Automated Passenger Boarding Bridge Positioning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The manual positioning of passenger boarding bridges at airports is time-consuming and prone to delays, especially during busy periods, and is affected by changes in aircraft weight, leading to gaps between the bridge and the aircraft, which compromises safety and turn time efficiency.
Innovation Solution
An automated system using proximity sensors and a processor to control the movement of an extendible bridge structure, allowing for automatic extension and retraction, and adaptation to changes in aircraft position, ensuring consistent and safe docking without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual positioning of the passenger boarding bridge is used, then the system is simple to operate, but the positioning time is excessive and delays boarding operations
Solution Approach 1:
The passenger boarding bridge performs self-positioning through an automated control system that uses sensors to detect aircraft position and automatically adjusts the bridge extension distance, eliminating the need for manual operator intervention and significantly reducing positioning time
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical positioning system is replaced with an automated electro-hydraulic control system that uses electronic sensors and processors to control the bridge movement, substituting human operation with automated mechanical-electronic integration
2Device complexity
If manual positioning is used, then the control system is simple, but the positioning precision is insufficient leading to gaps between the bridge and aircraft
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates sensors that continuously detect the position of the aircraft and provide feedback to the control processor, which automatically adjusts the bridge extension distance to maintain precise alignment and eliminate gaps between the bridge and aircraft
Solution Approach 2:
Manual visual estimation and mechanical positioning are replaced with electronic sensor-based detection and automated electro-hydraulic control, achieving precise positioning through electronic feedback control rather than mechanical adjustment
3Productivity
If the bridge extends quickly to reduce turn time, then productivity improves, but the risk of collision with the aircraft increases
Solution Approach 1:
Sensors continuously monitor the distance between the bridge and aircraft during extension, providing real-time feedback to the control system that automatically adjusts extension speed and stops the bridge if the aircraft is closer than the predetermined safe distance, enabling fast yet safe operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection of aircraft position using sensors before initiating bridge extension, and establishes predetermined safe distance parameters in advance, allowing the bridge to extend quickly while maintaining safety margins through pre-programmed control logic
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for controlling the movement of an extendible bridge structure has proximity sensors coupled to a distal end thereof and includes a first movement mechanism for extension and retraction thereof. A processor receives signals from the proximity sensors and, based thereon, selectively generates and provides control signals to the first movement mechanism to automatically extend the structure to a predetermined position against a vehicle positioned in a predetermined area. A flexible boot is attached to the distal end of the structure. The processor generates and provides control signals to a second movement mechanism coupled to the flexible boot to extend the flexible boot against the vehicle. The processor also monitors and identifies any changes in a positional relationship between the flexible boot and the vehicle after initial extension thereof and provides generated control signals to the first movement mechanism to restore the structure to the predetermined position.