Description:FORM 2

THE PATENTS ACT, 1970

(39 of 1970)

&

THE PATENT RULES, 2003

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION

[See Section 10 and Rule 13]

TITLE:

“A DETACHABLE SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING NEGATIVE ANGLE-MOVEMENT OF A PASSENGER BOARDING BRIDGE AND A METHOD THEREOF”

APPLICANT:

GMR Hyderabad International Airport Ltd.
An Indian Company
having address at
GMR AERO TOWERS -1, Rajiv Gandhi International Airport,
Shamshabad, Hyderabad-500 108, Telangana, India

PREAMBLE TO THE DESCRIPTION:
The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed:

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to the field of movement of passenger boarding bridges. More particularly, the present invention pertains to a detachable system for controlling negative angle movement of a passenger boarding bridge and a method thereof to prevent unsafe incidents and accidents during the docking of a passenger boarding bridge with an aircraft in the airport apron area.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In the realm of modern air travel, Passenger Boarding Bridges (PBBs) play a crucial role in airport setups. These structures act as connectors, linking the airport terminal to a parked aircraft and streamlining the boarding and disembarkation of passengers. At the core of this system is the wheel bogie, that needs a lot of calculations to develop the mechanism of guiding the passenger bogie bridge with precision during its operation. This intricate setup involves two motors, controlled by a Variable Frequency Drive (VFD), which acts like a medium, adjusting speed and torque by manipulating the frequency of the electricity input.
Within the intricate ballet of cutting-edge technology that governs the operation of Passenger Boarding Bridges (PBBs), a critical vulnerability looms, demanding not only vigilant attention but also innovative solutions. The specter of a motor failure during PBB operation carries profound repercussions, leading to the loss of control over the entire bridge and presenting a tangible risk of collision with the aircraft. This potential scenario, if realized, could swiftly evolve into a major incident, underscoring the pressing need for immediate and effective intervention.
The gravity of such an eventuality calls for the urgency for robust safety measures and inventive solutions. Mitigating the risks associated with motor/VFD failures or malfunction becomes paramount, necessitating a paradigm shift in the approach to PBB operations. The imperative lies in the development and integration of advanced safety protocols, proactive monitoring systems, and fail-safe mechanisms to ensure the resilience of PBBs in the face of unforeseen challenges.
EP3617071A1 discloses a safety protection apparatus of a boarding bridge walking mechanism, the safety protection apparatus includes an inner retainer mechanism, an outer retainer mechanism, a connecting mechanism and an induction and control mechanism. The inner retainer mechanism includes an inner bracket and a first universal wheel. The inner bracket surrounds the boarding bridge walking mechanism and is hinged with the boarding bridge walking mechanism. The first universal wheel is disposed at one side of the inner bracket and supports the inner bracket. The outer retainer mechanism includes an outer bracket. The outer bracket is disposed on the outer circumference of the inner bracket, and a lower end of the outer bracket is lower than a lower end of the inner bracket. The connecting mechanism includes a first connecting component. The first connecting component is connected between the inner bracket and the outer bracket, such that the inner bracket is hinged with the outer bracket. The induction and control mechanism includes an induction unit. When the boarding bridge walking mechanism is tilted, the boarding bridge walking mechanism rotates relative to the inner bracket, and the inner bracket does not follow the boarding bridge walking mechanism to rotate; when the outer bracket is squeezed, the outer bracket approaches the inner bracket, such that the induction unit is triggered. However, this invention fails to provide an efficient solution for controlling negative angle movement of passenger boarding bridge to prevent unsafe incidents and accidents during the docking of a passenger boarding bridge with an aircraft in the airport apron area.
EP3486178B1 discloses a braking system for a passenger boarding bridge that comprises a tunnel, a cab and a rotationally driving device that comprises a driving motor mounted on the cab, a driving wheel mounted on an output shaft of the driving motor, and two driven wheels mounted on the tunnel and one drive belt being in cooperation with the driving wheel and the driven wheels, and having two ends fixed on the tunnel respectively. However, this invention fails to provide an efficient solution for controlling negative angle movement of passenger boarding bridge to prevent unsafe incidents and accidents during the docking of a passenger boarding bridge with an aircraft in the airport apron area.
JP2005096666A discloses boarding bridge swinging travel method, a tire is driven so that a steering angle of a drive wheel is 90 degrees with respect to a center axis of the boarding bride, it is detected that the steering angle is out of the 90 degree position by a detection means during swinging travel after that, a number of revolutions of inner and outer wheels are controlled by the detection, a steering wheel is turned to the opposite, and the state is maintained until the steering angle returns to the 90 degree position, and is returned to the ordinary traveling when the steering angle returns to the 90 degree position. However, this invention fails to provide an efficient solution for controlling negative angle movement of passenger boarding bridge to prevent unsafe incidents and accidents during the docking of a passenger boarding bridge with an aircraft in the airport apron area.
CN110136520A discloses a boarding bridge simulation experiment table. The boarding bridge simulation experiment table comprises a simulation device and a control system. The simulation device comprises a leg part, a body part, a neck part, a head part and a tail part; the leg part is installed at the bottom of the body part and used for simulating a walking function and wheel frame rotation function of a boarding bridge system; the body part includes a rack, a panel, an automatic leveling device and an electric retractable mechanism and is used for simulating an automatic leveling function of a boarding bridge and
