Aircraft Turnaround Task Lists for Real-Time Resource Coordination

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing aircraft turnaround planning is rigid, labor-intensive, and difficult to update, leading to inefficiencies and increased turnaround times due to manual template assignment and infrequent updates.

Innovation Solution

A control unit that provides customizable turnaround task lists, automatically determines tasks, resources, and sequences based on flight information sources, and adjusts in real-time to changes, utilizing AI and machine learning for optimized planning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual template assignment and simple rules are used for turnaround planning, then the process is simple to operate, but the system becomes rigid and difficult to update

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimplicity of manual template assignmentVSAvoidflexibility to update templates
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the static, manual template assignment process into a dynamic system where turnaround templates are automatically generated and updated based on real-time flight information, aircraft data, and operational constraints. The control unit continuously adapts task lists, sequences, and resource assignments without requiring manual intervention, making the system both flexible and responsive to changing conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of template assignment with an automated control unit that uses flight information sources, data sources, and algorithms to generate and update turnaround templates. This substitution eliminates the rigidity of manual systems while maintaining operational simplicity through automation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of manufacture

If pen and paper methods are used to manage turnarounds, then the system is easy to implement, but the process becomes time and labor intensive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of implementationVSAvoidturnaround efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces pen and paper management methods with an automated control unit that electronically processes flight information, generates task lists, and coordinates turnaround operations. This substitution dramatically improves productivity by eliminating manual documentation while maintaining ease of implementation through standardized automated processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit acts as an intermediary between flight information sources and turnaround execution, automatically processing data from multiple sources and translating it into coordinated task assignments. This intermediary function eliminates the need for manual pen and paper management while improving efficiency through automated information flow.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Stability of the object's composition

If templates are updated infrequently (every five years), then the system remains stable, but the planning process becomes outdated and inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestability of template structureVSAvoidturnaround planning efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic template update mechanism where the control unit continuously refreshes turnaround templates based on current flight information, aircraft performance data, and operational feedback. This ensures templates remain current and efficient while maintaining structural stability through systematic data-driven updates rather than arbitrary changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates feedback loops where turnaround performance data, flight information, and operational outcomes are continuously monitored and used to automatically update and optimize templates. This feedback mechanism ensures templates evolve to improve productivity while maintaining stability through evidence-based adjustments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

4Adaptability or versatility

If multiple turnaround types are combined to handle external factors, then the system becomes more adaptable, but the operation becomes unwieldy and complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to handle external factorsVSAvoidcomplexity of managing multiple templates
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal template generation system where a single control unit handles all turnaround types by automatically configuring task lists based on specific flight requirements. This multi-functional approach allows the system to adapt to various external factors without requiring separate manual templates for each scenario, reducing complexity while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system manages complexity by dynamically changing parameters such as task sequences, resource allocations, and time estimates based on flight-specific conditions. Rather than maintaining multiple fixed templates, the control unit adjusts parameters within a unified framework to handle different turnaround scenarios efficiently.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS20250322757A1Systems and methods for managing turnaround of aircraft at an airport
Publication Date: 2025.10.16 JEPPESEN FOREFLIGHT INC
  • US20250322757A1 patent drawing
  • US20250322757A1 patent drawing
  • US20250322757A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A system and a method include a control unit configured to provide a plurality of turnaround task lists. Each of the plurality of turnaround task lists differs from one another. An aircraft is configured to be operated during a turnaround at an airport according to a selected one of the plurality of turnaround task lists.