Mobile Aircraft Maneuvering Platform with Adaptive Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ground assistance systems for aircraft are inadequate in addressing the challenges of aircraft safety and maneuvering during takeoff and landing, particularly in adverse weather conditions and mechanical malfunctions, and are not adaptable to all types of aircraft.
Innovation Solution
A ground maneuver assistance system comprising a carriage with a mobile platform that can move on a runway, adjust its position and orientation relative to the aircraft, and engage/disengage with the aircraft's landing gear or fuselage, allowing for precise maneuvering and reducing the need for onboard systems during ground operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed platform system is used for aircraft landing assistance, then the system structure is simple, but it cannot adapt to different aircraft types and positioning requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a mobile platform mounted on a vehicle chassis that can move freely on the runway surface, replacing fixed infrastructure. The platform includes adjustable positioning systems and rotatable mechanisms that adapt to different aircraft types and landing configurations, enabling universal applicability without requiring complex fixed installations for each aircraft type.
Solution Approach 2:
The assistance system is designed as a universal platform that can serve multiple aircraft types through its mobile nature and adjustable components. The system includes coupling means that can engage with different aircraft configurations, and the vehicle platform can reposition itself to accommodate various landing scenarios, making a single system suitable for diverse aircraft operations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the platform is made mobile to follow aircraft positioning, then the adaptability improves, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a vehicle platform as an intermediary between the runway infrastructure and the aircraft. This mobile platform serves as a mediator that can dynamically position itself to assist aircraft landing and maneuvering, providing adaptability without requiring direct complex interactions between fixed infrastructure and varying aircraft configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile platform is equipped with autonomous navigation and positioning capabilities, allowing it to independently follow and adjust to aircraft positions without requiring complex external control systems. The platform can self-position on the runway and automatically align with approaching aircraft, reducing the overall system complexity while maintaining high adaptability.
3Ease of operation
If coupling means are added to engage and release aircraft, then the maneuvering capability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the coupling function into a dedicated, modular coupling means system that can be independently controlled and operated. This separate coupling mechanism engages with specific points on the aircraft (such as landing gear or fuselage attachment points) to provide maneuvering assistance without requiring complex integration throughout the entire platform structure, thereby improving ease of operation while controlling overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A ground maneuver assistance system for aircraft, more particularly for airplanes, the system including a carriage driven on a track by a drive means, the speed of which can be matched to a landing or takeoff speed of the airplane, the carriage including a chassis configured to move on the track; a movable platform configured to support the airplane; and means for connecting the platform to the chassis, which means are configured to establish relative movement between the platform and the chassis, and the platform including coupling means configured to grip and release the airplane.