) at an airport gate, wherein the airplane is brought to and stopped in a predetermined position by contact less measurement of the distance between the airplane and a fixed point and wherein a control computer (14) is adopted to control the movement of the passenger bridge and wherein a start signal (24) is required from a person after the person has established the correct type of airplane and version of the airplane type to enable the control computer to cause the passenger bridge to be moved for docking.