Remote control device and method for aircraft refueling

Abstract

The application discloses a remote control device and method for airplane refueling. In one aspect, a device for remote control of airplane refueling includes an onboard refueling operation panel, a handheld refueling control device, and a signal receiving transmitter. The signal receiving transmitter communicatively couples the handheld refueling control device with the onboard refueling operation panel, and the signal receiving transmitter is configured to cause the handheld refueling control device to obtain a higher priority control right than the onboard refueling operation panel when the signal receiving transmitter is inserted into the onboard refueling operation panel. In another aspect, the application also discloses a method for remote control of airplane refueling using the above device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of aircraft, and more specifically to a remote control device for aircraft refueling and its control method. Background Technology

[0002] Aircraft undergo frequent refueling operations during daily operations, and oil transfer and refueling operations are also frequently used during routine maintenance.

[0003] Currently, in manual refueling and fuel transfer operations on aircraft, the waiting time for refueling personnel on the lift is too long. Additional personnel are needed to inspect and monitor whether there is any overflow at the vents located at the wingtips of the aircraft. The method of setting the levers and / or adjusting the pre-selected fuel quantity on the fuel control panel results in long adjustment time and an easy risk of over-filling.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop a remote control device and control method for aircraft refueling operations. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The following provides a brief overview of one or more aspects to offer a basic understanding of them. This overview is not an exhaustive summary of all conceived aspects, nor is it intended to identify the key or decisive elements of all aspects, nor to define the scope of any or all aspects. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of one or more aspects in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed descriptions that follow.

[0006] To address the aforementioned issues, this paper proposes a remote control device and control method for aircraft refueling.

[0007] In one aspect, a remote control device for aircraft refueling includes: an airborne refueling control panel; a handheld refueling control device; and a signal receiver / transmitter, wherein the signal receiver / transmitter communicatively couples the handheld refueling control device to the airborne refueling control panel, and the signal receiver / transmitter is configured to grant the handheld refueling control device a higher priority control over the airborne refueling control panel when the signal receiver / transmitter is inserted into the airborne refueling control panel.

[0008] Preferably, in response to the signal receiver transmitter being unplugged, the handheld refueling control device will immediately lose control priority, and the onboard refueling control panel will take over control of the aircraft refueling, and the onboard refueling control panel will immediately and synchronously issue a refueling cut-off valve closing command.

[0009] Preferably, in response to the power switch of the handheld refueling control device being switched from the on position to the off position, or in response to the communication interruption or abnormality between the handheld refueling control device and the signal receiver / transmitter, the handheld refueling control device immediately shuts down and immediately loses refueling control priority, and the onboard refueling control panel takes over the control of aircraft refueling, and the onboard refueling control panel immediately and synchronously issues a refueling cut-off valve closing command.

[0010] Preferably, the signal transmission and reception range of the signal receiver is limited to a size range slightly beyond the outer contour of the aircraft, so that the handheld device can no longer control the aircraft for refueling once it is far from the aircraft site.

[0011] Preferably, the airborne refueling control panel includes a power switch cover, a power switch, a signal receiver / transmitter interface, a mode selection switch knob, and a fuel level display screen. The power switch includes a power switch lever or a button, and the signal receiver / transmitter interface provides power to the signal receiver / transmitter. The signal receiver / transmitter interface adopts a convenient and fast communication interface, including one or more of the following: USB interface, HDMI interface, BNC interface, VGA interface, M12 interface, or a combination thereof. The interface shape of the signal receiver / transmitter interface includes one or more of the following: rectangular, circular, polygonal, or a combination thereof.

[0012] Preferably, the power switch and the signal receiver / transmitter interface share the power switch protective cover, and wherein the power switch protective cover cannot be closed normally in response to the signal receiver / transmitter not being removed or in response to the power switch not being in the off position; and the power switch protective cover not being closed normally prevents the aircraft's refueling compartment door from closing normally.

[0013] Preferably, the signal receiver / transmitter inlet is provided with a separate inlet protective cover, wherein the separate inlet protective cover is prevented from closing normally in response to the signal receiver / transmitter not being removed; and the refueling compartment door of the aircraft is prevented from closing normally in response to the power switch protective cover not closing normally.

[0014] Preferably, the signal receiver / transmitter is portable and plug-and-play, and the signal receiver / transmitter is paired with the handheld refueling control device to avoid crosstalk in the communication signals.

[0015] Preferably, the signal receiver transmitter further includes a signal receiver removal reminder label, which is used to explicitly remind refueling personnel to remove the signal receiver transmitter promptly after completing the aircraft refueling operation.

[0016] Preferably, the fuel quantity signal issued by the fuel computer is synchronously and in real time displayed on the onboard refueling operation panel and the display touch screen of the handheld refueling control device, and the display touch screen of the handheld refueling control device can be used to directly input the pre-selected fuel quantity.

[0017] Preferably, the handheld refueling control device is provided with an instruction input activation button, and the pre-selected oil quantity value and shut-off valve control instruction input when the instruction input activation button is in the activated state are recognized as valid input instructions, and the instruction to open / close the refueling shut-off valve includes one or more of the following: swiping type, multi-click type, or a combination thereof, and the swiping path of the swiping type instruction includes one or more of the following: straight line, curve, or a combination thereof.

