Airplane Tractor Gripping System for High-Speed Towing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current airplane tractors are too slow for efficient taxiing operations, causing fuel inefficiencies and excessive wear on the nose gear, and existing gripping systems are complex and time-consuming to load/unload, leading to operational delays and liability issues.
Innovation Solution
An airplane tractor with a gripping system featuring a chassis, wheel modules with actuators for vertical movement, a gripping platform with circular translation freedom, and damping and actuating means for efficient loading/unloading and speed regulation, including a locking device and adjustable abutment for secure wheel engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If existing gripping devices are used for dispatch towing, then fuel consumption is reduced compared to using airplane reactors, but the tractor speed is too slow and causes operational delays
Solution Approach 1:
The gripping device incorporates a platform that can move dynamically relative to the chassis through circular translation, allowing the system to adapt to different operating speeds and conditions. This dynamic capability enables the tractor to achieve higher speeds while maintaining proper gripping of the nose gear, resolving the contradiction between fuel efficiency and operational speed.
2Ease of operation
If existing gripping systems are used, then the tractor can perform basic towing functions, but the loading and unloading operations are complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The gripping platform is designed to automatically position itself under the nose gear wheels before engagement occurs. This preliminary positioning action simplifies the overall loading process and reduces the time required for gripping operations, as the platform is already in the correct position when the towing operation begins.
Solution Approach 2:
The gripping system is divided into independent wheel modules, each capable of gripping individual wheels. This segmentation allows for simpler, more modular operation during loading and unloading, reducing complexity and enabling faster engagement and disengagement of the nose gear.
3Use of energy by moving object
If existing gripping devices are used for dispatch towing, then fuel savings are achieved, but excessive loads and fatigues are caused on the nose gear
Solution Approach 1:
The damping means modifies the mechanical parameters of force transmission between the tractor and the nose gear. By controlling the damping characteristics, the system reduces peak loads and fatigue stresses on the nose gear components while maintaining effective towing capability, thus preserving nose gear durability during fuel-efficient dispatch towing operations.
4Reliability
If existing gripping systems are used, then basic towing capability is provided, but quick unloading in case of breakdown is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The gripping platform design allows for automatic or gravity-assisted release of the nose gear in case of system failure. The platform can be quickly retracted or positioned to release the wheels without requiring complex manual intervention, enabling rapid unloading and maintaining operational continuity even when breakdowns occur.
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 quick and efficient loading/unloading of airplanes, reduces fuel consumption, minimizes nose gear stress, and allows high-speed towing while maintaining pilot control and liability, addressing the limitations of existing systems.
Implementation Method 1
un moyen d'actionnement reliant la plateforme et le châssis, ledit moyen d'actionnement constituant en outre un moyen d'amortissement pour amortir le mouvement de la plateforme en rapport avec le châssis
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a plane tractor which grips the nose gear of a plane, including: a chassis; wheel modules connected to the chassis, each wheel module including at least one actuator for inducing a vertical movement of the module in relation to the chassis; a gripping platform for gripping the nose gear of a plane, the platform together with the chassis having freedom of movement substantially in circular translation; and a damping and actuating means connecting the platform and the chassis.