simulating a lifting system of the boarding bridge; the neck part includes a gear pair mechanism, the upper and lower ends of the gear pair mechanism are connected to the body part and the head part respectively, and the head part is driven to rotate horizontally by the gear pair mechanism to simulate the horizontal rotation of a pickup port of the boarding bridge; the head part is fixed to the neck part, includes an outer cover and multiple function modules mounted on the outer cover, and is used for simulating a deceleration function of the pickup port of the boarding bridge when the pickup port gets close to an airplane body, a stopping function of the pickup port of the boarding bridge when the pickup port is in contact with the airplane body, a visual acquisition function and a state display function; the tail part is fixed to the tail end of the body part, is of a chain structure and is used for simulating a safety boot of the boarding bridge. However, this invention fails to provide an efficient solution for controlling negative angle movement of passenger boarding bridge to prevent unsafe incidents and accidents during the docking of a passenger boarding bridge with an aircraft in the airport apron area.
KR20120112197A discloses a limit switch connecting assembly structure comprises a decelerator, a limit switch unit, and a limit cam. The decelerator horizontally rotates or stops a drive shaft by controlling the rotation of a drive motor. The limit switch unit is installed on one of the drive shaft and the decelerator. The limit cam is installed on the other one of the drive shaft and the decelerator and turns on/off the limit switch unit depending on the rotation of the drive shaft. However, this invention fails to provide an efficient solution for controlling negative angle movement of passenger boarding bridge to prevent unsafe incidents and accidents during the docking of a passenger boarding bridge with an aircraft in the airport apron area.
Moreover, in the realm of passenger boarding bridges, existing systems constructed to regulate their movement lack efficiency and a comprehensive solution. Notably, none of these systems stands out for their effectiveness and adaptability. Adding to this concern is the fact that current systems do not prevent the negative angle movement in passenger boarding bridge and are not detachable, presenting a significant drawback. This results in an inefficient use of resources during installation, requiring substantial manpower, time, and financial investment. This not only poses logistical challenges during setup but also places unwarranted strain on operational and financial resources.
Therefore, due to the abovementioned drawbacks, there is a need to introduce a detachable system without disturbing the existing mechanism for controlling negative angle movement of passenger boarding bridge to prevent unsafe incidents and accidents during the docking of a passenger boarding bridge with an aircraft in the airport apron area.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
An object of the present invention is to provide a detachable system for controlling negative angle movement of a passenger boarding bridge and a method thereof.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a detachable system for controlling negative angle movement of passenger boarding bridges which includes integration of a limit switch into wheel bogie of the passenger boarding bridge.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a detachable system for controlling negative angle movement of passenger boarding bridge that includes an alarm system to provide real-time alerts to the operator in the cabin once passenger boarding bridge moves in negative angle movement through limit switch activation.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a detachable system for controlling negative angle movement of a passenger boarding bridge through a control device to control mechanism.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide a detachable system for controlling negative angle movement of passenger boarding bridge to prevent unsafe incidents and accidents during the docking of a passenger boarding bridge with an aircraft in the airport apron area.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a detachable system for controlling negative angle movement of a passenger boarding bridge to prevent unsafe incidents and accidents during the docking of a passenger boarding bridge with an aircraft in the airport apron area.
According to an embodiment, the present invention provides a detachable system for controlling negative angle movement of passenger boarding bridge comprises of: at least one limit switch; a control relay; a control device; an alarm relay; at least one alarm system; a push button; and a wheel bogie. The limit switch is detachably fixed on said wheel bogie. The limit switch is configured to detect the negative angle movement of said wheel bogie. The limit switch coupled to said control relay which is provided to de-energize said control device immediately after detecting negative angle movement of said wheel bogie. The limit switch is coupled to said alarm relay that is provided to actuate said alarm system immediately after detecting negative angle movement of said wheel bogie. The push button is provided to re-energize said control device to control the movement of said wheel bogie by the operator.
According to another embodiment, the present invention provides a method to operate a detachable system for controlling negative angle movement of passenger boarding bridge (PBB) that comprises steps: a) detecting a negative angle movement of the wheel bogie through said limit switch; b) sending signal from said limit switch to said control relay to de-energize said control device; c) sending signal from said limit switch to said alarm relay to actuate said alarm system; and d) re-energizing said control device through push button to control the movement of wheel bogie by the operator.
The above objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the hereinafter set forth brief description of the drawings, detailed description of the invention, and claims appended herewith.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
An understanding of the detachable system and the method for controlling negative angle movement of passenger boarding bridge of the present invention may be obtained by reference to the following drawing:
Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the detachable system for controlling negative angle movement of passenger boarding bridge, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 is a flow chart of the method to operate the detachable system for controlling negative angle movement of passenger boarding bridge, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3 is a circuit diagram of auto control circuit to operate the detachable system for controlling negative angle movement of passenger boarding bridge, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 4 is a circuit diagram of the alarm system for the detachable system for controlling negative angle movement of passenger boarding bridge, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENITON
The present invention will now be described hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings in which a preferred embodiment of the invention is shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiment set forth herein. Rather, the embodiment is provided so that this disclosure will be thorough, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.
Many aspects of the invention can be better understood with references made to the drawings below. The components in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. Instead, emphasis is placed upon clearly illustrating the components of the present invention. Moreover, reference numerals designate corresponding parts through the several views in the drawings. Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention, it is to be understood that the embodiments of the invention are not limited in their application to the details of construction and to the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The embodiments of the invention are capable of being practiced and carried out in various ways. In addition, the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.
The present invention relates to a detachable system and the method for controlling negative angle movement of passenger boarding bridge to prevent unsafe incidents and accidents during the docking of a passenger boarding bridge with an aircraft in the airport apron area.
In an embodiment, the present invention provides a detachable system for controlling negative angle movement of passenger boarding bridge comprises: at least one limit switch; a control relay; a control device; an alarm relay; at least one alarm system; a push button; and a wheel bogie. The limit switch is detachably fixed on said wheel bogie. The limit switch is configured to detect the negative angle movement of said wheel bogie. The limit switch is coupled to said control relay which is provided to de-energize said control device immediately upon detecting negative angle movement of said wheel bogie. The limit switch is coupled to said alarm relay which is provided to actuate said alarm system immediately upon detecting negative angle movement of said wheel bogie. The push button is provided to re-energize said control device to control the movement of said wheel bogie by the operator.
According to another embodiment, the present invention provides a method to operate a detachable system for controlling negative angle movement of passenger boarding bridge (PBB) that comprises steps of: a) detecting a negative movement of the wheel bogie through said limit switch; b) sending signal from said limit switch to said control relay to de-energize said control device; c) sending signal from said limit switch to said alarm relay to actuate said alarm system; and d) re-energizing said control device through push button to control the movement of wheel bogie by the operator.
Referring to Figure 1, schematic diagram of the detachable system for controlling negative angle movement of passenger boarding bridge according to an embodiment is depicted. The detachable system for controlling negative angle movement of passenger boarding bridge comprises: at least one limit switch (1); a control relay (2); a control device (3); an alarm relay (4); at least one alarm system (5); a push button (6); and a wheel bogie (7). The limit switch (1) is detachably fixed on said wheel bogie (7). The limit switch (1) detects the negative angle movement when said wheel bogie (7) moves in -100 to -120, due to failure of a wheel bogie motor/VFD failure or malfunction. The limit switch (1) gets activated detecting the negative angle movement of said wheel bogie (7) and sends signal to said control relay (2) which is provided to de-energize said control device (3) immediately after detecting negative angle movement. The control device (3) is provided in the operator cabin to control the movement of said wheel bogie (7). The control device (3) is a joystick, or any controlling equipment known in the art. The limit switch (1) is coupled to said alarm relay (4) that is provided to actuate said alarm system (5) immediately after detecting negative angle movement of said wheel bogie (7) to alert the operator. The alarm system (5) is, for example an audio visual alarm or a vibratory alarm. The push button (6) is connected in parallel to Normal close of said control relay (2) and is provided to re-energize said control device (3) after manually pushing said push button (6) thus allowing the operator to control the movement of said wheel bogie (7).
Referring to Figure 2, a flow chart of the method to operate the detachable system for controlling negative angle movement of passenger boarding bridge is depicted. The method comprises steps of: a) detecting a negative movement of the wheel bogie through said limit switch; b) sending signal from said limit switch to said control relay to de-energize said control device; c) sending signal from said limit switch to said alarm relay to actuate said alarm system; and d) re-energizing said control device through push button to control the movement of wheel bogie by the operator allowing the successful docking of the passenger boarding bridge.
Referring to Figure 3, a circuit diagram of auto control circuit to operate the detachable system for controlling negative angle movement of passenger boarding bridge is depicted. The limit switch (1) detachably fixed on said wheel bogie (7) detects the negative angle movement of said wheel bogie (7). On the condition when the wheel bogie (7) does not moves in negative angle movement the operator directly controls the wheel bogie (7) through said control device (3).

