Articulated Boom Nozzle Torsion Cable Reel Wear Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aerial refueling boom nozzles face wear issues due to internal wiring at the articulating joint and service loop, as the nozzle deflects and returns to its neutral position, leading to potential cable flop and loss of tension.
Innovation Solution
A cable assembly with a torsion cable reel system is implemented, where the electrical wiring is connected to a solenoid and other devices without passing through articulation points, and the torsion cable reel maintains tension on the cable assembly during nozzle deflection and recoil, preventing cable flop.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If internal wiring passes through the articulating joint and service loop in the articulated boom nozzle, then electrical connectivity is maintained during nozzle deflection, but wear occurs at the articulating joint and cable tension is lost due to cable flop
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the wiring from the articulating joint area by routing it through the boom rather than through the nozzle's articulation points. The wiring is contained in a service loop that is pulled through the boom, separating the wear-prone articulating joint from the electrical connectivity function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a cable tensioning mechanism as an intermediary between the wiring and the articulating joint. This mechanism maintains constant tension on the cable assembly, preventing cable flop and eliminating the harmful wear caused by repeated deflection and relaxation cycles.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the articulated boom nozzle deflects during operation, then flexibility and adaptability are improved, but cable flop occurs and tension is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic cable tensioning system that automatically adjusts to maintain constant tension during nozzle deflection. The cable assembly is routed through the boom with a tensioning mechanism that compensates for changes in cable length and position as the nozzle deflects, preventing cable flop while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary tension to the cable assembly through the boom's tensioning mechanism before deflection occurs. This pre-tensioning prevents cable flop and maintains stability during subsequent deflection movements, ensuring the wiring remains taut throughout the range of motion.
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 solution ensures that the electrical wiring remains stationary and the cable assembly remains taut, preventing wear and ensuring reliable operation of the articulated boom nozzle during refueling operations.
Implementation Method 1
a cable assembly with a torsion cable reel system is implemented, where the electrical wiring is connected to a solenoid and other devices without passing through articulation points, and the torsion cable reel maintains tension on the cable assembly during nozzle deflection and recoil, preventing cable flop
Data Source
AI summary
A boom nozzle assembly for use with an aerial refueling boom on an aerial refueling aircraft where a shielded wiring cable from the aerial refueling boom is connected to an articulated boom nozzle through an electrical connection on the wear ring of the articulated boom nozzle and then routed to a solenoid and other devices of the articulated boom nozzle without passing through the universal joint area of the articulated boom nozzle. The boom nozzle assembly may include a torsion cable reel that keeps the shielded wiring cable in tension as the articulated boom nozzle changes its position relative to the boom nozzle assembly. The torsion cable reel may be positioned within a cable reel housing attached at the aft end of the aerial refueling boom.