Pivot Axis Inversion in Passenger Bridge Coupling Module
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coupling modules for passenger boarding bridges experience complexity in design and functionality, particularly in the pivoting mechanism, leading to lateral and vertical offsets that create tripping hazards and require laborious gap closure, with a complex load-bearing structure that is difficult to manage.
Innovation Solution
A coupling module design featuring a carrier body positioned under the floor facility, allowing the floor facility and canopy to pivot about a central axis without lateral movement, eliminating the need for complex connecting means and enabling a seesaw-like motion that simplifies the structural support and alignment, with a pendulum frame and support frame arrangement that stabilizes the canopy and absorbs weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the dome module pivots around a central longitudinal axis above the floor assembly, then the dome module can be aligned with the aircraft door opening, but a lateral offset develops between the cabin and the floor assembly requiring laborious gap closure
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of placing the pivot axis above the floor assembly (conventional design), the patent inverts the arrangement by placing the pivot axis below the floor assembly. This inversion eliminates the lateral offset problem during pivoting motion, as the floor assembly rotates around a lower axis point, keeping the canopy and floor assembly properly aligned without requiring complex gap closure mechanisms.
2Adaptability or versatility
If arc-shaped rail sections and rollers are used to support the dome module, then the floor assembly can pivot, but the construction becomes complex and the floor assembly is suspended rather than properly supported
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the complex arc-shaped rail section and roller support system from the design. Instead, it uses a simplified pivot axis with direct support elements that allow pivoting motion while providing proper structural support for the floor assembly, removing the suspended configuration and its associated complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the pivot axis is positioned above the floor assembly, then the dome module can pivot for alignment, but lateral and vertical offsets create tripping hazards for passengers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the pivot axis position from above to below the floor assembly. This positional inversion ensures that during pivoting motion, the floor assembly maintains proper alignment with the cabin, eliminating lateral and vertical offsets that would otherwise create tripping hazards for passengers entering or exiting the aircraft.
4Strength
If a robust frame is used to support the floor assembly weight, then load-bearing capacity is sufficient, but the overall structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the support function with the pivot mechanism by integrating the pivot axis directly into the support structure. This combination eliminates the need for a separate robust frame system, as the pivot axis and its support elements simultaneously provide both the pivoting capability and the necessary load-bearing capacity, thereby reducing overall structural complexity while maintaining strength.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a dome module (100) for forming an interface between the cabin (21) of a passenger boarding bridge (20) and an aircraft, wherein the dome module (100) has a canopy (1) and a floor structure (2) spanned by the canopy (1), wherein the floor structure (2) is pivotable relative to the cabin (21) about a horizontal pivot axis (4), and wherein the floor structure (2) at least indirectly supports the canopy (1).