Towbarless Aircraft Tug Emergency Nose Wheel Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional towbar-less towing vehicles face difficulties in releasing the nose wheel during system failures, particularly due to time constraints, which can lead to delays and increased risk of incorrect maneuvers, as the driver may rush the release process, potentially entering hazardous areas.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of a pressure accumulator that utilizes the potential energy of the nose wheel load to facilitate a semi-automatic emergency release, ensuring the process can be completed even in the event of complete system failure, by connecting it to the release initiation device and using check valves and throttle devices to control fluid flow and speed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional towbar-less towing vehicles are used with multiple power devices for coupling, then the nose wheel can be securely gripped and lifted, but in the event of system failure, the release process becomes difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the release function from the complex multi-power-device system and creates an independent emergency release mechanism. This separate release initiation device directly actuates the clutch device without requiring the other power devices (swivel arm pivoting, retraction, hold-down) to function, enabling simple one-handed operation even when other systems fail.
Solution Approach 2:
The clutch device is pre-configured with a release initiation device that is always ready for emergency operation. The clutch mechanism maintains a state where a single manual action can immediately disengage the gripping arrangement, allowing the driver to release the nose wheel without needing to perform multiple maneuvers in sequence.
2Productivity
If the driver rushes the release process due to time pressure, then take-off slot delays are prevented, but the risk of incorrect maneuvers and entering hazardous areas increases
Solution Approach 1:
The release initiation device is designed to be operable with one hand from the driver's position, allowing the driver to initiate release immediately without leaving the cab or performing complex sequences. This preliminary positioning of the control device enables rapid response while maintaining safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The clutch device with its release initiation mechanism is designed to be self-actuating through a simple manual input. The driver's single action on the release initiation device automatically triggers the clutch disengagement and subsequent release of the nose wheel, eliminating the need for the driver to manually manipulate multiple components under stress.
3Reliability
If multiple power devices are used for coupling operations, then the nose wheel can be securely held, but system complexity increases making emergency release more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The invention separates the release function from the complex system of multiple power devices (pivoting device, retraction device, hold-down device). The clutch device with its integrated release initiation mechanism operates independently of these other devices, allowing emergency release without requiring any of the other power devices to function.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling system is segmented into independent functional modules: the gripping arrangement with clutch device for secure holding, and the separate release initiation mechanism for emergency release. This segmentation allows the release function to be simplified and isolated from the complexity of the other power devices while maintaining secure holding during normal operation.
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 reliable and controlled nose wheel release in emergency situations, reducing the risk of delays and ensuring safe operation by using stored energy and fluid pressure management to lower and release the nose wheel safely and efficiently.
Implementation Method 1
utilizes the potential energy of the nose wheel load
Implementation Method 2
using check valves and throttle devices to control fluid flow and speed
Implementation Method 3
The flow resistance alone at the operating fluid connection of the power device of the lifting arrangement ensures that the nose wheel is lowered at a sufficiently low speed
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The invention relates to a towing vehicle (100) for the tow bar-less manoeuvring of aircraft, wherein the towing vehicle (100) comprises a coupling device (122/124) for grasping and raising a nose wheel of the aircraft to be manoeuvred. According to the invention, the towing vehicle (100) comprises a pressure accumulator (176) in which operating fluid is stored under pressure, a release initiator (178) which is manually actuable by an operator and, in a release-initiating position, connects the pressure accumulator (176) to a release device (180), and the release device (180) which is designed and intended, upon the manual transfer of the release initiator (178) into the release-initiating position by the operator, to first of all automatically lower the nose wheel of the aeroplane solely by means of the pressure energy stored in the pressure accumulator (176) and the potential energy of the nose wheel load until said nose wheel stands on the driving surface, and only subsequently to release the nose wheel.