Modular aircraft ground support cart
AssigneeIllinois Tool Works Inc.
InventorsDavid W. Leadingham, Steve Bivens, Richard L. Hansen
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A modular aircraft support system is disclosed. In one embodiment, the modular system includes a mobile cart and an air conditioning system configured to provide conditioned air to an aircraft. The embodiment also includes a modular power converter for converting input power to a desired output power, which can be input to a supported aircraft. The cart is configured to receive a plurality of different interchangeable power converters, such as a 115 VAC, 400 Hz power converter or a 270 VDC power converter. In some embodiments, a variety of other components are also coupled to the mobile cart, including a local generator and engine. The generator may supply power to the air conditioning system and to the converter.
Claims22
A modular ground support system comprising:
- a mobile cart;
- a local power source supported on the mobile cart;
- an air conditioning system supported on the mobile cart and configured for selective coupling to an aircraft to provide conditioned air to the aircraft, wherein the air conditioning system is configured to receive electrical power from the local power source or from an external power source to enable operation of the air conditioning system;
- and
- a modular power converter for converting a first input power to a first output power, the modular power converter configured to be supported on the mobile cart and for selective coupling to the aircraft, wherein the modular power converter is one of a plurality of modular power converters configured to be interchangeably installed on the mobile cart;
- wherein the modular power converter and the air conditioning system are configured to receive 50 Hz power or 60 Hz power from the local power source or from the external power source, and wherein the modular power converter is configured for removal from the mobile cart and for operation independent of the mobile cart to enable operation of the modular power converter at a first location remote from the mobile cart, and to enable installation of an additional power converter of the plurality of modular power converters onto the mobile cart such that the additional power converter is operable with the mobile cart at a second location.
A modular ground support system comprising:
- a cart configured to receive a plurality of components within an enclosure;
- an air conditioning system configured for mounting to the cart within the enclosure;
- at least one modular, interchangeable electric power converter, wherein the electric power converter includes either a first converter configured to produce a first output power or a second converter configured to produce a second output power different from the first, the first and second converters being interchangeably installable in the cart as options for one another and configured to receive one of 50 Hz power or 60 Hz power to facilitate selective connection of the first and second converters to each of a local power source configured to output 50 Hz or 60 Hz power and a 50 Hz or 60 Hz external power grid.
A modular ground support system comprising:
- a ground support cart configured to receive a plurality of components, wherein the plurality of components includes a power converter, the power converter being either a 400 Hz power converter or a 270 VDC power converter that are interchangeable with one another;
- an air conditioning apparatus mounted on the cart, the air conditioning apparatus configured to provide conditioned air to an aircraft;
- a diesel engine mounted on the cart;
- and
- a generator mounted on the cart and configured to receive mechanical power from the diesel engine and to generate electrical power for the power converter.
A modular ground support system comprising:
- a cart configured to receive a plurality of components;
- an air conditioning system configured for mounting to the cart;
- and
- a first electric power converter configured to produce a 400 Hz output power;
- and
- a second electric power converter configured to produce a 270 VDC output power;
- wherein the first and second converters are configured to be interchangeably mountable to the cart as options for one another and are configured to receive one of 50 Hz power or 60 Hz power to facilitate selective connection of the first and second converters to each of a local power source configured to output 50 Hz or 60 Hz power and a 50 Hz or 60 Hz external power grid to enable one of the first or second converters to receive power from the local power source when disposed in the cart, and to enable operation of the other of the first or second converters independent of the cart via the external power grid.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.