[0018] Preferably, the handheld refueling control device is equipped with at least one horn for issuing refueling progress reminders or refueling abnormality alarms to refueling personnel, wherein when the at least one horn includes two horns, the two horns are arranged on mutually perpendicular planes to prevent the sound propagation channels of the two horns from being simultaneously blocked.

[0019] Preferably, the signal receiver and transmitter communicatively couples the handheld refueling control device to the airborne refueling control panel by means of: the signal receiver and transmitter being connected to the handheld refueling control device via wireless communication technology, wherein the wireless communication technology includes one or more of the following: radio waves, 5G, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Zigbee, IrDA infrared, NFC short-range high-frequency radio, wireless mesh network, or a combination thereof.

[0020] On the other hand, a method for remote control of aircraft refueling includes remote control of aircraft refueling using the aforementioned device.

[0021] Preferably, the method further includes:

[0022] Step 1: Connect the refueling connector on the ground refueling truck to the refueling connector on the aircraft;

[0023] Step 2: Open the protective cover of the power switch on the aircraft's onboard refueling control panel, insert the signal receiver and transmitter into the signal receiver and transmitter input, and turn on the power switch of the onboard refueling control panel.

[0024] Step 3: Operate the handheld refueling control device to complete the wireless communication self-test and device self-test;

[0025] Step 4: Hold the handheld refueling control device, press the input activation button, directly input the pre-selected fuel quantity on the display touch screen of the handheld refueling control device via the numeric keypad, and start the automatic refueling operation;

[0026] Step 5: When the aircraft refueling is complete, the handheld refueling control device shall issue a voice notification at least once;

[0027] Step 6: Remove the signal receiver and transmitter from the aircraft's onboard refueling control panel, turn off the power switch on the onboard refueling control panel, and close the power switch protective cover.

[0028] Step 7: Disconnect the refueling connector on the ground refueling truck from the refueling connector on the aircraft to complete the refueling process.

[0029] This synopsis is provided to introduce some concepts in a simplified form, which will be further described in the detailed description below. This synopsis is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. Other aspects, features, and / or advantages of the embodiments will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and will be apparent in part from the description, or may be learned by practice of this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0030] To gain a detailed understanding of the manner in which the above-described features of the invention are employed, a more specific description of the above-briefly summarized content can be provided with reference to various embodiments, some of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. However, it should be noted that the drawings only illustrate certain typical aspects of the invention and should not be considered as limiting its scope, as this description may allow for other equivalent aspects. In the drawings, similar reference numerals are consistently used for similar purposes. It should be noted that the described drawings are merely schematic and non-limiting. In the drawings, the dimensions of some components may be enlarged and are not drawn to scale for illustrative purposes.

[0031] Figure 1 An example of a schematic diagram illustrating the principle of remote control of aircraft refueling according to an embodiment of the present invention is explained.

[0032] Figure 2 An example of an aircraft onboard refueling control panel according to an embodiment of the present invention has been described.

[0033] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a signal receiver and transmitter according to an embodiment of the present invention has been described.

[0034] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a handheld refueling control device according to an embodiment of the present invention is provided.

[0035] Figure 5 A schematic diagram illustrating the signal transmission of the aircraft wing front spars refueling panel and the fuselage refueling panel according to an embodiment of the present invention is provided.

[0036] Figure 6 A flowchart illustrating a remote control method for aircraft refueling according to an embodiment of the present invention is provided. Detailed Implementation

[0037] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the present invention clearer, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to specific embodiments and the accompanying drawings. In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the described exemplary embodiments. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the described embodiments can be practiced without some or all of these specific details. In other exemplary embodiments, well-known structures or processing steps have not been described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the concepts of this disclosure.

[0038] In this specification, unless otherwise stated, the term "A or B" as used herein refers to "A and B" and "A or B", and does not imply that A and B are exclusive.

[0039] Aircraft undergo frequent refueling operations during daily operations, and refueling and fuel transfer are also common during routine maintenance. Current technologies for aircraft refueling and fuel transfer operations have identified the following shortcomings that warrant improvement and refinement:

[0040] a) When refueling an aircraft using manual refueling mode, refueling personnel need to stand on the lift platform, which is more than two meters high, for a long time, constantly looking up to monitor the fuel level indicated on the aircraft's fuel loading and unloading control panel and be ready to cut off fuel spills at any time. Typically, the refueling time for mainstream single-aisle mainline aircraft is about 25 minutes, while the refueling time for mainstream twin-aisle large aircraft can even exceed 40 minutes, resulting in excessively long waiting times for refueling personnel on the lift platform.

[0041] b) In addition, when refueling an aircraft using the manual refueling mode, the refueling personnel are required to remain on the refueling control panel. Therefore, additional personnel are needed to inspect and monitor whether there is any overflow at the vents located at the wingtips of the aircraft.

