DEVICE AND METHOD FOR DETERMINING THE POSITION OF A MOVABLE TRANSPORTATION UNIT

• US 20150362343A1
• Filed: 06/10/2015
• Published: 12/17/2015
• Est. Priority Date: 06/12/2014
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbH (Airbus SE)
• Original Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbH (Airbus SE)
• Inventors: Knueppel, Ralph
• Application Number:
  US14/735,315
• Publication Number:
  US 20150362343A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: B64D 9/003 Devices for retaining pallets or freight containers securing freight containers on vehicles B60P7/00
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 2203/10 Transponders
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 2590/0083 Computer or electronic system, e.g. GPS systems
• CPC Class Codes: G01B 11/14 for measuring distance or clearance between spaced objects or spaced apertures G01B11/26 takes precedence; rangefinders G01C3/00

Abstract

A device and a method for determining the position of a movable transportation unit are described. The device and the method are suitable for accurately detecting the position, automatically fixing loads in position and/or loading and unloading transportation units in aircraft in a relatively quick manner. The device includes a movable transportation unit and a detection means. The transportation unit has a recess for receiving a locking unit in order to lock the transportation unit. The detection means detects when the recess in the movable transportation unit is in a position for engagement with the locking unit. The method for determining the position of a movable transportation unit includes moving the transportation unit from an initial position into a target position, providing the locking unit at the target position of the transportation unit, and locking the locking unit by the engagement thereof in the recess in the transportation unit.

Claims

1. A device for determining the position of a movable transportation unit, comprising:

a movable transportation unit; and

a detection means,

wherein the transportation unit has a recess for receiving a locking unit to lock the transportation unit, and

wherein the detection means is configured to detect when the recess in the movable transportation unit is in a position for engagement with the locking unit.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the transportation unit is configured to be moved from an initial position into a target position, and

wherein the position determination device further comprises the locking unit for locking the transportation unit, and

wherein the locking unit is fitted at the target position of the transportation unit.

3. The device according to claim 1, wherein the detection means is configured to detect when the recess in the movable transportation unit is congruent to the locking unit.

4. The device according to claim 1, wherein the detection means is a sensor for detecting the recess and is either fitted to the locking unit or integrated therein.

5. The device according to claim 4, wherein the sensor for detecting the recess is configured to detect the recess by at least one of:

measuring varying physical parameters between the recess and a region around the recess and measuring a distance from a reference point.

6. The device according to claim 1, wherein the transportation unit has a mark, the detection means is a sensor for detecting such a mark and the detection means is fitted so as to be at a distance from the locking unit.

7. The device according to claim 6, wherein the mark is magnetic and functions within the optical, infrared and/or ultrasonic range.

8. The device according to claim 1, further comprising a tracking unit suitable for tracking the position of the movable transportation unit, and

a drive unit suitable for accelerating and/or decelerating the change in position of the movable transportation unit.

9. A method for determining the position of a movable transportation unit, comprising:

providing the movable transportation unit;

wherein the transportation unit has a recess for receiving a locking unit to lock the transportation unit,

providing a detection means; and

determining, by the detection means, the position of the transportation unit when the recess in the movable transportation unit is in a position for engagement with the locking unit.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein the method further comprises:

moving the transportation unit from an initial position into a target position;

providing the locking unit at the target position of the transportation unit; and

locking the locking unit by the engagement thereof in the recess in the transportation unit.