Gateway Retrieval Alert Device for Aircraft Pushback

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solutions for alerting ground crew members to forget to remove the intercom gateway from an aircraft after pushback operations are unreliable, as visual reminders can be obscured, audio prompts may be missed, and current methods do not provide a consistent and external alert mechanism.

Innovation Solution

A gateway retrieval alert device that wirelessly connects to the intercom gateway and monitors the integrity of the wireless link, issuing an alert when the link falls below a set threshold, providing an external visual or audio notification to the ground crew member, such as a tug operator, to indicate the intercom gateway has been left attached to the aircraft.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If visual reminders such as banners or tethers are used to alert ground crew to remove the intercom gateway, then the ground crew can be reminded of the task, but the line of sight can be obscured by the aircraft and the reminders can be cumbersome or entangle

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealert reliabilityVSAvoidoperational convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical visual reminders (banners, tethers) with an electronic monitoring system that uses wireless communication to detect the intercom gateway's location and automatically issues audio/visual alerts, eliminating the need for physical reminders that obscure view or entangle

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a monitoring device as an intermediary between the intercom gateway and the ground crew, which wirelessly monitors the gateway's position and communicates alert information to the ground crew without requiring direct line of sight or physical connection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If audio prompts through headset equipment are used to alert ground crew, then alerts can be delivered to the pilot and ground crew, but the alerts can be missed when headsets are switched or removed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealert delivery reliabilityVSAvoidalert message loss

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the monitoring device continuously monitors the wireless link integrity between the intercom gateway and alert device, and provides continuous status information to ensure the alert is delivered and received, preventing information loss

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent adds a spatial dimension to alert delivery by using omnidirectional audio outputs and positioning the alert device on the tug rather than relying on headset channels, creating multiple pathways for alert delivery that are independent of communication channel switching

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Reliability

If the ground crew must look in the direction of the intercom gateway to recognize the visual alert, then the alert can be seen, but the alert may be missed due to lack of immediate attention in that direction

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealert recognitionVSAvoidalert response time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the spatial dimension of alert delivery by positioning the alert device on the tug and using omnidirectional output, so the alert comes to the ground crew regardless of their orientation or line of sight, eliminating the need to look in a specific direction

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Ensures reliable and consistent alerting of ground crew members when the intercom gateway is not removed, preventing potential loss or damage to the device and reducing the risk of catastrophic aircraft damage by providing a separate and external alert mechanism that is not dependent on line of sight or immediate audio communication.

Implementation Method 1

a transceiver configured to wirelessly connect to the intercom gateway

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS11568752B2Gateway retrieval alert device for aircraft pushback operations

Publication Date: 2023.01.31 DAVID CLARK CO INC

AI summary

A gateway retrieval alert device is configured for use in an aircraft ground support system. The gateway retrieval alert device is connected to an intercom gateway, either through a direct wireless connection or through a direct connection to a headset of a tug operator, the headset in turn being wirelessly connected to the intercom gateway. The integrity of the wireless link to the intercom gateway is monitored, and when the integrity of the link falls below a set threshold, an alert is issued. The alert is issued externally to the communication network between the ground crew and pilot.