[0042] c) When refueling an aircraft using the automatic refueling mode, the time taken to adjust the pre-selected fuel quantity via the lever on the fuel loading / discharging control panel is too long. After the refueling operator presses the lever, the pre-selected fuel quantity increases in small increments (e.g., 10 kg), waits a while, then increases in medium increments (e.g., 100 kg), waits a while, and then increases in large increments (e.g., 1000 kg). This setting method has a long adjustment time and is prone to over-adjustment. In the case of over-adjustment, it may be necessary to adjust the fuel quantity back to the amount required by the refueling task order.

[0043] To address the aforementioned problems, this application proposes a remote control device and method for aircraft refueling. See below for reference. Figures 1 to 5 The explanation.

[0044] Figure 1 An example of a schematic diagram illustrating the principle of remote control of aircraft refueling according to an embodiment of the present invention is explained.

[0045] In an embodiment of this application, an aircraft refueling remote control device includes: an airborne refueling operation panel (10), a signal receiver and transmitter (20), and a handheld refueling control device (30).

[0046] In embodiments of this application, an airborne refueling control panel (10) and a refueling connector (102) can be arranged on the front wing spars of the aircraft (100). When the aircraft is refueling, a signal receiver / transmitter (20) is plugged into the airborne refueling control panel (10). The signal receiver / transmitter (20) communicates with the handheld refueling control device (30) via a wireless connection (e.g., 5G communication technology, etc.). In other words, the signal receiver / transmitter (20) can communicatively couple the handheld refueling control device (30) with the airborne refueling control panel (10). It should be understood that the airborne refueling control panel can also be located in other locations on the aircraft, such as in the belly of the fuselage, inside the cabin, etc.

[0047] Specifically, when the signal receiver transmitter (20) is plugged into the airborne refueling control panel (10), the handheld refueling control device (30) immediately gains priority control over the aircraft refueling.

[0048] Figure 2 An example of an aircraft onboard refueling control panel (10) according to an embodiment of the present invention is explained.

[0049] In the embodiments of this application, the airborne refueling control panel (10) is an airborne electronic device belonging to the aircraft (100), which includes a power switch cover (11), a power switch (12) (e.g., a lever or a button), a signal receiver transmitter interface (13), a mode selection switch knob (14), a fuel quantity information display screen (15), and other levers for controlling the refueling cut-off valve switch and fuel quantity pre-selection.

[0050] In the embodiments of this application, the signal receiver / transmitter interface (13) provides an interface for the external signal receiver / transmitter (20) to communicate with the aircraft fuel computer through the airborne refueling operation panel (10), and provides power to the external signal receiver / transmitter.

[0051] Specifically, the signal receiver / transmitter interface (13) adopts a convenient and quick communication interface form, including but not limited to USB interface, HDMI interface, BNC interface, VGA interface, M12 interface, etc. Specifically, the interface shape of the signal receiver / transmitter interface (13) includes but is not limited to rectangle, circle, polygon, etc.

[0052] Specifically, to prevent the signal receiver / transmitter (20) from being left on the aircraft after refueling, the power switch cover (11) is designed to prevent errors. In embodiments of this application, the power switch (12) and the signal receiver / transmitter inlet (13) share the power switch cover (11), and the power switch cover (11) can only be closed normally when the external signal receiver / transmitter (20) is removed and the power switch (12) is toggled from the ON position to the OFF position. Alternatively, the signal receiver / transmitter inlet (20) may be provided with a separate inlet cover (11), and the separate inlet cover (11) may be prevented from closing normally in response to the signal receiver / transmitter (20) not being removed.

[0053] In particular, the refueling hatch door outside the aircraft's onboard refueling control panel (10) is designed to prevent errors. When the power switch protective cover (11) is not properly closed, it will prevent the refueling hatch door from closing normally.

[0054] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a signal receiver and transmitter (20) according to an embodiment of the present invention has been described.

[0055] In the embodiments of this application, the signal receiver / transmitter (20) is a portable, plug-and-play signal transmitting and receiving device used for information communication between the aircraft's onboard refueling control panel (10) and the handheld refueling control device (30). That is, the signal receiver / transmitter (20) acts as an intermediate signal communication relay station, and can communicatively couple the handheld refueling control device (30) with the onboard refueling control panel (10). Specifically, the signal receiver / transmitter (20) includes a signal receiver connector (21), a signal receiver body (22), and a signal receiver removal reminder label (23).

[0056] In the embodiments of this application, the signal connector (21) adopts a connector form that is convenient and quick to plug in, including but not limited to USB interface, HDMI interface, BNC interface, VGA interface, M12 interface, etc. In particular, the shape of the signal connector (21) includes but is not limited to rectangle, circle, polygon, etc., and is consistent with the signal receiver and transmitter interface (13) on the airborne refueling operation panel (10).

