Aircraft Stair Navigation Device for Precise Fuselage Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aircraft stair systems face challenges in precise alignment and approach to aircraft, particularly for heavier stairs, due to manual maneuvering difficulties and inaccuracies, which can be strenuous and time-consuming, especially when the aircraft fuselage curvature changes with weight.
Innovation Solution
A navigation device with means for determining and adjusting the relative position and orientation of aircraft stairs relative to the aircraft, including height adjustment and angle alignment, using non-contact marking devices like lasers or infrared markers, and distance measuring devices to ensure precise positioning and orientation without physical contact, allowing for automatic or manual alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual maneuvering is used to move aircraft stairs to the aircraft, then the stairs can be positioned, but the alignment precision deteriorates and the process becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical maneuvering with an automated navigation system that uses optical markers (laser or infrared) and sensors to guide the aircraft stairs to the correct position. The navigation device projects markers onto the ground and the stairs are equipped with sensors that detect these markers, enabling automatic positioning without manual intervention, thus improving both precision and reducing time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces optical markers (laser or infrared markers) as an intermediary between the navigation system and the aircraft stairs. These markers serve as a communication medium that guides the stairs to the correct position, enabling precise alignment without direct mechanical contact or manual manipulation.
2Ease of operation
If manual maneuvering is used to move aircraft stairs, then the stairs can be positioned, but the operational ease deteriorates due to strenuous effort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical maneuvering with an automated navigation system that uses optical markers and sensors to guide the aircraft stairs. This eliminates the need for manual pushing or pulling of heavy stairs, significantly reducing physical effort while improving operational ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The aircraft stairs are equipped with sensors that automatically detect the optical markers and guide themselves to the correct position without requiring manual intervention. The system performs self-positioning, eliminating the need for human operators to physically maneuver the stairs.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the aircraft fuselage curvature changes with weight, then the aircraft height adjusts, but the alignment precision deteriorates without dynamic adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic navigation system that continuously adjusts the position of optical markers and the orientation of the aircraft stairs based on real-time detection. The system can adapt to changes in aircraft fuselage curvature and height caused by weight variations, maintaining precise alignment through continuous dynamic adjustment rather than static positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a feedback mechanism where sensors on the aircraft stairs continuously detect the position of optical markers and the relative position to the aircraft. This feedback information is used to automatically adjust the stairs' position and orientation, ensuring precise alignment even when aircraft height changes due to weight variations.
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
Enables precise, efficient, and safe alignment of aircraft stairs relative to the aircraft, reducing manual effort and preventing damage to the aircraft skin, while allowing for dynamic adjustments to accommodate changing aircraft heights and curvatures, facilitating barrier-free entry and exit.
Implementation Method 1
using non-contact marking devices like lasers or infrared markers
Implementation Method 2
distance measuring devices to ensure precise positioning and orientation
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
Claimed are positionable aircraft steps for boarding and alighting an aircraft, the steps having a navigation device, using which the aircraft steps can be positioned in a precise location against an aircraft door or aircraft hatch.