Airborne Refueling Roll Control for Precise Tanker Alignment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current airborne refueling systems face challenges in precisely controlling the roll angle of refueling devices during in-flight refueling, which can lead to inefficiencies and safety concerns due to the lack of precise spatial disposition and alignment between the refueling device and the receiver aircraft.
Innovation Solution
A computerized method and system utilizing a controller with processing circuitry, sensors, and actuators to control the roll angle of a refueling device, including ailerons and rudders, to maintain a desired roll angle synchronized with the tanker aircraft, ensuring precise alignment and safe refueling operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a hose and drogue system or boom and receptacle system is used for airborne refueling, then fuel transfer can be achieved during flight, but precise control of the refueling device's spatial disposition and alignment with the receiver aircraft is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs feedback control mechanisms where sensors detect the actual position and orientation of the refueling device relative to the receiver aircraft, and this information is fed back to the control system. The controller processes this feedback and adjusts the actuator commands to minimize alignment errors, thereby achieving precise spatial disposition during refueling operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical control with an automated computerized control system. Instead of relying on pilot skill and manual manipulation of the refueling device, the system uses processors, sensors, and actuators to automatically control the device's position and orientation, significantly improving alignment precision while simplifying operation.
2Productivity
If manual control of the refueling device is used, then the system structure can be simpler, but the refueling efficiency and safety are reduced due to imprecise alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The refueling device is equipped with self-control capabilities through integrated sensors, processors, and actuators. The system autonomously monitors its own position, calculates required adjustments, and executes corrective actions without external intervention, thereby improving refueling efficiency while the added complexity is confined to the automated control subsystem.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system performs multiple functions including position sensing, orientation measurement, deviation calculation, and actuator control within a single integrated architecture. This multi-functionality improves refueling efficiency by coordinating all control aspects simultaneously, while the modular design manages system complexity through functional integration.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Computerized system and method of controlling a refueling device including, when the device is in a non-engaged state: receiving a first roll angle of a tanker, determining a first desired roll angle, and providing a command for controlling a roll element, thereby attempting to achieve or maintain a first roll angle that is substantially the same as the roll angle of the tanker. And, when the device is in an engaged state: receiving a second roll angle of the tanker, determining a second desired roll angle, and providing a command related to the desired roll angle for controlling a yaw element, thereby attempting to achieve or maintain a second roll angle that is substantially the same as the roll angle of the tanker, wherein the roll angle of the device during the engaged state is facilitated due to a degree of freedom between the refueling device body and refueling nozzle.