Automated Aircraft Store Loading System for Rapid Turnaround
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Solution Overview
Problem
The current aircraft store loading process is time-consuming and prone to errors, particularly during urgent situations like integrated combat turns, as it requires manual attachment of stores to hardpoints by ground crews.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that uses a controller to load stores onto aircraft hardpoints, determining the relative position of the aircraft, positioning the stores, and securing them to corresponding hardpoints, allowing for simultaneous loading across multiple hardpoints, with features like identifying aircraft configurations and detecting damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual attachment of stores to hardpoints is used, then flexibility and adaptability are maintained, but integrated combat turnaround time increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The aircraft performs self-identification through transponders and barcodes, automatically providing configuration data to the loading system without requiring manual input from ground crews. The system reads aircraft ID, retrieves configuration from database, and automatically determines hardpoint locations and store assignments
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical attachment operations with an automated computer-controlled system that uses sensors, databases, and automated positioning to attach stores to hardpoints, eliminating the need for manual measurement and attachment procedures
2Reliability
If manual store loading process is used, then system complexity remains low, but error rate increases and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors and verifies store attachment status through sensors and status indicators, providing feedback to confirm successful loading and detect errors. The automated system tracks each store's position and attachment state, ensuring reliable completion of the loading process
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-retrieves aircraft configuration data from a database before the loading process begins, using the aircraft's identification code to obtain hardpoint locations, store assignments, and attachment requirements in advance, ensuring accurate and error-free loading
3Measurement precision
If automated positioning system is implemented, then positioning precision improves, but device complexity and initial cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs universal reference markers and standardized positioning protocols that can be applied across different aircraft types and loading scenarios. The same positioning system architecture serves multiple functions including hardpoint location determination, store positioning, and verification across various aircraft configurations
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a device and method to load stores on an aircraft. The device may include a controller configured to: assign one or more stores to the aircraft; and control at least one actuator to: control a position of the aircraft; load the one or more stores onto one or more corresponding lift portions; position the one or more stores relative to a position of the aircraft determined in accordance with sensor information from at least one sensor; and secure the one or more stores to the aircraft.