[0057] Specifically, the signal receiver body (22) has a built-in signal transmitting and receiving device, and the signal receiver transmitter (20) of the signal receiver body (22) communicatively couples the handheld refueling control device (30) with the airborne refueling control panel (10) by means of: the signal receiver transmitter and the handheld refueling control device being connected via wireless communication technology, wherein the wireless communication technology includes, but is not limited to, radio waves, 5G, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Zigbee, IrDA infrared, NFC short-range high-frequency radio, wireless mesh network, etc. Specifically, the signal transmitting and receiving range of the signal receiver body (22) and / or the signal receiver transmitter (20) is limited to a size range slightly beyond the outer contour of the aircraft, so that the aircraft refueling cannot be controlled when the handheld device is far from the aircraft site. For example, the signal transmission and reception range of the signal receiver (20) can be configured to the size of the aircraft's outer contour plus a specified threshold (e.g., 2 meters, 5 meters, etc.). Once the distance between the handheld device and the aircraft (e.g., the outer contour) reaches the specified threshold, the handheld device will be unable to control the aircraft refueling.

[0058] Specifically, when the signal receiver / transmitter (20) is inserted into the airborne refueling control panel (10), the handheld refueling control device (30) gains a higher priority control than the airborne refueling control panel (10). That is, the aircraft fuel computer will respond to the operation instructions issued by the handheld refueling control device (30) first. Correspondingly, when the signal receiver / transmitter (20) is pulled out, the handheld refueling control device (30) will immediately lose its control priority and the airborne refueling control panel (10) will control the aircraft refueling. The airborne refueling control panel (10) will immediately and synchronously issue a refueling cut-off valve closing command.

[0059] Specifically, the signal receiver transmitter (20) is paired with the handheld refueling control device (30) to avoid crosstalk in the communication signals.

[0060] Specifically, a removal reminder label (23) is provided at the tail of the signal receiver / transmitter (20), which can clearly remind refueling personnel to remove the signal receiver / transmitter (20) in a timely manner after completing the aircraft refueling operation. In particular, if the signal receiver / transmitter (20) is not removed, the power switch protective cover (11) on the airborne refueling operation panel (10) will not be able to close properly.

[0061] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a handheld refueling control device (30) according to an embodiment of the present invention has been described.

[0062] In the embodiments of this application, the handheld refueling control device (30) is a handheld device for aircraft refueling control, fuel level monitoring and refueling anomaly reminder, which includes a power switch (31), a command input activation button (32), a display touch screen (33), and a speaker (34) located on the top of the remote control and a speaker (35) located on the front of the remote control.

[0063] In the embodiments of this application, the display touch screen (33) is used to display the fuel quantity of each fuel tank of the aircraft in real time. The fuel quantity signal issued by the fuel computer will be displayed synchronously in real time on the airborne refueling operation panel (10) and the display touch screen (33) of the handheld refueling control device (30). In particular, the display touch screen (33) also provides a digital input interface, which can be used to allow refueling personnel to conveniently input the pre-selected fuel quantity value of the aircraft.

[0064] Specifically, to prevent accidental touches on the display touchscreen (33) leading to unintended command input, a command input activation button (32) is provided on the side of the handheld refueling control device (30). Only pre-selected fuel quantity values ​​and shut-off valve control commands input when the command input activation button (32) is activated (e.g., pressed) are recognized as valid input commands. In particular, this makes the typical operation of refueling personnel as follows: holding the aircraft handheld refueling control device (30) with the left hand, pressing the command input activation button (32) with the left thumb, and tapping or sliding the right hand on the display touchscreen (33) to input commands.

[0065] In particular, to avoid accidental opening and closing of the refueling shut-off valve due to accidental touch of the display touch screen (33), the input method for opening / closing the refueling shut-off valve is designed to include, but is not limited to, swipe type and multi-click type, and the swipe path includes, but is not limited to, straight line, curve and other shapes.

[0066] Specifically, when the power switch (31) of the handheld refueling control device (30) is switched from the ON position to the OFF position, or in response to a communication interruption or abnormality between the handheld refueling control device (30) and the signal receiver / transmitter (20), the handheld refueling control device (30) immediately shuts down and loses its refueling control priority, and the onboard refueling control panel (10) takes over the control of aircraft refueling. The onboard refueling control panel (10) immediately and synchronously issues a refueling shut-off valve closing command to prevent fuel tank overflow. In particular, this allows refueling personnel to stop the aircraft refueling process with a single button press using the power switch (31) of the handheld refueling control device (30) when they are away from the aircraft refueling control panel (10) (such as when they leave to inspect whether there is overflow in the wingtip vents of the aircraft).

[0067] Specifically, the handheld refueling control device (30) is equipped with at least one speaker (34, 35) for issuing refueling progress reminders and refueling abnormality alarms to refueling personnel. Specifically, the reminders and alarms may include, but are not limited to: refueling has started, refueling is about to be completed (1 minute in advance), refueling is completed, please remove the refueling connector in time, the refueling shut-off valve has been opened but the refueling truck has not supplied fuel (alarm when the refueling shut-off valve is open but the refueling pipeline has low pressure). Specifically, the reminder method is artificial intelligence voice, which is repeated at least once, and preferably three times.

[0068] Specifically, in cases where at least one horn (34, 35) comprises two horns (34, 35), these two horns (34, 35) can be arranged on mutually perpendicular planes to prevent the sound propagation channels of the two horns from being simultaneously obstructed. In embodiments of this application, in addition to the horn (34) on the front, the handheld refueling control device (30) can also have a horn (35) on the top to prevent the sound propagation of the horn from being obstructed when the handheld refueling control device (30) is laid flat, thus providing a timely reminder.

[0069] Figure 5 A schematic diagram illustrating the signal transmission of the aircraft wing front spars refueling panel and the fuselage refueling panel according to an embodiment of the present invention is provided.

[0070] In the embodiments of this application, the aircraft (100) typically includes an onboard refueling control panel (10a) mounted on the wing front spars, a refueling connector (102) located near the refueling control panel, and vents (103, 104) located at the wingtips of the aircraft. Some aircraft may also include another refueling control panel (10b) located under the fuselage.

[0071] In particular, for aircraft with two refueling control panels, the remote control method for refueling is similar, such as... Figure 5 The diagram shows the signal transmission of the aircraft's wing leading-edge refueling panel and fuselage refueling panel. It should be understood that, in the embodiments of this application, the airborne refueling control panel may also be located at one or more of the following locations: the aircraft wing structure (e.g., the wing leading edge), the fuselage, or inside the cockpit.

[0072] Figure 6 A flowchart illustrating a remote control method for aircraft refueling according to an embodiment of the present invention is provided.

[0073] In an embodiment of this application, a device for remotely controlling aircraft refueling includes: an airborne refueling control panel (10), a signal receiver and transmitter (20), and a handheld refueling control device (30), as shown in the reference. Figures 1 to 5 As shown.

[0074] In the embodiments of this application, the method for remotely controlling aircraft refueling using the above-described device includes:

[0075] Step 1: Connect the refueling connector on the ground refueling truck to the aircraft's refueling / discharging connector (102);

[0076] Step 2: Open the power switch cover (11) on the aircraft refueling control panel (10), insert the signal receiver and transmitter (20) into the signal receiver and transmitter inlet (13), and turn on the power switch (12) of the aircraft refueling control panel (10).

[0077] Step 3: Operate the handheld refueling control device (30) to complete the wireless communication self-test and device self-test;

[0078] Step 4: Hold the aircraft handheld refueling control device (30), press (e.g., using the left thumb) the input activation button (32), directly input the pre-selected fuel quantity on the display touch screen (33) via the numeric keypad (e.g., using the right fingers), and start the automatic refueling operation;

[0079] Step 5: When the aircraft refueling is complete, the handheld refueling control device (30) will repeatedly announce the notification (the notification may be "refueling complete") at least once (e.g., 2 times, 3 times, etc.).

[0080] Step 6: Remove the signal receiver transmitter (20) from the aircraft refueling control panel (10), turn off the power switch of the airborne refueling control panel (10), and close the power switch protective cover (11) of the airborne refueling control panel (10). After the power switch is turned on, the signal receiver transmitter can be directly powered through the signal receiver transmitter inlet (13) after being inserted into the airborne refueling control panel.

[0081] Step 7: Disconnect the refueling connector on the ground refueling truck from the aircraft refueling / discharging connector (102) to complete refueling.

[0082] The above describes a remote control device and method for aircraft refueling operations according to the present invention. Compared with the prior art, the method of the present invention has at least the following advantages:

[0083] (1) Wireless communication and remote control technology for refueling are used for the first time in aircraft refueling operation control. Wireless communication forms include, but are not limited to, radio waves, 5G, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi wireless local area network, Zigbee low-speed wireless local area network, IrDA infrared, NFC short-range high-frequency radio, wireless mesh network, etc., thereby reducing the physical exertion of refueling personnel, avoiding long-term head-up monitoring of the refueling operation panel, eliminating the need to stand on the lift for a long time, saving physical strength and avoiding fatigue, reducing the number of refueling personnel, and allowing refueling personnel to inspect and monitor the oil overflow situation at the vents of the aircraft's wings during the refueling process;

[0084] (2) Dual refueling control architecture of airborne panel and wireless remote control. All aircraft in service around the world use the traditional refueling method (i.e., refueling is operated through the airborne refueling panel). At present, no aircraft uses the remote control refueling method. Therefore, the addition of an extra refueling control method makes the refueling control scenario of the aircraft more diversified. When the aircraft refueling panel fails, the refueling operation can be completed through external equipment (e.g., the remote control device for aircraft refueling described in this application) without replacing the refueling panel, thereby improving the aircraft dispatch rate.

[0085] (3) Digital refueling pre-selected fuel quantity direct input setting mode. The pre-selected fuel quantity is directly input digitally through the handheld refueling control device (currently no aircraft provides a digital input method for pre-selected fuel quantity), thereby improving the accuracy and convenience of the pre-selected fuel quantity input, eliminating the need for repeated corrections and adjustments, saving refueling operation time, and helping to shorten aircraft turnaround time;

[0086] (4) Voice broadcast function for aircraft refueling status. Currently, no aircraft in service worldwide have this function. Through this function, refueling personnel can monitor the aircraft refueling process anytime and anywhere and receive timely reminders of refueling anomalies.

[0087] Throughout this specification, reference has been made to "embodiments," meaning that a particular described feature, structure, or characteristic is included in at least one embodiment. Therefore, the use of these phrases may refer to more than one embodiment. Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

[0088] The various steps and modules of the methods and apparatus described above can be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination thereof. If implemented in hardware, the various illustrative steps, modules, and circuits described in connection with this disclosure can be implemented or executed using a general-purpose processor, digital signal processor (DSP), application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic components, hardware components, or any combination thereof. A general-purpose processor can be a processor, microprocessor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine, etc. If implemented in software, the various illustrative steps and modules described in connection with this disclosure can be stored as one or more instructions or codes on a computer-readable medium or transmitted. Software modules implementing the various operations of this disclosure can reside in a storage medium, such as RAM, flash memory, ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, registers, hard disk, removable disk, CD-ROM, cloud storage, etc. The storage medium can be coupled to a processor so that the processor can read and write information from / to the storage medium and execute corresponding program modules to implement the various steps of this disclosure. Moreover, software-based embodiments can be uploaded, downloaded, or remotely accessed through appropriate communication means. Such appropriate means of communication include, for example, the Internet, the World Wide Web, intranets, software applications, cables (including fiber optic cables), magnetic communication, electromagnetic communication (including RF microwave and infrared communication), electronic communication, or other such means of communication.

[0089] The numerical values ​​given in the various embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Furthermore, as a whole, there are other components or steps not listed in the claims or specification of this invention. Moreover, a single name for a component does not preclude other names for that component.

[0090] It should also be noted that these embodiments may be described as processes depicted as flowcharts, flow diagrams, structure diagrams, or block diagrams. Although a flowchart may describe the operations as a sequential process, many of these operations can be executed in parallel or concurrently. Furthermore, the order of these operations can be rearranged.

[0091] The disclosed methods, apparatuses, and systems should not be limited in any way. Rather, this disclosure covers all novel and non-obvious features and aspects of the various disclosed embodiments (individually and in various combinations and sub-combinations of each other). The disclosed methods, apparatuses, and systems are not limited to any particular aspect or feature or combination thereof, and no disclosed embodiment is required to have any one or more specific advantages or to solve any particular or all technical problems.

[0092] This invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described above. The specific embodiments described above are merely illustrative and not restrictive. Those skilled in the art can make many other modifications based on the teachings of this invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims. All of these modifications are within the scope of protection of this invention.

[0093] Those skilled in the art will recognize that these embodiments can be practiced without one or more specific details or using other methods, resources, materials, etc. In other cases, well-known structures, resources, or operations are not shown or described in detail merely for the purpose of observing obscure aspects of the embodiments.

[0094] While embodiments and applications have been described and illustrated, it should be understood that the embodiments are not limited to the precise configurations and resources described above. Various modifications, substitutions, and improvements that will be apparent to those skilled in the art may be made in the arrangement, operation, and details of the methods and systems disclosed herein without departing from the scope of the claimed embodiments.

[0095] As used herein, the terms “and,” “or,” and “and / or” may include a variety of meanings, which are also contemplated, at least in part, depending on the context in which such terms are used. Generally, “or,” when used to relate a list such as A, B, or C, is intended to mean A, B, and C (in the inclusive sense) and A, B, or C (in the exclusive sense). Additionally, the term “one or more” as used herein may be used to describe any feature, structure, or property in its singular form, or to describe multiple features, structures, or characteristics, or some other combination thereof. However, it should be noted that this is merely an illustrative example, and the claimed subject matter is not limited to this example.

[0096] While the features currently considered exemplary have been explained and described, those skilled in the art will understand that various other modifications can be made and equivalents can be substituted without departing from the claimed subject matter. Additionally, numerous modifications can be made to adapt a particular scenario to the teachings of the claimed subject matter without departing from the central concepts described herein.

[0097] One implementation (1) may be a device for remote control of aircraft refueling, comprising: an airborne refueling control panel; a handheld refueling control device; and a signal receiver / transmitter, wherein the signal receiver / transmitter communicatively couples the handheld refueling control device to the airborne refueling control panel, and the signal receiver / transmitter is configured to: when the signal receiver / transmitter is inserted into the airborne refueling control panel, give the handheld refueling control device a higher priority control over the airborne refueling control panel.

[0098] Some implementations (2) of the above-mentioned device (1) may exist, wherein, in response to the signal receiver transmitter being pulled out, the aircraft handheld refueling control device loses control priority and the aircraft refueling is controlled by the airborne refueling control panel, and the airborne refueling control panel immediately and synchronously issues a refueling cut-off valve closing command.

[0099] Some implementations (3) of the above-mentioned device (1) may exist, wherein, in response to the power switch of the handheld refueling control device being toggled from the on position to the off position, or in response to the interruption or abnormality of communication between the handheld refueling control device and the signal receiver transmitter, the handheld refueling control device is turned off and loses the priority of refueling control, and the aircraft refueling is controlled by the airborne refueling control panel, and the airborne refueling control panel simultaneously issues a refueling cut-off valve closing command.

[0100] Some implementations (4) of the above-mentioned device (1) may exist, wherein the signal transmission and reception range of the signal receiver and transmitter is limited to a size range slightly beyond the outer contour of the aircraft, so that the handheld device can no longer control the aircraft for refueling when it is far away from the aircraft site.

