Flying Boom Tip Detection for Automatic Aerial Refueling Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current in-flight refueling operations with flying booms are manually controlled, lacking automation, which complicates the precise alignment of the fuel nozzle with the receiving aircraft's receptacle, leading to potential safety and efficiency issues.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing multiple sensors and emitters, including 3D vision cameras, Time Of Flight cameras, and neural networks, to determine the precise positions of the nozzle and receptacle relative to a common reference center, enabling semi-automatic or automatic alignment and fuel transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual control is used for boom refueling operations, then the system is simpler to operate, but the precision of alignment between nozzle and receptacle is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical alignment operations with an automated optical-mechanical system. Multiple cameras (stereo vision system) capture images of the nozzle and receptacle, and a computer processing system automatically calculates positions and generates control signals, substituting human visual estimation and manual control with automated image processing and computational geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates visual copies (images) of the physical objects (nozzle and receptacle) using multiple cameras. These optical copies are then processed computationally to determine precise positions and orientations, allowing the system to work with replicated visual information rather than direct physical measurement, thereby improving precision without proportionally increasing physical complexity.
2Reliability
If automated control is implemented, then operational safety and efficiency improve, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a closed-loop feedback system where cameras continuously monitor the positions of the nozzle and receptacle, the computer processing system constantly calculates relative positions and orientations, and control signals are automatically adjusted in real-time to maintain proper alignment. This continuous feedback loop ensures operational safety by constantly verifying correct positioning throughout the refueling process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent integrates multiple functions into a single automated system: the camera system performs both visualization and measurement functions, the computer processing system handles image analysis, position calculation, and control signal generation, and the same system serves both tanker and receiver aircraft coordination. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized devices for each function.
3Loss of information
If visual acquisition by operator is used, then the system requires minimal equipment, but the information accuracy about nozzle and receptacle positions is insufficient for automated control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional manual visual estimation to three-dimensional precise spatial measurement using stereo vision. Multiple cameras capture images from different angles, allowing the system to calculate exact three-dimensional positions, distances, and orientations of the nozzle and receptacle, providing comprehensive spatial information in all dimensions rather than relying on operator visual judgment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary computational processing of visual information to extract precise position and orientation data before control actions are executed. The system pre-calculates relative positions, distances, and alignment parameters from captured images, preparing accurate position information in advance so that automated control can proceed with precise knowledge of the current state without real-time uncertainty.
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
This system provides robust and reliable positioning data for the tanker and receiving aircraft, allowing for safe and efficient automatic or semi-automatic refueling operations, reducing pilot workload and improving operational safety and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
Time Of Flight cameras, and neural networks, to determine the precise positions of the nozzle and receptacle
Data Source
AI summary
System for detecting the tip of the pole of the flying boom of a tanker and of the mouth of the receptacle of the receiver for semi-automatic or automatic contact for in-flight refueling with a boom, which ensures to provide the control system of the tanker's boom with robust, reliable and simultaneous information in real time with regards to the end of its pole and of the mouth of the receiver's receptacle, at all times. To this end, the system comprises: 1) light emitters mounted on the tip of its pole, 2) light emitters mounted on the contour of the receptacle of the receiving aircraft, 3) a processing subsystem and 4) two 3D cameras, a TOF camera, synchronised with a light emitter and an additional camera together with a structured light emitter generated with a DOE-type lens.