When the wheel bogie (7) moves in the negative direction said limit switch (1) gets activated and said control relay (2) switches from normally closed (NC) to normally open (NO) disconnecting the signal flow and de-energizing said control device (3). When said control device (3) gets disconnected then said wheel bogie (7) automatically gets stop preventing unsafe incidents and accidents during the docking of a passenger boarding bridge.

After manually pressing said push button (6) connected in parallel to Normal close of said control relay (2) , the Normal open (NO) push button (6) switches to normally closed and re-energizes said control device (3) allowing the operator to control the movement of said wheel bogie (7). The push button (6) and control relay (2) are connected with the DC supply.
Referring to Figure 4, a circuit diagram of the alarm system for the detachable system for controlling negative angle movement of passenger boarding bridge is depicted. The limit switch (1) detachably fixed on said wheel bogie (7) detects the negative angle movement of said wheel bogie (7). On the condition when said wheel bogie (7) moves in the negative direction the limit switch (1) gets activated allowing the flow of signal to said alarm relay (4). The alarm relay (4) switches from normally open (NO) to normally closed actuating said alarm system (5) and alerts to the operator in the cabin once passenger boarding bridge start moving in negative angle movement. The limit switch (1), said alarm relay (4), and said alarm system (5) are connected to an AC supply.

