Proximity Sensor Aircraft Door Collision Avoidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing safety devices for passenger boarding bridges are complex and difficult to operate, and they fail to effectively detect sudden sinking movements of aircraft fuselages, leading to potential collisions between the aircraft door and the ground facility due to the stick-slip effect of the landing gear.
Innovation Solution
Integration of non-contact proximity sensors into the ground device of the coupling module to detect the approach of the aircraft door without the need for manual positioning of a safety shoe, allowing for early detection and adjustment of the boarding bridge height to prevent collisions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a movable safety device (safety shoe) is used to prevent collision between the aircraft door and floor fixture, then the safety protection is provided, but the device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate because the operator must manually position it under the open aircraft door
Solution Approach 1:
The safety device automatically detects the aircraft door position using a proximity sensor and triggers the height adjustment device without requiring manual intervention. The system serves itself by monitoring the door's approach and autonomously adjusting the bridge height to prevent collision.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical positioning system is replaced with an automated sensor-based detection system. The proximity sensor electronically detects the door position and transmits signals to the control unit, which then activates the height adjustment device, eliminating the need for manual placement of safety shoes.
2Ease of operation
If the floor fixture is positioned directly in front of the aircraft door opening to maintain level with the passenger cabin aisle, then the ease of operation is improved, but the risk of collision with the aircraft door increases due to sudden fuselage descents
Solution Approach 1:
The proximity sensor detects the aircraft door's approach in advance before collision can occur. When the door is detected within a predetermined distance, the control unit activates the height adjustment device to lower the dome module, creating preliminary protective action that prevents the harmful collision.
Solution Approach 2:
The proximity sensor continuously monitors the distance between the floor fixture and the aircraft door, providing real-time feedback to the control unit. Based on this feedback, the system dynamically adjusts the bridge height to maintain safe clearance while ensuring the floor fixture remains properly positioned.
3Reliability
If a complex safety device with multiple switching elements and mechanical components is used to detect door approach and trigger height adjustment, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity and ease of operation worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The complex mechanical switching element system is replaced with a proximity sensor that uses electromagnetic fields to detect the aircraft door. This eliminates the need for multiple mechanical switches, contact shoes, and associated wiring, significantly simplifying the overall system while maintaining reliable collision prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
The essential detection function is extracted from the complex mechanical system and implemented through a single proximity sensor. By removing unnecessary mechanical components and focusing on the core sensing capability, the system achieves simplified design without compromising reliability.
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 non-contact proximity sensors enable rapid and effective detection of aircraft door approaches, allowing for timely adjustment of the boarding bridge to avoid collisions, improving safety and ease of operation by eliminating the need for manual placement of safety shoes and enhancing the detection of sudden sagging movements.
Implementation Method 1
the safety device is formed by means of at least one non-contact proximity sensor which is integrated into the floor device
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a passenger boarding bridge (100) with a coupling module (2) for connection to an aircraft, wherein the coupling module (2) has a base unit (3) which can be approached with a leading edge (4) in an area below an aircraft door (5) against the fuselage of an aircraft, and wherein a safety device (6) is provided which is designed to prevent a collision between the base unit (3) and the aircraft door (5). According to the invention, the safety device (6) is designed by means of at least one non-contact proximity sensor (7) which is integrated into the base unit (3).