Passenger Boarding Bridge Partition Control for Safe Docking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing passenger boarding bridges require manual operation for opening and closing partitioning members, which is labor-intensive and poses safety risks due to the potential for accidental entry into the cab or connection room.
Innovation Solution
A passenger boarding bridge system with automated control modes for opening and closing partitioning members, including a controller that manages the opening/closing device based on predefined control modes and sensors to ensure safe and efficient operation, reducing the need for manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual operation is used for opening and closing the partitioning member, then the structure remains simple, but labor intensity increases and safety risks arise
Solution Approach 1:
The partitioning member automatically opens and closes itself based on the operational state of the passenger boarding bridge. The controller automatically activates the opening/closing device when transitioning between docking and undocking modes, eliminating the need for manual intervention while maintaining system simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical operation of the partitioning member is replaced by an automated opening/closing device controlled by a controller. The controller receives operational state signals and automatically actuates the opening/closing device, substituting human mechanical action with an automated control system.
2Ease of operation
If the partitioning member remains open during docking operations, then passenger access is facilitated, but safety risks increase due to potential accidental entry
Solution Approach 1:
The partitioning member dynamically changes its state based on the operational requirements. It is opened during undocking to facilitate passenger access and closed during docking to ensure safety. The controller automatically adjusts the partitioning member's state according to the current operational mode, making the system adaptive to different conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The partitioning member is closed in advance before docking operations begin and opened in advance before undocking operations begin. The controller proactively activates the opening/closing device based on the operational state, ensuring the partitioning member is in the correct position before the actual docking or undocking action occurs.
3Productivity
If automated control is implemented for the partitioning member, then labor is reduced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller serves multiple functions: it controls the mover for docking/undocking operations and simultaneously controls the opening/closing device for the partitioning member. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate control systems, maintaining productivity benefits while limiting the increase in overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated control system operates autonomously based on operational state signals. The controller automatically determines when the partitioning member should open or close based on the docking/undocking state, eliminating the need for additional manual control interfaces or complex coordination systems, thereby maintaining operational efficiency without excessive complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is a passenger boarding bridge that makes it possible to achieve labor savings. One example of the passenger boarding bridge according to the present invention includes: a rotunda (4) connected to a terminal building; a tunnel unit (5) connected to the rotunda (4); a cab (6) connected to the tunnel unit (5); a mover that moves the cab (6); a controller that performs control in a first control mode and a second control mode, the first control mode being a mode in which, based on an operation signal, the controller controls the mover to move the cab (6) to an intended position, the second control mode being a mode in which the controller controls the mover such that the cab (6) that has been docked to an entrance of an aircraft (3) moves in a manner to follow upward/downward movement of the entrance; a partitioning member that is installed on a walkway of at least one of the cab (6) or the rotunda (4) and that opens and closes the walkway; and an opening/closing device that opens and closes the partitioning member. When the control enters the first control mode, the controller controls the opening/closing device to bring the partitioning member into a closed state, and when the control enters the second control mode, the controller controls the opening/closing device to bring the partitioning member into an opened state.