Aircraft Tow Tractor With Detachable Energy Unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aircraft tow tractors require aircraft engines to be operational during taxi-in and taxi-out phases for power and systems operation, leading to increased noise, fuel consumption, emissions, and wear, as well as prolonged ground time and risk of damage.
Innovation Solution
An aircraft tow tractor equipped with a detachable functional energy unit that can supply electrical energy and other media to the aircraft during movement, allowing engines to be idled or shut off, and enabling reduced noise and emissions, efficient energy use, and decreased ground time through simultaneous mechanical and energy coupling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If aircraft engines are operated during taxi-in and taxi-out phases to maintain power and systems operation, then aircraft can be moved on ground, but noise level increases, fuel consumption increases, emissions increase, and engine wear increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an external ground power unit (GPU) as an intermediary device to supply electrical power to the aircraft during ground operations. This GPU connects to the aircraft via a power coupling unit and provides electrical energy without requiring the aircraft's own engines to run, thereby eliminating noise, emissions, and fuel consumption associated with engine operation during taxi phases
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of running aircraft engines with an electrical power supply system. Instead of using the aircraft's internal combustion engines to generate electricity for onboard systems during ground movement, the system uses an external electrical power source connected through coupling units, substituting mechanical energy generation with electrical energy transfer
2Ease of operation
If aircraft engines are operated during taxi-in phase to maintain systems operation, then consumers and units inside aircraft can be operated, but aircraft fuel consumption increases and turnaround time is prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables preliminary action by connecting the ground power unit to the aircraft during the taxi-in phase, allowing onboard systems to be powered up and operational before the aircraft completes its ground movement. This ensures that all electrical consumers and units are already functional when the aircraft arrives at its destination, eliminating the need for additional engine running time after parking
3Reliability
If aircraft engines are operated during taxi-in phase to maintain consumers operation, then air conditioning, control electronics, lighting can be maintained, but noise level and fuel consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The ground power unit acts as an intermediary power source that directly supplies electrical energy to the aircraft's onboard systems during ground operations. This external power source maintains all electrical consumers including air conditioning, control electronics, and lighting without requiring the aircraft engines to run, thereby eliminating the noise and fuel consumption associated with engine operation
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an aircraft tractor (4) for moving aircrafts (1) coupled thereto on airfields, comprising a drive assembly (5) for driving at least one wheel set (6, 6', 6") of the tractor (4) and at least one coupling unit (7) for coupling to an aircraft part (8), wherein an energy function unit (9) that can be set down is arranged on top of or on the side of the aircraft tractor (4). The energy function unit is coupled to at least one assembly (10) of the aircraft (1) at least during towing operation.