Integrated Ground Support System for Aircraft
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ground support systems for aircraft require multiple individual carts for providing electrical power, bleed air, and conditioned air, which are cumbersome and inefficient, lacking an integrated solution for these three essential utilities.
Innovation Solution
An integrated, modular ground support system that combines a power plant, air compressor, electrical generator, and air conditioner on a single, portable chassis, capable of producing pressurized air, conditioned air, and electrical power, with a drive train and cooling system to manage operational temperatures and power conversion for various aircraft requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple individual utility carts are used to provide electrical power, bleed air, and conditioned air, then each utility function can be provided independently, but the system becomes complex and requires multiple separate equipment units
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines three separate utility functions (electrical power generation, bleed air compression, and air conditioning) into a single integrated ground support cart. The power plant, air compressor, and air conditioning system are mounted together on one chassis, eliminating the need for multiple separate carts and simplifying ground support operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated cart is designed to perform multiple utility functions simultaneously through a single power plant that can drive both the electrical generator and the air compressor. The system provides electrical power, pneumatic power, and air conditioning capabilities in one universal platform that can serve various aircraft types.
2Device complexity
If a single integrated cart provides all three utility functions, then the number of carts is reduced, but the cart size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated cart employs modular component design where the power plant, air compressor, air conditioning system, and electrical generator are distinct modules that can be independently maintained or replaced. This segmentation allows for efficient space utilization and reduces overall system weight compared to a monolithic design.
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
This integrated system simplifies aircraft ground support by eliminating the need for multiple carts, providing a compact, portable solution that efficiently delivers the necessary utilities while maintaining operational efficiency and adaptability to different aircraft specifications.
Implementation Method 1
the power plant, which may be an internal combustion diesel engine, an internal combustion gasoline engine, or an electric motor
Implementation Method 2
an air compressor to produce compressed air for use by the aircraft
Implementation Method 3
The power plant also powers an electrical generator mounted on the frame to produce electrical power used by the aircraft
Implementation Method 4
a cooling system to control the operational temperature of the air compressor, the air conditioner, and/or the electrical power generator
Data Source
AI summary
In an embodiment, an integrated ground support system for an aircraft is described herein, the system including a frame on which the system is arranged as a singular assembly. An engine, drive train, alternator, bleed air unit, one or more electrical components, and air cycle machine are mounted on the frame. The engine operates at a first operational state associated with a first rotational speed that is independent of a frequency associated with electrical power, if only the electrical power is to be used by the aircraft, and the engine operates at a second operational state associated with a second rotational speed, different from the first rotational speed, that is a function of a pressure associated with bleed air or the conditioned air, if the electrical power and one of the bleed air or the conditioned air are to be used simultaneously by the aircraft.