SmartTurn™

Tow-Bar Angle Indicator

A passive mechanical guidance plate that provides real-time visual indication of tow-bar articulation angle during aircraft towing and pushing operations.

SDGs Covered
8

Improves operational reliability and reduces avoidable disruption.

9

Introduces a practical mechanical innovation for ground operations.

12

Extends tow-bar life by reducing preventable damage and replacement.

13

Reduces delays and waste associated with failure recovery actions.

17

Supports common guidance across operators, airlines and OEM practice.

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SmartTurn standalone close-up rendering

01 — Standalone Instrument

Engraved color-coded angle guidance plate

Standalone SmartTurn™ product view showing the realistic housing, pointer, engraved face and tow-bar clamp interface.

Reference basis: original SmartTurn concept, informed by passive angle-indication and mechanical gauge principles used across industrial equipment.

SmartTurn installed on a realistic single telescopic tow-bar for towing and pushing

02 — Installed Position

Installed on a realistic single telescopic tow-bar

SmartTurn™ mounted at the articulation center / center pivot for both towing and pushing operations.

Reference basis: Goldhofer BISON D620 OEM geometry, HYDRO tow-bar catalogue architecture, and established articulation guidance principles from industrial mechanical indication methods.

Operator view from tug seat showing SmartTurn on tow-bar

03 — Operator View

Visible from the tug seat

SmartTurn™ positioned in the operator’s natural forward line of sight without introducing screens, wiring or extra task burden.

Reference basis: operator viewpoint derived from BISON D620 driving geometry and standard tow-bar line-of-sight positioning practice.

Technical cutaway showing SmartTurn mechanical principle

04 — Mechanical Principle

Articulation movement converted into direct visual guidance

Cutaway technical view showing the pointer, fixed engraved scale plate, linkage, housing, articulation joint and mounting bracket.

Reference basis: HYDRO tow-bar articulation architecture combined with passive mechanical pointer-and-scale indication methodology used in wider industrial applications.

SmartTurn exploded assembly drawing

05 — Exploded Assembly

Manufacturable and serviceable assembly layout

Exploded assembly drawing with parts legend, indicative dimensions and section view for technical review discussion.

Reference basis: original SmartTurn assembly concept using OEM tow-bar interface geometry and conventional manufacturable mechanical assembly practice.

SmartTurn operational envelope for towing and pushing
Prevents shear pin failure
Reduces delays & repair cost
Protects nose gear & tow-bar
Improves safety & awareness
Works for towing & pushing
100% mechanical — no power

06 — Operational Envelope + Benefits

Unified visual guidance for towing and pushing

Operational envelope visual with angle zones and summarized benefits, using one device across both operating modes.

Reference basis: towing and pushback guidance concept compiled from OEM tow-bar practice, passive visual indication methodology, and standard operating control principles; always apply approved OEM and airline limits.

07 — Closing

Thank you for reviewing SmartTurn™

To view the wider engineering and innovation portfolio, please visit the link below.

https://d1n-ops.github.io/adnan-portfolio/