An aerial refueling docking determination apparatus

Abstract

The present application relates to a kind of aerial refueling docking determination device, comprising: first induction module, second induction module, auxiliary determination module;First induction module is located in the refueling connector of tanker, auxiliary determination module is located on the refueling connector;First induction module is electrically connected with auxiliary determination module;Second induction module is located in the oil receiving plug of receiver;In the docking process of refueling connector and oil receiving plug, first induction module and second induction module are coupled, so that auxiliary determination module is in the first state or second state, determine that refueling connector and oil receiving plug are successfully docked;First induction module and second induction module are not coupled, so that auxiliary determination module is in the third state, determine that refueling connector and oil receiving plug are not successfully docked.The device has the advantages of simple structure, without tedious operation, and high universality.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of aerial refueling technology, and specifically relates to an aerial refueling docking determination device. Background Technology

[0002] To increase aircraft range, besides improving aircraft and engine performance, the only option is to increase the onboard fuel capacity. However, increasing aircraft weight inevitably reduces flight range. To solve this problem, aerial refueling technology was proposed. Aerial refueling allows an aircraft to refuel other aircraft or helicopters during flight via a tanker aircraft, thereby increasing the aircraft's endurance. Aerial refueling methods include two main categories: hose-and-drogue (HDR) and boom (HDR). HDR refueling equipment includes a winch, a 22-30 meter long hose, and a cone-shaped sleeve. The cone-shaped sleeve is lightweight and equipped with a mechanical self-locking mechanism. When the receiving hose is inserted into the cone-shaped sleeve, this mechanism automatically locks, connecting the sleeve to the refueling hose. The hose's extension and retraction are controlled by the winch.

[0003] With the rapid development of technology, the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) has become increasingly widespread. In traditional aerial refueling, the pilot can determine whether the tanker and receiver aircraft have successfully docked. However, when refueling UAVs, confirmation of docking requires the use of a docking confirmation device. However, the existing docking confirmation devices have overly complex processes and lack universal applicability. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the aforementioned problems in the prior art, this invention provides an aerial refueling docking confirmation device. The technical problem to be solved by this invention is achieved through the following technical solution:

[0005] This invention provides an aerial refueling docking determination device, comprising: a first sensing module, a second sensing module, and an auxiliary determination module; the first sensing module is located inside the refueling connector of the refueling aircraft, and the auxiliary determination module is located on the refueling connector; the first sensing module and the auxiliary determination module are electrically connected; the second sensing module is located inside the refueling connector plug of the receiving aircraft; during the docking process between the refueling connector and the receiving connector, when the first sensing module and the second sensing module are coupled, the auxiliary determination module is in a first state or a second state, and when the auxiliary determination module is in the first state or the second state, it indicates that the refueling connector and the receiving connector have successfully docked; when the first sensing module and the second sensing module are not coupled, the auxiliary determination module is in a third state, and when the auxiliary determination module is in the third state, it indicates that the refueling connector and the receiving connector have not successfully docked.

[0006] In some embodiments, the refueling connector includes a conical sleeve; the auxiliary determination module includes multiple indicator lights; the multiple indicator lights are evenly arranged on one side of the conical sleeve.

[0007] In some embodiments, when in the first state, the plurality of indicator lights are off; when in the second state, the plurality of indicator lights flash at a predetermined flashing frequency; and when in the third state, the plurality of indicator lights are constantly on.

[0008] In some embodiments, the refueling connector includes a conical sleeve; the first sensing module is disposed on the side of the conical sleeve away from the auxiliary determination module.

[0009] In some embodiments, the first sensing module includes at least: a first sensing submodule, a second sensing submodule, and a third sensing submodule; the first sensing submodule, the second sensing submodule, and the third sensing submodule are evenly arranged around the side of the cone sleeve away from the auxiliary determination module.

[0010] In some embodiments, the second sensing module includes at least a fourth sensing submodule, a fifth sensing submodule, a sixth sensing submodule, and a seventh sensing submodule; the fourth sensing submodule, the fifth sensing submodule, the sixth sensing submodule, and the seventh sensing submodule are evenly arranged around one end of the oil receiving plug.

[0011] In some embodiments, the first sensing submodule, the second sensing submodule, and the third sensing submodule are all reed switches.

[0012] In some embodiments, each sensing submodule in the second sensing module includes at least four magnets.

