US 10,519,614 B2 · System and method for automated deployment of a passenger boarding bridge

Abstract

A system and method for controlling the movement of an extendible bridge structure has proximity sensors coupled to a distal end thereof and includes a first movement mechanism for extension and retraction thereof. A processor receives signals from the proximity sensors and, based thereon, selectively generates and provides control signals to the first movement mechanism to automatically extend the structure to a predetermined position against a vehicle positioned in a predetermined area. A flexible boot is attached to the distal end of the structure. The processor generates and provides control signals to a second movement mechanism coupled to the flexible boot to extend the flexible boot against the vehicle. The processor also monitors and identifies any changes in a positional relationship between the flexible boot and the vehicle after initial extension thereof and provides generated control signals to the first movement mechanism to restore the structure to the predetermined position.

Claims17

Dependent claims

A system for controlling a first actuator that actuates an extendible bridge structure and a second actuator that actuates an extendible cover mounted on a distal end of the extendible bridge structure for engaging a vehicle, the system comprising:

a receiver configured to receive sensor data from one or more proximity sensors;
and
a processor configured to:
detect a position of the vehicle;
in response to determining that the vehicle is stationary, send a first control signal to the first actuator to cause the distal end of the extendible bridge structure to extend toward the vehicle;
determine, based on the sensor data received from the one or more proximity sensors, a distance from the distal end of the extendible bridge structure to the vehicle;
compare the distance to a target distance;
and
in response to determining that the distance satisfies the target distance:
sending a second control signal to the first actuator to cause the distal end of the extendible bridge structure to stop extending toward the vehicle;
sending a third control signal to the second actuator to cause the extendible cover to extend against the vehicle;
determining a second distance from the extendible cover and the vehicle based on second sensor data received from the one or more proximity sensors;
and
sending a fourth control signal to the second actuator to stop extending toward the vehicle based on the second distance.

11 more elements

A system for controlling a first actuator that actuates an extendible passenger boarding bridge having a cabin and a second actuator that actuates a flexible boot mounted on a distal end of the cabin for engaging an aircraft, the system comprising:

a receiver configured to receive sensor data from one or more proximity sensors;
and
a processor configured to:
detect a position of the aircraft;
in response to determining that the aircraft is stationary, send a first control signal to the first actuator to cause the cabin of the extendible passenger boarding bridge to extend toward the aircraft;
determine, based on the sensor data received from the one or more proximity sensors, a distance from the cabin to the aircraft;
compare the distance to a target distance;
and
in response to determining that the distance satisfies the target distance:
send a second control signal to the first actuator to cause the first actuator to stop extending the cabin;
send a third control signal to the second actuator to cause the flexible boot to extend against the aircraft;
determine a second distance from the flexible boot and the aircraft based on second sensor data received from the one or more proximity sensors;
and
send a fourth control signal to the second actuator to stop extending toward the aircraft based on the second distance.

11 more elements

A method for controlling a first actuator that actuates an extendible passenger boarding bridge and a second actuator that actuates a flexible boot mounted on a distal end of the extendible passenger boarding bridge for engaging a vehicle, the method, comprising:

detecting a position of the vehicle;
in response to determining that the vehicle is stationary, sending a first control signal to the first actuator to cause the distal end of the extendible passenger boarding bridge to extend toward the vehicle;
determining, based on sensor data received from one or more proximity sensors, a distance from the distal end of the extendible passenger boarding bridge to the vehicle;
comparing the distance to a target distance;
and
in response to determining that the distance satisfies the target distance:
sending a second control signal to the first actuator to cause the distal end of the extendible passenger boarding bridge to stop extending toward the vehicle;
sending a third control signal to the second actuator to cause the flexible boot to extend against the vehicle;
determining a second distance from the flexible boot and the vehicle based on second sensor data received from the one or more proximity sensors;
and
sending a fourth control signal to the second actuator to stop extending toward the vehicle based on the second distance.

8 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

System and method for automated deployment of a passenger boarding bridge

Life of this patent

System and method for automated deployment of a passenger boarding bridge

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims17