Non-linear Mobile Access Ramp for Aircraft Boarding
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for loading and unloading passengers from aircraft, especially those with restricted mobility, face inefficiencies and safety concerns due to the limitations of traditional mobile staircases and lifting units, including steep gradients and delays, which can lead to accidents and prolonged aircraft turnaround times.
Innovation Solution
A mobile access unit with a continuous non-linear ramp system that extends from the aircraft door to the ground, allowing all passengers to embark or disembark safely and efficiently, regardless of mobility, by forming a gradual and extended ramp without increasing the linear distance from the aircraft to the ground, thus reducing the need for separate units and facilitating faster aircraft turnaround.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional mobile staircases are used, then the aircraft can be accessed at various docking locations, but the gradient is too steep for passengers with restricted mobility and safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The ramp is divided into multiple sections (first ramp section, second ramp section, and intermediate section) that can be independently positioned and adjusted. This segmentation allows each section to be optimized for different functions: the first section provides gentle access from ground level, the intermediate section bridges the height difference, and the second section provides gentle access to the aircraft door, thereby solving the steep gradient problem while maintaining versatility across docking locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The ramp system utilizes three-dimensional spatial arrangement by extending laterally away from the aircraft and using vertical positioning of intermediate supports. This dimensional approach allows the ramp to achieve a long, gentle gradient without occupying excessive linear distance from the aircraft, resolving the contradiction between safety for mobility-impaired passengers and adaptability to various docking locations.
2Reliability
If separate mobile lifting units are provided for passengers with restricted mobility, then accessibility is improved, but device complexity and operational delays increase
Solution Approach 1:
The ramp system is designed to serve all passengers regardless of mobility needs through its gentle gradient and stable structure. The adjustable height capabilities and lateral extension features allow the same ramp to accommodate both able-bodied passengers and those with restricted mobility, eliminating the need for separate specialized lifting units and reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the functions of multiple separate access devices (mobile staircases, lifting units, and ramps) into a single integrated ramp system. This unified structure provides both the accessibility benefits of lifting units and the simplicity of staircases, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining universal accessibility.
3Reliability
If mobile lifting units are used, then passengers with restricted mobility can access the aircraft, but aircraft turnaround time increases due to delays
Solution Approach 1:
The ramp system is pre-positioned at the docking location before passengers need to board or disembark. The adjustable height and lateral extension features are configured in advance, allowing passengers with restricted mobility to use the ramp immediately without waiting for additional equipment arrival, thereby maintaining fast aircraft turnaround times while ensuring accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The ramp system incorporates dynamic adjustment capabilities through height-adjustable intermediate sections and lateral extension features that can be quickly reconfigured between different docking positions. This dynamic adaptability allows a single ramp to serve multiple locations and passenger types without requiring multiple static units, thus improving productivity by reducing equipment relocation time.
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
The mobile access unit provides a safe, efficient, and stigma-free loading/unloading process for all passengers, including those with restricted mobility, while reducing the risk of accidents and enabling prompt evacuation, thereby improving airport operations and reducing costs associated with delays.
Implementation Method 1
the entry/exit end can rotate about the hinged end, between a raised position and a lowered position
Implementation Method 2
the ground entry/exit end can rotate about the hinged end, between a raised position and a lowered position
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A mobile access unit for allowing passengers to embark or disembark from a craft, such as an aircraft, the unit comprising: a first moveable ramp section, extending from an entry/exit end, which allows access to the loading door of the craft, to a hinged end, wherein the entry/exit end can rotate about the hinged end, between a raised position and a lowered position; a second moveable ramp section, extending from a hinged end to a ground entry/exit end, which allows access to the ground, wherein the ground entry/exit end can rotate about the hinged end, between a raised position and a lowered position; and a non-linear middle ramp section, extending from a first linking end, which links with the hinged end of the first moveable ramp section, to a second linking end, which links with the hinged end of the second moveable ramp section; wherein the first moveable ramp section, middle ramp section and second moveable ramp section can together forma continuous non-linear ramp that can extend from the craft loading door to the ground,wherein the continuous non-linear ramp includes two or more turns and wherein the sum of the angles turned by the continuous non-linear ramp over its length is 360 degrees or more.