Enclosed Freight Transfer Bridge for Aircraft Cargo
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current airport freight and cargo transfer systems are inefficient and pose safety risks due to the need for multiple trips and ground-level loading, which can be slowed or stopped by adverse weather and increases the risk of collisions and damage to vehicles and personnel.
Innovation Solution
An enclosed freight transfer bridge system that connects directly between an airport freight terminal and a freight aircraft, allowing for the direct transfer of ULD containers into and out of the aircraft cargo hold, using landing gear wheel-mounted electric taxi drive systems for efficient and safe operation in all weather conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If ground-level loading with K-loaders and multiple trips is used, then cargo transfer can be performed with existing equipment, but transfer time increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
An enclosed bridge structure is introduced as an intermediary element between the cargo terminal and aircraft. This bridge provides a direct, protected pathway for cargo transfer, eliminating the need for multiple ground-level trips with K-loaders. The bridge acts as a mediator that connects the terminal interior directly to the aircraft cargo hold, enabling continuous cargo flow without external vehicle interventions.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions cargo transfer from a ground-level horizontal movement pattern to an elevated vertical dimension. By positioning the bridge at height and connecting it to the aircraft's cargo door, cargo is transferred through a three-dimensional pathway rather than remaining confined to ground level. This dimensional change enables direct access to the aircraft cargo hold without multiple ground trips.
2Reliability
If external ground vehicles and manual loading are used, then cargo transfer can be performed, but collision risks and safety hazards increase
Solution Approach 1:
External ground vehicles (K-loaders, tractors) and manual loading operations are extracted and removed from the cargo transfer process. The enclosed bridge system performs the entire transfer operation internally, eliminating the need for external vehicles to operate in the apron area. This extraction of harmful elements directly reduces collision risks with aircraft and ground personnel.
Solution Approach 2:
The enclosed bridge system is designed to perform cargo transfer operations autonomously without requiring external ground vehicles or extensive manual intervention. The bridge's internal conveyance mechanisms automatically move cargo from the terminal to the aircraft, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating the safety hazards associated with external vehicle operations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If ground-level cargo transfer is used, then existing infrastructure can be utilized, but adverse weather conditions can slow or stop operations
Solution Approach 1:
The enclosed bridge structure provides beforehand protection against adverse weather conditions by creating a sealed, climate-controlled pathway for cargo transfer. The enclosure shields cargo and equipment from rain, wind, snow, and other weather elements before they can cause disruptions. This pre-protective measure ensures operational continuity regardless of external weather conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The enclosed bridge utilizes a sealed structural enclosure that acts as a protective shell between the interior cargo terminal environment and the external weather conditions. This flexible yet protective enclosure allows the system to adapt to various weather conditions while maintaining uninterrupted cargo transfer operations inside the protected pathway.
4Ease of operation
If multiple K-loaders and ground personnel are deployed, then cargo can be loaded onto aircraft, but device complexity and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple separate operations (K-loader positioning, cargo loading, vehicle maneuvering, personnel coordination) are merged into a single integrated enclosed bridge system. The bridge combines terminal access, cargo conveyance, and aircraft connection into one unified structure, eliminating the need for multiple discrete vehicles and coordinated personnel operations. This consolidation dramatically simplifies the operational procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The enclosed bridge serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, creates a weather-protected pathway, houses cargo conveyance mechanisms, and interfaces with the aircraft cargo door. This multi-functional design replaces the need for multiple specialized ground vehicles and personnel, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining operational capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and a method are provided for safely and efficiently transferring cargo and freight packed in ULD containers directly between an airport freight terminal and freight aircraft. An enclosed freightway is designed to provide a direct connection between the freight terminal and aircraft cargo doors. The enclosed freightway is structured and sized to move ULD containers automatically or manually between freight aircraft and freight terminals. Different freightway configurations enable direct connection between the freight terminal and freight aircraft main cargo door when freight aircraft are driven by electric taxi drive systems or aircraft engines and parked in nose-in orientations and when freight aircraft are driven by electric taxi drive systems and parked in parallel orientations at the freight terminal. An alternative embodiment provides direct connections between freight aircraft cargo doors and interior loading docks for aircraft driven with electric taxi drive systems.