[0013] In some embodiments, the device further includes: an image recognition module and an image acquisition module; the image recognition module and the image acquisition module are disposed on the receiving unit; the image recognition module is electrically connected to the image acquisition module and the second sensing module respectively; the image acquisition module is used to acquire image information in real time to characterize the state of the auxiliary judgment module and send the image information to the image recognition module; the image recognition module is used to recognize the image information and output the corresponding recognition result, wherein the recognition result includes: the refueling connector and the receiving plug are successfully connected, and the refueling connector and the receiving plug are not successfully connected.

[0014] In some embodiments, the device further includes: a pose adjustment module; the pose adjustment module is disposed on the receiving machine and electrically connected to the image recognition module and the image acquisition module respectively; the pose adjustment module is used to generate a movement trajectory using the acquired image information when the recognition result indicates that the refueling connector and the receiving plug have not successfully docked, so as to adjust the docking posture of the receiving plug and the refueling connector.

[0015] Compared with existing technologies, the beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: Addressing the problem that existing docking confirmation devices are overly complex and lack universality, this invention provides an aerial refueling docking confirmation device. During the docking process between the refueling connector of the tanker aircraft and the receiving connector of the receiver aircraft, this device determines whether the refueling connector and the receiving connector have successfully docked by judging whether a first sensing module is coupled with a second sensing module, thus placing the auxiliary determination module in a first or second state. This device has the advantages of simple structure, eliminating the need for cumbersome operations to determine the docking status, greatly simplifying the confirmation process, applicability to various applications, and high universality. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is an example diagram illustrating an application scenario of the aerial refueling docking determination device provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0017] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram showing the location of the auxiliary determination module provided in this embodiment of the invention;

[0018] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing the installation position of the first sensing module provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the docking of the first sensing module and the second sensing module provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 5 This is a partial docking diagram of the first sensing module and the second sensing module provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure label:

[0022] 1: Fuel dispenser; 2: Receiving unit; 3: Fuel connector; 4: Receiving plug; 5: Camera; 31: First sensing module; 32: Auxiliary judgment module; 33: Cone sleeve; 41: Second sensing module; 311: First sensing sub-module; 312: Second sensing sub-module; 313: Third sensing sub-module; 331: Umbrella canopy; 411: Fourth sensing sub-module; 412: Fifth sensing sub-module; 413: Sixth sensing sub-module; 414: Seventh sensing sub-module. Detailed Implementation

[0023] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to specific embodiments, but the implementation of the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0024] In the description of this invention, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0025] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. In addition, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification.

[0026] Although the invention has been described herein in conjunction with various embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand and implement other variations of the disclosed embodiments by reviewing the accompanying drawings, disclosure, and appended claims in carrying out the claimed invention. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other components or steps, and "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. A single processor or other unit can implement several functions listed in the claims. While different dependent claims may recite certain measures, this does not mean that these measures cannot be combined to produce good results.

[0027] The aerial refueling docking determination device proposed in this invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 1 This is an example diagram illustrating an application scenario of the aerial refueling docking determination device provided in an embodiment of the present invention. In one possible application scenario, the tanker aircraft 1 is a manned or unmanned aircraft, and the receiver aircraft 2 is an unmanned aircraft; as shown... Figure 1 As shown, the refueling connector 3 extending from the refueling aircraft 1 is aligned with the refueling connector 4 of the receiving aircraft 2. To determine whether the refueling aircraft 1 and the receiving aircraft 2 have successfully docked, the aerial refueling docking determination device provided in this embodiment of the invention is used for determination.

[0028] Here, the aerial refueling docking determination device provided in this embodiment of the invention includes: a first sensing module 31, a second sensing module 41, and an auxiliary determination module 32; the first sensing module 31 is located inside the refueling connector 3 of the refueling aircraft 1, and the auxiliary determination module 32 is located on the refueling connector; the first sensing module 31 and the auxiliary determination module 32 are electrically connected; the second sensing module 41 is located inside the refueling connector 4 of the receiving aircraft 2; during the docking process of the refueling connector 3 and the refueling connector 4, when the first sensing module 31 and the second sensing module 41 are coupled, the auxiliary determination module 32 is in a first state or a second state, and when the auxiliary determination module 32 is in the first state or the second state, it indicates that the refueling connector 3 and the refueling connector 4 have successfully docked; when the first sensing module 31 and the second sensing module 41 are not coupled, the auxiliary determination module 32 is in a third state, and when the auxiliary determination module 32 is in the third state, it indicates that the refueling connector 3 and the refueling connector 4 have not successfully docked.

[0029] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram showing the location of the auxiliary determination module provided in an embodiment of the present invention. For example... Figure 2 As shown, the refueling connector 3 includes a conical sleeve 33; the auxiliary judgment module 32 includes multiple indicator lights; the multiple indicator lights are evenly arranged on one side of the conical sleeve 33. For example, the conical sleeve 33 is funnel-shaped, and the multiple indicator lights are arranged on the canopy 331 and evenly distributed at the bottom of the conical sleeve 33 (or, at the opening of the conical sleeve 33). The specific number can be set according to actual needs, and no specific number is limited here.

