Air Refueling Boom Nozzle Contact Detection System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current air refueling systems face reliability issues in detecting the contact status of the refueling nozzle with the receptacle, leading to potential operational and safety hazards due to low pulse reception reliability and erroneous status indications.
Innovation Solution
A contact detection system comprising a computing device that processes signals from multiple mechanisms, including a valve, latch, and poppet valve, to provide a reliable output on the nozzle's contact status, enhancing safety and operational reliability by analyzing combined signals from these mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a unique induced signal method is used to detect nozzle connection status, then the system structure remains simple, but the detection reliability is low due to pulse reception issues and erroneous status indications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single contact status detection function into three separate detection mechanisms: a first mechanism detecting nozzle contact with the receptacle, a second mechanism detecting latch engagement status, and a third mechanism detecting valve opening status. Each mechanism independently monitors a specific aspect of the connection process, thereby segmenting the detection system to improve overall reliability while maintaining manageable complexity through functional specialization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the outputs of three separate detection mechanisms into a unified contact status determination. The computing device integrates signals from all three mechanisms (nozzle contact, latch engagement, valve opening) to generate a comprehensive and reliable contact status indication. This merging approach ensures that multiple independent verification points are synthesized into a single authoritative status signal, significantly improving detection reliability.
2Reliability
If multiple contact detecting mechanisms are implemented, then the detection reliability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single contact status detection function into three separate detection mechanisms: a first mechanism detecting nozzle contact with the receptacle, a second mechanism detecting latch engagement status, and a third mechanism detecting valve opening status. Each mechanism independently monitors a specific aspect of the connection process, thereby segmenting the detection system to improve overall reliability while maintaining manageable complexity through functional specialization.
Solution Approach 2:
The computing device continuously receives and processes feedback signals from all three detection mechanisms, dynamically updating the contact status determination based on real-time conditions. This feedback loop ensures that the system continuously verifies connection status across multiple parameters, maintaining high reliability while using automated logic to manage the complexity of processing multiple simultaneous signals.
3Measurement precision
If the computing device processes combined signals from multiple mechanisms, then the contact status accuracy improves, but the information processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the outputs of three separate detection mechanisms into a unified contact status determination. The computing device integrates signals from all three mechanisms (nozzle contact, latch engagement, valve opening) to generate a comprehensive and reliable contact status indication. This merging approach ensures that multiple independent verification points are synthesized into a single authoritative status signal, significantly improving detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The computing device automatically processes and evaluates the combined signals from all three detection mechanisms using predefined logic criteria. The system self-determines contact status by evaluating whether all required conditions are met (nozzle contacted, latch engaged, valve opened), reducing the need for external intervention and minimizing processing complexity through automated decision-making algorithms.
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 system significantly improves the detection of nozzle contact status, increasing safety and reliability during air refueling operations by providing accurate real-time information and reducing maintenance needs, while avoiding risks associated with existing systems.
Implementation Method 1
These systems nowadays used in air to air refueling operations are based on the transmission of signals between two induction coils, one located in the boom nozzle and the other one located in the receiver's receptacle. Indeed, when the nozzle is engaged in the receptacle, both coils are aligned, allowing the signal to be transmitted form tanker to receiver aircraft
Data Source
AI summary
A contact detecting system for an air refueling tanker equipped with an air refueling boom, the system comprising a boom refueling nozzle comprising a valve to allow the exit of fuel, a latch to engage the refueling nozzle, a first contact detecting mechanism configured to transmit a signal when the refueling nozzle is in a contact position, a second contact detecting mechanism configured to detect the position of the latch and to transmit a signal when the latch is latched, and a third contact detecting mechanism configured to detect the position of the valve and to transmit a signal when the valve is open. The system further comprises a computing device configured to receive the signals from the first, second and third contact detecting mechanisms and to provide an output signal of the contact status of the refueling nozzle.