Integrated Aircraft Ground Support Cart With Variable Pneumatic Output
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft on the ground require multiple ground support carts for electrical power, bleed air, and conditioned air, which are large, cumbersome, and inefficient, lacking an integrated solution.
Innovation Solution
An integrated, modular ground support system combining a power plant, air compressor, air conditioner, and electrical generator on a wheeled chassis, providing pressurized air, conditioned air, and electrical power in a single unit, with independent operational states for bleed air and electrical power generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple individual utility carts are used to provide electrical power, bleed air, and conditioned air, then each utility function can be provided independently, but the system becomes cumbersome, requires multiple separate equipment units, and increases operational complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple previously separate utility functions (electrical power generation, bleed air compression, and air conditioning) into a single integrated ground support cart. The power plant drives both the electrical generator and the air compressor, which supplies both bleed air and compressed air for the air conditioning system, thereby reducing the number of separate equipment units while maintaining all required utility functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The air compressor serves multiple functions: it provides bleed air directly to the aircraft, supplies compressed air to the air conditioning system, and can operate independently or in conjunction with the power plant. This multi-functionality allows a single component to fulfill several utility needs, reducing overall system complexity.
2Device complexity
If a single integrated cart provides all utility functions, then the number of equipment units is reduced and portability is improved, but the system must accommodate multiple components with different operational requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The drive train system incorporates variable speed operation and adjustable gear ratios, allowing the power plant to operate at different speeds depending on whether electrical power, bleed air, or air conditioning is the primary requirement. This dynamic adjustment enables the single integrated system to adapt to different operational states and prioritize different utility functions as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated cart is designed with modular components that can be independently controlled and adjusted. The power plant, electrical generator, air compressor, and air conditioning system are distinct modules within the integrated cart, allowing each to be optimized for its specific function while benefiting from the space-saving integration.
3Stress or pressure
If the power plant operates at variable speeds to meet different pneumatic pressure requirements, then bleed air and conditioned air pressure can be optimized, but the electrical power frequency becomes variable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the direct mechanical coupling between the power plant and electrical generator with an electrical conversion system. The generator produces variable frequency AC power, which is then converted to fixed frequency AC power through power electronics (inverters/converters). This substitution allows the power plant to operate at variable speeds for optimized pneumatic pressure while maintaining stable electrical frequency output.
4Temperature
If a refrigerant-based air conditioning system is used, then cooling capacity is improved, but the number of components and system volume increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses compressed air from the air compressor as an intermediary cooling medium. The compressed air is cooled in a heat exchanger using ambient air, then expanded through an expansion device to produce cold air for the air conditioning system. This air-based intermediary system replaces the traditional refrigerant circulation system, reducing the number of components and overall system volume while maintaining cooling capacity.
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
The system reduces the need for multiple carts by integrating utilities, ensuring efficient and portable power, air conditioning, and bleed air supply tailored to aircraft needs, with controlled temperature and pressure.
Implementation Method 1
an internal combustion engine
Implementation Method 2
an air compressor... to produce compressed air
Implementation Method 3
The power plant powers an electrical generator... to produce electrical power
Implementation Method 4
compressed air is supplied to the air cycle machine for further compression and then rapid cooling by expansion
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
An integrated ground support system (10) for an aircraft is described herein, the system including a frame (32) on which the system is arranged as a singular assembly. An engine (14), drive train (18), alternator, bleed air unit, one or more electrical components, and air cycle machine are mounted on the frame. The engine operates at a first operational state associated with a first rotational speed that is independent of a frequency associated with electrical power, if only the electrical power is to be used by the aircraft, and the engine operates at a second operational state associated with a second rotational speed, different from the first rotational speed, that is a function of a pressure associated with bleed air or the conditioned air, if the electrical power and one of the bleed air or the conditioned air are to be used simultaneously by the aircraft.