Passenger Boarding Bridge Automated Approach Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Passenger boarding bridges (PBBs) rely on operator skills for precise approach and connection to aircraft, which can lead to errors due to varying approach routes and preconceptions, even for experienced operators.
Innovation Solution
A PBB system with a rotunda, tunnel portion, and cab, utilizing a control device, memory device, and detection systems to move from a standby position to a target position in a virtual coordinate system, enabling precise alignment with the aircraft using a combination of rotational and extensible movements, and fine approach control through image recognition and sensor data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If operator skills and experience are relied upon for PBB approach control, then operational flexibility is maintained, but positioning precision deteriorates due to human error and varying approach routes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual operator control with an automated control system that uses detection devices (sensors) to detect aircraft position and a control device to automatically adjust PBB movement. This substitution eliminates human error and varying approach routes while achieving precise positioning through automated feedback control.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system performs self-positioning by using detection devices to continuously monitor the PBB's position relative to the aircraft and automatically adjusting the drive wheel and steering accordingly. The system serves itself by making real-time corrections without external operator intervention, ensuring consistent precision.
2Reliability
If automated control systems are implemented for PBB approach, then positioning precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional detection and control components
Solution Approach 1:
The control device performs multiple functions: it processes detection signals from various sensors, calculates the optimal approach path, controls the drive wheel movement, and adjusts the steering angle. By consolidating these functions into a single multi-functional control device, the system achieves high reliability without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device acts as an intermediary between the detection devices and the PBB's mechanical components (drive wheel and steering). It processes sensor data and translates it into appropriate control commands, bridging the gap between detection and execution while managing system complexity through modular architecture.
Data Source
AI summary
The passenger boarding includes a rotunda, a tunnel portion, a cab and a first detection device configured to detect an angle of the rotunda from the first axis around an origin point, and a second detector configured to measure a distance of the tunnel from the origin point in the extensible/contractable direction, provided at the tunnel.