Aircraft Parking Brake Control System Ground Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional aircraft towing requires two personnel, one on board to monitor systems and another to operate the towing vehicle, leading to increased costs due to fuel consumption and personnel expenses, as traditional hydraulic brakes and steering systems necessitate engine power.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an electric brake system with a control panel accessible from the ground, allowing ground personnel to activate and deactivate electric brakes, navigation lights, and beacon lights using onboard battery power, eliminating the need for internal power and on-board personnel during towing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional hydraulic brakes and steering systems are used, then reliable braking and steering control is achieved, but engine power is required which increases fuel consumption and operating costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional hydraulic braking system with an electric braking system. The electric brakes use electrical power from the aircraft's electrical system instead of hydraulic fluid pressure, eliminating the need for engine power during towing operations. This substitution reduces fuel consumption while maintaining reliable braking control through electrical actuation of the brake mechanisms.
2Ease of operation
If traditional hydraulic systems are used, then operational control is achieved, but at least two personnel are required which increases personnel expenses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the aircraft to be self-sufficient during towing operations through the electric brake system. The ground operator can control the electric brakes directly from the ground using the aircraft's electrical system, eliminating the need for a second person to monitor systems from inside the cockpit. The system provides self-monitoring and self-control capabilities that reduce personnel requirements to just the ground operator.
3Ease of operation
If the aircraft is powered up for towing, then brake and steering operation is enabled, but fuel is consumed which increases towing costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the hydraulic power system with an electrical power system for brake operation. The electric brakes draw power from the aircraft's electrical system (battery or APU electrical output) rather than requiring hydraulic pump operation from a running engine. This allows the aircraft to be powered down or have minimal power consumption during towing, significantly reducing fuel expenditure while maintaining brake operation availability.
4Reliability
If a person is on board the aircraft during towing, then system monitoring is achieved, but communication equipment and coordination are required which complicates the procedure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the system monitoring function from the cockpit environment and relocates it to the ground level. The ground operator can directly monitor and control the electric brake system from the ground without needing a person inside the aircraft. This eliminates the need for communication equipment (headsets, intercom systems) and coordination procedures between cockpit and ground personnel, simplifying the towing procedure while maintaining reliable system monitoring.
Data Source
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AI summary
A system for providing control to a parking brake for an aircraft (10) having a power source includes a panel (28) accessible from an exterior of the aircraft (10) and a parking brake switch (32) disposed on the panel (28) providing control over the engagement and disengagement of the parking brake on the aircraft (10), a method operating such a system for providing control to a parking brake is also disclosed.