Aircraft Ground Navigation Control System Using Auxiliary Power

Solution Overview

Problem

Current aircraft ground movement systems rely on external tow vehicles or main engine thrust, which are inefficient, fuel-intensive, noisy, and prone to delays, especially in busy airports, and lack an integrated, independent control system for safe and efficient navigation between landing and takeoff.

Innovation Solution

An integrated control system that powers aircraft wheels using an auxiliary power unit, independent of main engines and external systems, with cockpit controls and a failsafe mechanism to ensure safe operation, allowing aircraft to move on the ground without tow vehicles, reducing fuel consumption and noise.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If external tow vehicles are used to move aircraft on the ground, then aircraft can be moved into and out of gates, but tow vehicle availability is limited and causes significant delays

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaircraft ground movement efficiencyVSAvoidaircraft delay at gate

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The aircraft is equipped with an independent ground movement control system that includes a driver operably connected to a nose wheel or drive wheel, enabling the aircraft to move itself on the ground without requiring external tow vehicles. This self-service capability eliminates waiting delays and allows the aircraft to autonomously navigate to and from gates.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If aircraft jet engines are used to move aircraft on the ground, then aircraft can move without tow vehicles, but fuel consumption and engine emissions increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaircraft ground movement capabilityVSAvoidfuel consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The ground movement function is segmented from the main jet propulsion system. A separate, dedicated ground movement control system with its own driver and wheel assembly is implemented, allowing ground operations to be performed independently of the main engines, thereby reducing fuel consumption and emissions during ground movement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the operational parameters by using a specialized driver designed for ground movement rather than the main jet engines. The driver is operably connected to provide controlled movement at appropriate speeds and forces for ground operations, optimizing energy usage for the specific task of ground navigation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If aircraft jet engines are used to move aircraft on the ground, then aircraft can move independently, but engine maintenance demands increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaircraft ground movement independenceVSAvoidengine maintenance

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The ground movement function is segmented from the main jet propulsion system. A separate, dedicated ground movement control system with its own driver and wheel assembly is implemented, allowing ground operations to be performed independently of the main engines, thereby reducing fuel consumption and emissions during ground movement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Productivity

If reverse thrust is used to back aircraft away from gates, then aircraft can move without tow vehicles, but foreign object debris is picked up and directed toward the gate and terminal

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaircraft ground movement capabilityVSAvoidforeign object debris

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The aircraft is equipped with an independent ground movement control system that includes a driver operably connected to a nose wheel or drive wheel, enabling the aircraft to move itself on the ground without requiring external tow vehicles. This self-service capability eliminates waiting delays and allows the aircraft to autonomously navigate to and from gates.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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

This system reduces aircraft delays, conserves fuel, lowers engine maintenance needs, and minimizes noise by enabling precise, independent ground movement of aircraft between landing and takeoff, eliminating the need for external tugs and main engine operation on the ground.

Implementation Method 1

An integrated control system that powers aircraft wheels using an auxiliary power unit

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS9033273B2Integrated aircraft ground navigation control system

Publication Date: 2015.05.19 WHEELTUG PLC

AI summary

An aircraft ground control system that moves an aircraft on the ground between landing and take off without external mechanical assistance from airport tugs or tow vehicles or reliance on thrust produced by the aircraft's engines is provided. The aircraft ground control system interfaces only with an aircraft auxiliary power unit or other aircraft power supply, but otherwise operates independently of aircraft systems. A system integrator and controller links cockpit controls designed to actuate the transmission of power to system components and to activate system components only under predetermined conditions with selectively activatable drivers in driving connection with one or more aircraft wheels to move the aircraft on the ground at selected torques and speeds.