Aircraft Transfer Bridge Pivoting Above Rails
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft transfer systems require significant movement and space under the aircraft to maneuver and secure helicopters, especially when they are not landed at optimal positions, leading to inefficiencies in the transfer process.
Innovation Solution
An aircraft transfer system with a main runner and auxiliary runner system, where a bridge can be pivoted away from the space between the rails and displaced transversely, coupled with a spindle drive for self-locking and a gripper runner for adaptable pick-up, minimizing the required movement and space under the aircraft.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If half bridges are used to transfer the aircraft, then the aircraft can be picked up from different landing positions, but a large pivoting area is required under the aircraft
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the pivoting function from the space under the aircraft by using a bridge that pivots above the aircraft instead. The bridge is lowered vertically onto the aircraft and then pivots in a horizontal plane above it, eliminating the need for pivoting space underneath the aircraft while maintaining the ability to accommodate different landing positions.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of having the bridge pivot underneath the aircraft as in conventional systems, this patent inverts the approach by having the bridge pivot above the aircraft. The bridge is positioned vertically over the aircraft and then rotated horizontally in the space above the aircraft, which is typically unused space, thereby solving the space constraint problem.
2Area of stationary object
If the bridge is positioned directly over the aircraft, then minimal space under the aircraft is required, but the bridge cannot accommodate aircraft that are not ideally located between the rails
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the bridge dynamically adjustable by allowing it to pivot horizontally above the aircraft after being positioned vertically. This dynamic positioning capability enables the bridge to accommodate aircraft that are not perfectly aligned between the rails, while the vertical positioning mechanism ensures minimal space is required under the aircraft.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a horizontal pivoting dimension to the bridge's movement capability. The bridge can first be positioned vertically over the aircraft (minimal under- aircraft space) and then pivot horizontally to accommodate aircraft at different longitudinal positions, effectively using the vertical dimension to solve the horizontal space problem.
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 secure and efficient transfer of aircraft with minimal space requirements, allowing for pick-up from non-ideal positions and reducing the need for pivoting movements under the aircraft, thus enhancing operational efficiency and space utilization.
Implementation Method 1
a bridge (12) which can be pivoted away from the space (5) between the two rails (6, 8) and displaced transversely to the longitudinal direction of the rails (6, 8) via a toothed rack (11) that can be driven by a worm wheel (25)
Implementation Method 2
a bridge guide (30) which is connected to the main runner (26) via a swivel joint (31) and in which the bridge (12) is accommodated in sections and mounted so that it can be displaced along its longitudinal axis
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosed aircraft transfer system is used for transferring an aircraft located in a pick-up zone into a park position, and has at least one rail (6, 8), the parking section of which is arranged near the park position, and the pick-up section of which is arranged near or in the pick-up zone. The transfer system further has a main runner (26) which can be moved on the track and to which is coupled a bridge (12) that can be swiveled away from the pick-up zone and can be displaced transversely to the longitudinal direction of the rail.