Boarding Bridge Vision Docking for Collision-Free Aircraft Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The manual operation of boarding bridges with aircraft is labor-intensive, requires extensive training, and is prone to human error, leading to potential accidents and operational inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A method for automatically docking a boarding bridge with an aircraft using real-time image acquisition and processing to determine the spatial position of the cabin door, combined with path planning to avoid collisions, allowing the bridgehead to dock accurately and efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual operation of boarding bridge is used, then operator can control the docking process, but extensive training is required and human error occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical control system with an automated vision-based control system. Cameras capture images of the aircraft and cabin door, image processing algorithms automatically calculate the docking path and position, and the boarding bridge moves autonomously based on these calculations, eliminating the need for extensive operator training and reducing human error.
Solution Approach 2:
The boarding bridge system performs self-positioning and self-docking by automatically capturing images, processing visual information, calculating the optimal path, and executing the docking maneuver without human intervention. The system serves itself by integrating sensing, decision-making, and actuation functions into an autonomous operational framework.
2Ease of operation
If manual docking operation is performed, then operator can handle emergencies, but working pressure increases and accidents may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual operational control with automated vision-based positioning and path planning systems. The automated system eliminates human working pressure and emotional factors that lead to errors, while maintaining precise control through algorithmic decision-making and real-time image processing.
3Productivity
If automated docking is implemented, then docking efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces image processing algorithms and path planning software as intermediary systems between the physical boarding bridge and the control mechanisms. These software intermediaries translate visual information into actionable control commands, enabling automated operation without requiring complex hardware modifications to the boarding bridge itself.
4Reliability
If path planning is used to avoid collisions, then safety is improved, but docking time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary path planning by pre-calculating the optimal docking trajectory based on captured images and identified cabin door position. The system determines the safe path in advance before movement begins, allowing the boarding bridge to execute the pre-planned trajectory efficiently without real-time decision delays, thus maintaining both safety and speed.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for docking a boarding bridge with an aircraft, an electronic equipment and a storage medium are provided. The method includes: planning a path from a position at which a bridgehead is located when the boarding bridge is at a parking position to a pre-docking position which is 1 to 2 meters away from a cabin door of the aircraft, driving the boarding bridge to move the bridgehead towards the pre-docking position along the path until the bridgehead moves to a position within 2 meters away from the pre-docking position; acquiring an aircraft image of the aircraft, obtaining a spatial position of the cabin door according to the aircraft image, and moving the boarding bridge according to the spatial position to enable the bridgehead to dock with the cabin door.