The following non-limiting example shall now explain the mechanism and methodology of the proposed invention for a better understanding.
EXAMPLE 1
Working of the invention
The present invention relates to a detachable system and a method for controlling negative angle movement of passenger boarding bridge to prevent unsafe incidents and accidents during the docking of a passenger boarding bridge with an aircraft in the airport apron area.
The limit switch (1) detachably fixed on said wheel bogie (7) to detect negative angle movement of said wheel bogie (7). On the condition when the wheel bogie (7) does not moves in negative angle movement the operator directly controls the wheel bogie (7) through said control device (3). When the wheel bogie (7) moves in the negative angle movement said limit switch (1) gets activated and said control relay (2) switches from normally closed (NC) to normally open (NO) disconnecting the signal flow and de-energizing said control device (3). Simultaneously, said limit switch (1) sends signal to said alarm relay (4). The alarm relay (4) switches from normally open (NO) to normally closed (NC) actuating said alarm system (5) and alerting the operator in the cabin. After manually pressing said push button (6) connected in parallel to normal close of said control relay (2) , the normally open (NO) push button (6) switches to normally closed when said push button (6) is pressed and pressing said push button (6) re-energizes said control device (3) allowing the operator to control the movement of said wheel bogie (7) and successful docking of the passenger boarding bridge.
Therefore, the present invention provides the detachable system for controlling negative angle movement of passenger boarding bridge and method thereof includes an auto control feature to prevent negative angle movement of bogie wheel which avoids major safety incident like passenger bridge collision with aircraft, without disturbing the existing OEM structure. The primary advantage of this invention stems from its operational efficiency, requiring a minimal financial outlay for implementation. The construction of system and functionality adhere to a user-friendly paradigm, enabling uncomplicated assimilation by other airports or manufacturers within the industry. This adaptability and simplicity enhance the scalability of the detachable system, facilitating broad adoption across diverse airport infrastructures without the need for extensive modifications to existing setups. Consequently, the present invention fortifies safety protocols while concurrently delivering a cost-effective and accessible solution for the broader aviation community.
Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention set forth herein will readily occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.
The foregoing description of embodiments of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed, and modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings or may be acquired from practice of the invention. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to explain the principals of the invention and its practical application to enable one skilled in the art to utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.
, Claims:CLAIMS
We Claim
1. A detachable system for controlling negative angle movement of a passenger boarding bridge comprising:
at least one limit switch (1);
a control relay (2);
a control device (3);
an alarm relay (4);
at least one alarm system (5);
a push button (6); and
a wheel bogie (7);
wherein:

said limit switch (1) is detachably fixed on said wheel bogie (7);

said limit switch (1) is configured to detect the negative angle movement of said wheel bogie (7);

said limit switch (1) is coupled to said control relay (2) such that the control relay (2) de-energizes said control device (3) upon detecting the negative angle movement of said wheel bogie (7);

said limit switch (1) is coupled to said alarm relay (4) such that the alarm relay (4) actuates said alarm system (4) upon detecting the negative angle movement of said wheel bogie (7) to alert an operator; and

said push button (6) re-energizes said control device (3) to control the movement of said wheel bogie (7) by the operator.

2. The detachable system for controlling negative angle movement of passenger boarding bridge as claimed in claim 1, wherein the negative angle is between -100 to -120.

3. The detachable system for controlling negative angle movement of passenger boarding bridge as claimed in claim 1, wherein said control device (3) is a joystick.

4. The detachable system for controlling negative angle movement of passenger boarding bridge as claimed in claim 1, wherein said alarm system (5) is an audio visual alarm or a vibratory alarm.

5. The detachable system for controlling negative angle movement of passenger boarding bridge as claimed in claim 1, wherein said push button (6) is connected in parallel to normal close of said control relay (2).

6. A method of controlling a negative angle movement of a passenger boarding bridge comprising the steps of:
a) detecting a negative angle movement of a wheel bogie (7) through a limit switch (1);
b) sending signal from said limit switch (1) to a control relay (2) to de-energize a control device (3);
c) sending signal from said limit switch (1) to an alarm relay (4) to actuate an alarm system (5); and
d) re-energizing said control device (3) through a push button (6) to control the movement of said wheel bogie (7) by an operator.

7. The method of controlling negative angle movement of passenger boarding bridge, as claimed in claim 6 wherein the negative angle is preferably between -100 to -120.