Aircraft Moving Robots for Fuel Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for moving aircraft, such as towing, consume excessive fuel, put strain on aircraft components, and pose safety and environmental hazards for workers and the environment.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method utilizing two moving robots, one lifting and supporting a single landing gear and the other supporting multiple landing gears, to move the aircraft without towing, thereby reducing fuel consumption and component stress while enhancing safety and reducing environmental impact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the aircraft uses engine thrust for taxiing, then the aircraft can move independently, but fuel consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a moving robot as an intermediary device to assist the aircraft in moving itself. The robot equips a lifting device that contacts the landing gear, providing mechanical assistance for taxiing without requiring the aircraft's engine to operate at high power, thus reducing fuel consumption while maintaining independent movement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional engine thrust-based taxiing system with a mechanical assistance system comprising a moving robot with lifting device. This substitution allows the aircraft to move with minimal engine power by utilizing the robot's mechanical lifting and pushing forces, significantly improving fuel efficiency
2Use of energy by moving object
If the aircraft is towed by a tractor, then fuel consumption is reduced, but load on the nose landing gear increases causing fatigue and damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the aircraft's landing gear support function by introducing a moving robot that independently provides lifting assistance. Instead of concentrating all movement force on the nose landing gear through towing, the system divides the mechanical load between the aircraft's main structure and the robot's lifting device, reducing stress on individual components
Solution Approach 2:
The moving robot acts as an intermediary between the ground and the aircraft's landing gear. The robot's lifting device contacts and supports the landing gear during movement, distributing the mechanical load and preventing excessive stress concentration that would occur with traditional towing methods, thereby reducing fatigue and damage risk
3Productivity
If traditional towing equipment is used, then aircraft movement is achieved, but worker safety risks and musculoskeletal diseases increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service system where the aircraft moves itself with assistance from an automated moving robot. The aircraft's own propulsion system, combined with the robot's lifting device, enables the aircraft to perform its own taxiing operations without requiring human workers to manually handle heavy towing equipment, thereby eliminating worker safety risks and musculoskeletal disease hazards
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical towing system with an automated moving robot system. The robot's automated lifting and pushing mechanisms substitute for human-operated towing equipment, eliminating the need for workers to manually tighten tow bars or handle heavy components, thus improving safety while maintaining movement efficiency
4Productivity
If a tractor is used for towing, then aircraft movement is achieved, but environmental pollution from exhaust gas increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the internal combustion engine-based tractor with an electrically-powered moving robot. The robot uses electric motors to provide lifting and pushing forces, substituting the combustion-based mechanical system with an electric system that produces no exhaust emissions, thereby eliminating environmental pollution while maintaining aircraft movement efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the energy source parameter of the towing system from fossil fuel combustion to electrical power. This parameter change transforms the propulsion mechanism from a polluting internal combustion system to a clean electric system, reducing exhaust gas emissions and environmental impact while preserving the ability to move the aircraft efficiently
5Adaptability or versatility
If the aircraft taxis in a narrow take-off and landing site, then urban transportation is enabled, but interference with other buildings and facilities increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the aircraft movement function by introducing a compact moving robot that operates independently beside the aircraft. This segmentation allows the system to navigate narrow spaces more effectively, as the robot can maneuver in tight quarters and provide precise positional control, reducing interference with surrounding buildings and facilities while enabling urban transportation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the vertical dimension by employing a lifting device that contacts the landing gear from below. This vertical lifting action allows the aircraft to be elevated slightly during movement, creating clearance for navigating around obstacles in narrow urban environments, thereby reducing interference with surrounding facilities while maintaining adaptability for city transportation
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment apparatus for moving an aircraft includes a first moving robot configured to lift and support a first landing gear of the aircraft, a second moving robot configured to lift and support a plurality of second landing gears of the aircraft, and a control device electrically connected to the first moving robot and the second moving robot, respectively, wherein the control device is configured to transmit a synchronized control signal to enable the first moving robot and the second moving robot to perform platooning.