Autonomous Aircraft Tow Vehicle for Precise Nose Gear Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional aircraft towing methods face challenges in maintaining proper alignment between the tow vehicle and the aircraft, particularly during tight maneuvers or in adverse weather conditions, and existing systems are inefficient, cumbersome, and environmentally harmful, with a need for more advanced, autonomous, and sustainable solutions that reduce damage risk and operational costs.
Innovation Solution
An autonomous tow vehicle equipped with an integrated turntable lifting unit, sensor fusion system, and controller, capable of detecting the nose landing gear, adjusting position, and performing precise maneuvers, including pushback operations, using camera, ultrasonic, radar, and laser sensors, and electric propulsion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional towing methods with towbars are used, then aircraft can be towed, but the system becomes cumbersome to connect and disconnect and places stress on landing gear during turns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the towbar component entirely, replacing it with a direct mechanical engagement system where the tow vehicle's front end couples directly to the aircraft's nose landing gear. This extraction of the intermediate towbar eliminates the complexity of connecting and disconnecting towbars while reducing stress on the landing gear during turning operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The tow vehicle is designed with an asymmetric structure where the front end is specifically configured to engage with the nose landing gear, creating a specialized coupling mechanism that is simpler and more direct than symmetric towbar systems. This asymmetric design allows for easier connection and disconnection while maintaining structural integrity during maneuvers.
2Adaptability or versatility
If tow vehicles with rotating platforms are used, then aircraft can be turned during towing, but proper alignment between tow vehicle and aircraft is difficult to maintain during tight maneuvers or adverse weather
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates sensor systems that provide real-time feedback on the relative positions and orientations of the tow vehicle and aircraft. This feedback enables the autonomous control system to continuously adjust the tow vehicle's position and orientation, maintaining precise alignment during tight maneuvers or adverse weather conditions without requiring manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The tow vehicle employs dynamic adjustment mechanisms that allow real-time modification of the coupling angle and position between the tow vehicle and aircraft. This dynamic capability enables the system to adapt to changing conditions during maneuvers, maintaining proper alignment through active control rather than fixed geometric constraints.
3Power
If gasoline or diesel engines are used in tow vehicles, then high power output is achieved, but fuel efficiency is poor and harmful emissions are produced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the internal combustion engine (mechanical-thermal system) with an electric motor (electrical-mechanical system). This substitution eliminates the combustion process that generates harmful emissions while maintaining the required power output through electric propulsion. The electric motor provides comparable or superior power density without the associated environmental drawbacks of fossil fuel combustion.
4Object-generated harmful factors
If electric propulsion systems are used in tow vehicles, then emissions are reduced, but high current demand strains battery systems and limits operational capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the electrical system parameters including voltage level, current capacity, and battery configuration to meet the high power demands of aircraft towing. By carefully selecting and adjusting these electrical parameters, the system achieves the necessary power output for towing operations while staying within the practical limits of battery technology, thereby maintaining low emissions without compromising operational capability.
Data Source
AI summary
An aircraft tow vehicle comprises a turntable lifting unit configured to automatically rotate and lift for attachment to a nose landing gear of an aircraft. A gate coupled to the turntable lifting unit automatically unlocks, opens to receive the nose landing gear, closes to secure the nose landing gear, and locks. A sensor system detects the nose landing gear. A controller receives data from the sensor system, processes the data to determine a position of the nose landing gear, and controls the turntable lifting unit while automatically adjusting a position of the tow vehicle relative to the nose landing gear. A moving floor adjusts to accommodate different nose wheel sizes. A nose wheel adapter automatically positions itself to hold down the nose landing gear when weight is detected on the moving floor.