ARBEE System Bypasses Mechanical Shaft Failures
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aerial refueling boom systems are susceptible to single point failures due to quad-electric dual-mechanical sensors, where a mechanical shaft failure in one sensor produces identical incorrect outputs for both channels, making it impossible to determine which sensor is faulty.
Innovation Solution
The Aerial Refueling Boom Elevation Estimation (ARBEE) system uses a data collector, optimizer, and comparator to receive data from inertial measurement units, cable length sensors, and dynamic pressure sensors, optimizing the data to create a lookup table that allows for accurate estimation of the boom's elevation angle by utilizing the constant hoist-cable tension function, which is a function of dynamic pressure, azimuth angle, and hoist-cable length.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If quad-electric dual-mechanical sensors are used to measure boom elevation, then measurement precision is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to single point mechanical shaft failure producing identical incorrect outputs for both channels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary estimation system that uses hoist-cable length measurements and dynamic pressure data as mediators to calculate boom elevation angle independently of the faulty mechanical sensors. This intermediary calculation path bypasses the failed sensor channels and provides a reliable alternative measurement method.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the failed mechanical sensor system with a computational approach that substitutes mechanical measurement with a mathematical model-based estimation. The system uses non-mechanical sensors (cable length sensor, dynamic pressure sensor) and computational algorithms to determine elevation angle, eliminating dependence on the faulty mechanical shaft sensors.
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are used to measure boom position, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes existing sensors serve multiple functions: the hoist-cable length sensor not only controls cable deployment but also provides data for elevation estimation; the dynamic pressure sensor not only monitors flight conditions but also contributes to elevation calculation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for dedicated sensors for each measurement task.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own operational parameters (cable length, dynamic pressure) to self-determine boom elevation without requiring separate dedicated sensors. The existing sensor network serves itself by providing data that can be processed to derive additional measurement information that was previously requiring separate hardware.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
An aerial refueling boom elevation estimation ("ARBEE") system for estimating an elevation angle of an aerial refueling boom on an aerial refueling aircraft is described. The ARBEE system may include a data collector, storage unit, optimizer, and comparator.