[0101] Some implementations (5) of the above-mentioned device (1) may exist, wherein the airborne refueling operation panel includes a power switch protective cover, a power switch, a signal receiver / transmitter interface, a mode selection switch knob, and a fuel quantity information display screen. The power switch includes a power switch lever or a button, and the signal receiver / transmitter interface provides power to the signal receiver / transmitter. The signal receiver / transmitter interface adopts a convenient and fast communication interface, including one or more of the following: USB interface, HDMI interface, BNC interface, VGA interface, M12 interface, or a combination thereof. The interface shape of the signal receiver / transmitter interface includes one or more of the following: rectangular, circular, polygonal, or a combination thereof.

[0102] Some implementations (6) of the above-mentioned device (5) may exist, wherein the power switch and the signal receiver / transmitter interface share the power switch protective cover, and wherein the power switch protective cover is prevented from closing normally in response to the signal receiver / transmitter not being removed or in response to the power switch not being in the off position; and the refueling compartment door of the aircraft is prevented from closing normally in response to the power switch protective cover not closing normally.

[0103] Some implementations (7) of the above-mentioned device (5) may exist, wherein the signal receiver transmitter inlet is provided with a separate inlet protective cover, and wherein the separate inlet protective cover is prevented from closing normally in response to the signal receiver transmitter not being removed; and the refueling compartment door of the aircraft is prevented from closing normally in response to the power switch protective cover not closing normally.

[0104] Some implementations (8) of the above-mentioned device (1) may exist, wherein the signal receiver and transmitter is portable and plug-and-play, and wherein the signal receiver and transmitter is paired one-to-one with the handheld refueling control device to avoid crosstalk of communication signals.

[0105] Some implementations (9) of the above-mentioned device (1) may exist, wherein the signal receiver transmitter further includes a signal receiver removal reminder label, which is used to explicitly remind refueling personnel to remove the signal receiver transmitter in a timely manner after completing the aircraft refueling operation.

[0106] Some implementations (10) of the above-mentioned device (1) may exist, wherein the fuel quantity signal issued by the fuel computer is synchronously and in real time displayed on the onboard refueling operation panel and the display touch screen of the handheld refueling control device, and wherein the display touch screen of the handheld refueling control device can be used to directly input the pre-selected fuel quantity.

[0107] Some implementations (11) of the above-mentioned device (1) may exist, wherein an instruction input activation button is provided on the handheld refueling control device, and the pre-selected oil quantity value or shut-off valve control instruction input when the instruction input activation button is in the activated state is recognized as a valid input instruction, and wherein the instruction to open / close the refueling shut-off valve includes one or more of the following: swiping type, multi-click type, or a combination thereof, and the swiping path of the swiping type instruction includes one or more of the following: straight line, curve, or a combination thereof.

[0108] Some implementations (12) of the above-mentioned device (1) may exist, wherein the handheld refueling control device is provided with at least one horn for issuing refueling progress reminders or refueling abnormality alarms to refueling personnel, wherein in the case that the at least one horn includes two horns, the two horns are arranged on mutually perpendicular planes to prevent the sound propagation channels of the two horns from being blocked simultaneously.

[0109] Some implementations (13) of the above-mentioned device (1) may exist, wherein the signal receiver and transmitter communicatively couple the handheld refueling control device to the airborne refueling control panel by means of: the signal receiver and transmitter being connected to the handheld refueling control device via wireless communication technology, and wherein the wireless communication technology includes one or more of the following: radio waves, 5G, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi wireless local area network, Zigbee low-speed wireless local area network, IrDA infrared, NFC short-range high-frequency radio, wireless mesh network, or combinations thereof.

[0110] One implementation (14) may be a method for remote control of aircraft refueling, including remote control of aircraft refueling using the device in the above implementations (1-12).

[0111] Some implementations (15) of the above method (14) may exist, wherein the method includes: Step 1: Connecting the refueling connector on the ground refueling truck to the refueling connector on the aircraft; Step 2: Opening the protective cover of the power switch on the aircraft's onboard refueling operation panel, inserting the signal receiver transmitter into the signal receiver transmitter inlet, and turning on the power switch of the onboard refueling operation panel; Step 3: Operating the handheld refueling control device to complete the wireless communication self-test and device self-test; Step 4: Holding the handheld refueling control device, pressing the input activation button, directly inputting the pre-selected fuel quantity on the display touch screen of the handheld refueling control device via the numeric keypad, and starting the automatic refueling operation; Step 5: When the aircraft refueling is completed, the handheld refueling control device will broadcast a notification at least once; Step 6: Removing the signal receiver transmitter from the onboard refueling operation panel, turning off the power switch of the onboard refueling operation panel, and closing the protective cover of the power switch; Step 7: Disconnecting the refueling connector on the ground refueling truck from the refueling connector on the aircraft to complete the refueling.

