Automatic Anti-Collision System (ACS)

Description

The ACS is newly developed to address ground handlers’ concern on increasing incidents of GSE
colliding with aircraft around the world every year. The ACCS is capable of detecting the
distance to objectives then limit driving speed and brake autonomously until the vehicle come
to complete stop, in accordance with operations control algorithm pre-loaded in on-board unit
(OBU). When ACS is activated by operator, the speed of vehicle and braking function are
controlled by OBU instead of operators, but operator can intervene any time when it becomes
necessary. Operator remains full control on steering of vehicle, unless ACS is upgraded to Auto
Pilot System (APS) to gain full control on steering and navigating.

There is three control zones are pre-determined in OBU by referring to threshold distance to
aircraft. In the 1st degree control zone, operators have full control on vehicle and no other speed
limit imposed but prevailing airport speed regulation. Once the vehicle is driven in 2nd degree
control zone, and operator activates ACS system, OBU takes over the speed control function,
vehicle is driven in pre-determined speed under control of OBU. When vehicle enters 3rd degree
control zone, OBU activates automatic braking function, vehicle cruise at extremely low speed
then come to complete stop when threshold distance to aircraft is detected.

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Standard Equipment

Distance sensors: There are two types of distance sensor to continuously measuring distance
from vehicle to aircraft: 1 set of long distance sensor and 1 set of short distance sensor. Long
distance sensor work in 2nd degree area, and both long distance and short distance sensors work
overlap in 3rd degree area to provide maximum safety.

Limit switch: Two limit switches work as safety back-up to distance sensors. In case of any
failure of both distance sensors, which is highly unlikely in our system design, shut down engine
immediately to protect the aircraft.

Speed sensor: This sensor measures the speed of vehicle travelling and feed back the speed
data to OBU for processing.

On-board Unit (OBU): This is the central control unit for receiving data from sensors, processing
the data, then actuating control mechanism on engine, transmission, and service brake.

Automatic braking system: This system will pick up instruction from OBU and trigger service
brake actuator to apply service brake. This set of brake actuator is stand-alone, which can be
easily applied on existing service brake system, no matter hydraulic brake or air brake.

Instrument cluster: including 1 set of ACS button switch, status indicator light, distance display,
and buzzer for operators’ information.

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Application

The ACS could be implemented on passenger steps, conveyor belt loader, catering truck, and
ambulift etc. with following propulsion system:

• mechanical,
• hydrostatic, or
• electric.

An expanded version of ACS (namely EACS) with 360 degree surrounding detection function
could be implemented on all motorized GSE to detect objectives dangerously closed then apply
service brake automatically.

An upgraded version of ACS (namely APS) will provide advanced remotely controlled and
automatic steering function on top of ACS to render fully automatic control on GSE to minimize
human error.

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