Aerial Refueling Boom Braking Apparatus for Anomalous Extension Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aerial refueling boom systems experience anomalous extensions due to hydraulic system malfunctions, leading to loss of control during refueling operations.
Innovation Solution
A braking apparatus with a pulley and lock mechanism that prevents rotation of the second tube relative to the first tube by engaging calipers or a pin when the hydraulic actuation source performance is reduced, ensuring controlled extension and retraction of the refueling boom.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a hydraulic system is used to control boom extension and retraction, then the boom can be controllably extended and retracted during refueling operations, but the system may experience anomalous extensions due to hydraulic component malfunctions
Solution Approach 1:
The braking apparatus applies a counteracting force to the hydraulic actuation system by engaging brake calipers that frictionally contact the pulley, preventing anomalous boom extensions caused by hydraulic component malfunctions such as stuck valves or pressure leaks
Solution Approach 2:
The braking apparatus serves as an intermediary safety mechanism between the hydraulic actuation source and the boom tubes, using a pulley-cable-brake assembly to detect and respond to anomalous hydraulic pressure conditions that could cause uncontrolled boom movement
2Reliability
If a braking apparatus is added to prevent anomalous extensions, then boom control reliability is improved during hydraulic system failures, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The braking apparatus is designed to automatically engage and disengage based on hydraulic pressure conditions without requiring external control signals, using the hydraulic system's own pressure fluctuations to trigger the safety mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The braking apparatus utilizes hydraulic pressure differential detection to control the engagement of brake calipers, employing hydraulic actuators that respond to pressure anomalies in the boom extension/retraction system
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The braking apparatus effectively reduces or eliminates anomalous extensions, maintaining control over the refueling boom even during actuation source performance degradation, thereby ensuring safe and controlled refueling operations.
Implementation Method 1
The lock may also include a spring configured to actuate the pin and to move the pin from the open position to the actuated position
Implementation Method 2
The actuation source comprises a hydraulic pressure source, wherein the lock further comprises a housing in which the spring and the pin are disposed
Implementation Method 3
a cable wraps at least partially thereabout, wherein the pulley is operably mounted to the first tube and configured to rotate in response to movement of the second tube relative to the first tube
Data Source
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AI summary
A braking apparatus of an aerial refueling boom system is provided to reduce the likelihood of or to prevent anomalous boom extension. The braking apparatus includes a pulley about which a cable wraps. The pulley is configured to be operably mounted to a first tube of the boom system and to rotate in response to movement of a second tube relative to the first tube as a result of the connection of the cable to the second tube. The braking apparatus also includes a lock, such as a brake or a pin lock, having open and actuated positions. In the actuated position, rotation of the pulley and movement of the second tube relative to the first tube are prevented. The lock is configured to be actuated by a reduction in performance of an actuation source that otherwise controls the relative positions of the first and second tubes.