Apron Vehicle Speed Control for Fast, Collision-Safe Aircraft Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for controlling the approach of apron vehicles to aircraft are not optimal for achieving a quick and safe positioning without increasing the risk of collision, as they often rely on gradual speed reduction which can be inefficient and may not account for the movement of movable structural elements.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a continuous reduction in approach speed based on real-time distance measurements, with adjustable maximum speeds and braking strategies to ensure safe and efficient positioning, while also considering the movement of both the vehicle and its structural elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If gradual speed reduction is used to control the approach of the apron vehicle, then the risk of collision is reduced, but the positioning time increases and operational efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamic speed control by continuously adjusting the approach speed based on real-time distance measurements. Instead of fixed gradual reduction stages, the system dynamically calculates optimal speed at each moment, allowing faster approach while maintaining safety margins. This resolves the contradiction by making the speed profile adaptive rather than static.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback through distance sensors that monitor the gap between the apron vehicle and aircraft. This feedback loop enables real-time speed adjustments, allowing the vehicle to approach faster when distance is sufficient and slow down only when necessary. This eliminates unnecessary conservative delays while maintaining collision avoidance.
2Reliability
If the approach speed is reduced to maintain safe distance, then collision risk decreases, but the productivity of aircraft servicing operations decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of approach speed from a fixed reduced value to a continuously variable parameter based on distance. By adjusting speed as a function of real-time distance measurements, the system achieves both safety and efficiency - maintaining lower speeds only when close to the aircraft while allowing faster approach when distance permits.
3Productivity
If the maximum approach speed is maintained for efficiency, then productivity increases, but the risk of collision with the aircraft increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains continuous speed adjustment throughout the entire approach process rather than using discrete speed changes. This continuous control ensures that the vehicle can consistently operate at optimal speeds for each distance point, maximizing productivity while continuously managing collision risk through real-time monitoring and adjustment.
Data Source
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AI summary
It is known to gradually reduce the approach speed (v) of apron vehicles (1) to zero when approaching the aircraft (100) in order to avoid collisions with the aircraft (100). According to the invention, a continuous reduction of the approach speed (v) is proposed in order to carry out the approach process as quickly and efficiently as possible. According to the invention, various methods are available for this purpose.