[0030] Here, in the first state, multiple indicator lights are off; in the second state, multiple indicator lights flash at a predetermined flashing frequency; and in the third state, multiple indicator lights are constantly on. Specifically, in normal operation, the first sensing module 31 is not coupled to the second sensing module 41, the sensing circuit inside the first sensing module 31 is not conductive, and multiple indicator lights are constantly on; when the first sensing module 31 is coupled to the second sensing module 41, the sensing circuit inside the first sensing module 31 is conductive, causing the multiple indicator lights electrically connected to the first sensing module 31 to be off or flash at a certain frequency.

[0031] It should be noted that multiple indicator lights can also be used to generate various specific patterns to assist the refueling machine 1 and the receiving machine 2 in docking.

[0032] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing the installation location of the first sensing module provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 As shown, the refueling connector 3 includes a cone sleeve 33; the first sensing module 31 is located on the side of the cone sleeve 33 away from the auxiliary judgment module 32.

[0033] Figure 4This is a schematic diagram of the docking of the first sensing module and the second sensing module provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 As shown, the oil receiving plug 4 extends into the conical sleeve 33 of the oil filling connector 3 and is successfully engaged in the oil filling connector 3. At this time, the first sensing module 31 and the second sensing module 41 are coupled.

[0034] Figure 5 This is a partial docking diagram of the first sensing module and the second sensing module provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 As shown, the first sensing module 31 includes at least a first sensing submodule 311, a second sensing submodule 312, and a third sensing submodule 313. The first sensing submodule 311, the second sensing submodule 312, and the third sensing submodule 313 are evenly distributed around the conical sleeve 33 on the side away from the auxiliary judgment module 32. The first sensing submodule 311, the second sensing submodule 312, and the third sensing submodule 313 have identical structures, and the included angle between them is 120°. It should be understood that the number of sensing submodules in the first sensing module 31 can be increased or decreased according to actual needs.

[0035] Please continue to refer to Figure 5 The second sensing module 41 includes at least: a fourth sensing submodule 411, a fifth sensing submodule 412, a sixth sensing submodule 413 and a seventh sensing submodule 414; the fourth sensing submodule 411, the fifth sensing submodule 412, the sixth sensing submodule 413 and the seventh sensing submodule 414 are evenly arranged around one end of the oil receiving plug 4.

[0036] Here, the first sensing submodule 311, the second sensing submodule 312, and the third sensing submodule 313 are all reed switches. A reed switch, also known as a magnetic reed switch, consists of two magnetic reeds (typically composed of iron and nickel metals) sealed inside a glass tube. When an external magnetic field approaches, the two reeds are attracted together, and when the external magnetic field moves away, the two reeds are separated. Furthermore, each sensing submodule in the second sensing module includes at least four magnets. It should be understood that the number of magnets can be increased or decreased according to actual needs.

[0037] For example, during the docking process of the refueling connector 3 and the receiving plug 4, when the magnetic field provided by the second sensing module 41 is sensed, the first sensing submodule 311, the second sensing submodule 312, and the third sensing submodule 313 are in working state, so that multiple indicator lights are turned off synchronously or flash at a certain frequency, it is determined that the refueling connector 3 and the receiving plug 4 are successfully docked; when the magnetic field provided by the second sensing module 41 is not sensed, the first sensing submodule 311, the second sensing submodule 312, and the third sensing submodule 313 are in sleep state, and multiple indicator lights are constantly on, it is determined that the refueling connector 3 and the receiving plug 4 are not successfully docked.

[0038] The device further includes: an image recognition module and an image acquisition module; the image recognition module and the image acquisition module (not shown in the figure) are mounted on the receiving unit; the image recognition module is electrically connected to the image acquisition module and the second sensing module, respectively; the image acquisition module is used to acquire image information in real time to characterize the state of the auxiliary judgment module and send the image information to the image recognition module; the image recognition module is used to recognize the image information and output the corresponding recognition result, wherein the recognition result includes: the refueling connector and the receiving plug are successfully connected, and the refueling connector and the receiving plug are not successfully connected. Furthermore, the device also includes: a pose adjustment module; the pose adjustment module is mounted on the receiving unit and is electrically connected to the image recognition module and the image acquisition module, respectively; the pose adjustment module is used to generate a movement trajectory using the acquired image information when the recognition result is that the refueling connector and the receiving plug are not successfully connected, in order to adjust the docking posture of the receiving plug and the refueling connector.