Claims

1. A remotely piloted device for aircraft refueling, comprising: an onboard refueling operation panel; a handheld refueling piloting device; and a signal receiving transmitter, wherein the signal receiving transmitter communicatively couples the handheld refueling piloting device with the onboard refueling operation panel, and the signal receiving transmitter is configured to: enable the handheld refueling piloting device to have a higher priority of piloting than the onboard refueling operation panel when the signal receiving transmitter is plugged into the onboard refueling operation panel. in response to the signal receiving transmitter being unplugged, the aircraft handheld refueling piloting device loses piloting priority, and the onboard refueling operation panel takes over control of aircraft refueling, and immediately synchronously issues a refueling shut-off valve closing command.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, in response to a power switch of the handheld refueling piloting device being toggled from an on position to an off position, or in response to a communication between the handheld refueling piloting device and the signal receiving transmitter being interrupted or abnormal, the handheld refueling piloting device is turned off and loses refueling piloting priority, and the onboard refueling operation panel takes over control of aircraft refueling, and synchronously issues a refueling shut-off valve closing command.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, a range of signal transmission and reception of the signal receiving transmitter is limited to a dimension range slightly further than an aircraft outer contour line.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, the onboard refueling operation panel comprises a power switch guard cover, a power switch, a signal receiving transmitter access port, a mode selection switch knob, and a fuel quantity information display screen, wherein 5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, the power switch comprises a power switch toggle lever or button, and wherein the signal receiving transmitter access port provides power supply for the signal receiving transmitter, wherein the signal receiving transmitter access port is in a form of a convenient and fast communication interface, comprising one or more of: a USB interface, an HDMI interface, a BNC interface, a VGA interface, an M12 interface, or a combination thereof; and an interface shape of the signal receiving transmitter access port comprises one or more of: a rectangle, a circle, a polygon, or a combination thereof. the power switch and the signal receiving transmitter access port share the power switch guard cover, and wherein 6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein, in response to the signal receiving transmitter not being removed or in response to the power switch not being in an off position, the power switch guard cover is prevented from being normally closed; and in response to the power switch guard cover not being normally closed, a refueling hatch of the aircraft is prevented from being normally closed. the signal receiving transmitter access port is provided with a separate access port guard cover, and wherein 7. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein, in response to the signal receiving transmitter not being removed, the separate access port guard cover is prevented from being normally closed; and in response to the power switch guard cover not being normally closed, a refueling hatch of the aircraft is prevented from being normally closed. the signal receiving transmitter is portable and plug-and-play, and wherein the signal receiving transmitter is paired with the handheld refueling piloting device one-to-one to avoid communication signal crosstalk.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, the signal receiving transmitter comprises a signaler removal reminder label for explicitly reminding refueling personnel to timely remove the signal receiving transmitter after completing aircraft refueling operation.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, ​ 10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, the fuel quantity signal from the fuel computer is displayed in real time on the display touch screen of the airborne refueling operation panel and the handheld refueling control device synchronously; and wherein the display touch screen of the handheld refueling control device is used for directly inputting the preselected fuel quantity.

11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, an instruction input activation button is provided on the handheld refueling control device, wherein the preselected fuel quantity value or the shutoff valve control instruction input in the active state of the instruction input activation button is recognized as a valid input instruction, and the instruction to open / close the refueling shutoff valve includes one or more of the following: a swipe, a multiple tap, or a combination thereof, and the swipe path of the swipe instruction includes one or more of the following: a straight line, a curve, or a combination thereof.

12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, at least one loudspeaker is provided on the handheld refueling control device for issuing refueling progress reminders or refueling abnormality warnings to the refueling personnel, and when the at least one loudspeaker includes two loudspeakers, the two loudspeakers are arranged on mutually perpendicular planes to prevent the sound propagation channels of the two loudspeakers from being blocked at the same time.

13. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, the signal receiving transmitter communicatively couples the handheld refueling control device with the airborne refueling operation panel includes: the signal receiving transmitter is connected with the handheld refueling control device through wireless communication technology, and wherein the wireless communication technology includes one or more of the following: radio waves, 5G, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi wireless local area network, Zigbee low-speed wireless area network, IrDA infrared, NFC short-range high-frequency radio, wireless mesh network, or a combination thereof.

14. A method for remote control of aircraft refueling, comprising using the apparatus of claims 1 to 13 to remotely control aircraft refueling.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein, further comprising: Step 1: connecting the refueling connector on the ground refueling truck to the refueling connector of the aircraft; Step 2: opening the power switch protective cover on the airborne refueling operation panel of the aircraft, inserting the signal receiving transmitter into the signal receiving transmitter access port, and turning on the power switch of the airborne refueling operation panel; Step 3: controlling the handheld refueling control device to complete wireless communication self-detection and device self-detection; Step 4: holding the handheld refueling control device, pressing the input activation button, directly inputting the preselected fuel quantity on the display touch screen of the handheld refueling control device through the digital keyboard, and starting the automatic refueling operation; Step 5: when the aircraft refueling is completed, the handheld refueling control device announces at least once through voice broadcast; Step 6: removing the signal receiving transmitter from the airborne refueling operation panel, turning off the power switch of the airborne refueling operation panel, and closing the power switch protective cover; Step 7: disconnecting the refueling connector on the ground refueling truck from the refueling connector of the aircraft, and completing the refueling.

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