Differential-Speed Aircraft Docking With Impact Load Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fixed-wing aircraft recovery systems face challenges with large size, heavy weight, poor portability, and low automation due to imprecise docking methods and lack of functional separation between docking and braking tasks, complicating subsequent storage operations.
Innovation Solution
A differential-speed target precise docking and recovery system utilizing a high-dynamic, high-precision mechanical arm with impact load isolation means, comprising a braking and guiding system, a docking arm, and a control system to achieve precise docking and load transfer, minimizing system size and weight by isolating impact loads from the mechanical arm.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a traditional fixed-wing aircraft recovery system is used, then the aircraft can be recovered, but the system becomes large in size, heavy in weight, and poor in portability due to imprecise docking methods
Solution Approach 1:
The recovery system is segmented into independent functional modules: a mechanical arm for precise docking operations, a braking device for energy reduction, and a guiding system. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized independently, reducing overall system weight while maintaining high docking precision through the specialized mechanical arm design.
Solution Approach 2:
A docking device serves as an intermediary component that interfaces between the mechanical arm and the target aircraft. This intermediary enables precise force transmission and positioning, allowing the mechanical arm to achieve high docking precision without requiring the entire system to be oversized or overly heavy.
2Device complexity
If a traditional fixed-wing aircraft recovery system is used, then the aircraft can be recovered, but the system becomes large in size and heavy in weight due to lack of functional separation between docking and braking tasks
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates docking functions (handled by the mechanical arm and docking device) from braking functions (handled by the dedicated braking device). This functional segmentation reduces structural complexity by eliminating the need for a monolithic heavy-duty structure that would be required to handle both docking and braking forces simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The braking function is extracted from the docking mechanism and implemented as a separate braking device. This extraction allows the docking mechanism to be designed for precision with minimal weight, while the braking device independently handles energy reduction, thereby reducing overall system weight and simplifying the structural design.
3Extent of automation
If a traditional fixed-wing aircraft recovery system is used, then the aircraft can be recovered, but automation is reduced due to imprecise docking methods requiring manual intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The control system incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor the mechanical arm's position and the docking device's state in real-time. This feedback enables automated adjustment and correction during the docking process, allowing the system to achieve high precision automatically without requiring manual intervention, thereby increasing the extent of automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical arm and docking device are designed to perform self-alignment and self-adjustment through automated control algorithms. The system automatically compensates for positioning errors and adjusts docking forces, enabling the recovery operation to proceed with a high degree of automation and precision without human operators directly controlling the docking maneuver.
Data Source
AI summary
A differential-speed target precise docking and recovery system includes a braking and guiding system, a guiding arm, a control system, and an impact load isolation means. The braking and guiding system is configured to reduce target energy and includes a braking device and a docking device that is connected to the braking device. The impact load isolation means releases or optimizes a force applied on a mechanical arm during the docking and braking process of a target, and transfers or transmits a load from the target imposed on the system to a buffering system.