[0039] In one possible implementation, the image acquisition module is a camera 5. This camera 5 is mounted on top of the receiving unit to capture image information displayed by the indicator lights in real time. An image recognition module and a pose adjustment module together form a visual measurement and recognition system. This system issues control commands based on the image information captured by the camera to control the receiving unit 2 to continuously adjust the insertion posture of the receiving plug until it successfully docks with the refueling plug in the refueling machine 1.

[0040] It should be understood that the present invention does not limit the product type of the camera 5, the image recognition method used by the image acquisition module, or the pose adjustment method used by the pose adjustment module.

[0041] To address the problem that existing docking confirmation devices are too complex and lack universality, this invention provides an aerial refueling docking confirmation device. During the docking process between the refueling aircraft's refueling connector and the receiving aircraft's refueling connector, this device determines whether the refueling connector and the receiving connector have successfully docked by judging whether a first sensing module is coupled to a second sensing module, thus placing the auxiliary determination module in either a first or second state. This device has the advantages of simple structure, no need for cumbersome operations to determine the docking status, greatly simplifying the confirmation process, applicability to various applications, and high universality.

[0042] The above description, in conjunction with specific preferred embodiments, provides a further detailed explanation of the present invention. It should not be construed that the specific implementation of the present invention is limited to these descriptions. For those skilled in the art, various simple deductions or substitutions can be made without departing from the concept of the present invention, and all such modifications and substitutions should be considered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. An aerial refueling docking determination device, characterized in that, The device includes: a first sensing module, a second sensing module, and an auxiliary determination module; The first sensing module is located inside the refueling connector of the fuel dispenser, and the auxiliary determination module is located on the refueling connector; the first sensing module is electrically connected to the auxiliary determination module; the second sensing module is located inside the receiving plug of the receiving fuel dispenser. During the docking process between the refueling connector and the receiving plug, when the first sensing module and the second sensing module are coupled, the auxiliary determination module is in a first state or a second state. When the auxiliary determination module is in the first state or the second state, it indicates that the refueling connector and the receiving plug have successfully docked. When the first sensing module and the second sensing module are not coupled, the auxiliary determination module is in a third state. When the auxiliary determination module is in the third state, it indicates that the refueling connector and the receiving plug have not successfully docked. The refueling connector includes a cone sleeve; the first sensing module is disposed on the side of the cone sleeve away from the auxiliary determination module; The first sensing module includes at least: a first sensing submodule, a second sensing submodule, and a third sensing submodule; the first sensing submodule, the second sensing submodule, and the third sensing submodule are evenly arranged around the side of the cone sleeve away from the auxiliary determination module; The second sensing module includes at least: a fourth sensing submodule, a fifth sensing submodule, a sixth sensing submodule, and a seventh sensing submodule; the fourth sensing submodule, the fifth sensing submodule, the sixth sensing submodule, and the seventh sensing submodule are evenly arranged around one end of the oil receiving plug; The first sensing submodule, the second sensing submodule, and the third sensing submodule are all reed switches; each sensing submodule in the second sensing module includes at least 4 magnets.

2. The aerial refueling docking determination device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The refueling connector includes a conical sleeve; the auxiliary judgment module includes multiple indicator lights; the multiple indicator lights are evenly arranged on one side of the conical sleeve.

3. The aerial refueling docking determination device according to claim 2, characterized in that, When in the first state, the plurality of indicator lights are off; when in the second state, the plurality of indicator lights flash at a predetermined flashing frequency; when in the third state, the plurality of indicator lights are constantly on.

4. The aerial refueling docking determination device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The device further includes: an image recognition module and an image acquisition module; the image recognition module and the image acquisition module are mounted on the oil receiver; the image recognition module is electrically connected to the image acquisition module and the second sensing module respectively; The image acquisition module is used to acquire image information in real time to characterize the state of the auxiliary judgment module, and send the image information to the image recognition module; The image recognition module is used to recognize the image information and output the corresponding recognition result, wherein the recognition result includes: the refueling connector and the receiving plug are successfully connected, and the refueling connector and the receiving plug are not successfully connected.

5. The aerial refueling docking determination device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The device further includes: a pose adjustment module; the pose adjustment module is disposed on the oil receiver and is electrically connected to the image recognition module and the image acquisition module respectively; The pose adjustment module is used to generate a movement trajectory using the acquired image information when the recognition result indicates that the refueling connector and the receiving plug have not been successfully connected, so as to adjust the connection posture of the receiving plug and the refueling connector.

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