Flexible Structure Status Detection for Flying Boom Filter Coherence

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for detecting the physical status of a flexible structure, such as an air-to-air refuelling flying boom system, suffer from Filtering Mode Mismatch issues, leading to inadequate control and potential structural damage due to incorrect filtering mode activation, especially when the coil signal fails to be generated or recognized during refuelling operations.

Innovation Solution

A method that uses discrete-time scalar signals from active measurement sources to estimate the activity of the first elastic mode for both free-movement and restricted-movement statuses, employing notch filters and amplitude demodulation to compute the probability of the flexible structure being in a restricted-movement status, and recursively updating the filtering mode based on a binary discrete input signal to ensure coherent control with the actual physical status.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the coil signal method is used to detect physical status, then the system can identify mating status, but the system suffers from Filtering Mode Mismatch when the coil signal fails to be generated or recognized

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection reliabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses the flexible structure's own dynamic response characteristics (vibrations and movements) as the detection signal, eliminating the need for external coil signals. The structure itself provides the information needed for status detection through its natural mechanical behavior during contact and non-contact states.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the electromagnetic coil signal detection system with a mechanical vibration analysis system. Instead of using electrical signals to detect mating status, the system analyzes mechanical vibrations and movements of the flexible structure to determine physical status.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If additional measurement sources are added to improve detection accuracy, then the detection precision improves, but the system configuration becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvephysical status detection precisionVSAvoidmeasurement source configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If the filtering mode is switched based on coil signal, then the control adapts to physical status, but the system experiences handling qualities degradation or unstable aeroservoelastic coupling when the filtering mode mismatches the actual physical status

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol adaptabilityVSAvoidcontrol stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors the flexible structure's dynamic response and uses this feedback to determine the current physical status. The filtering mode is adjusted based on real-time analysis of vibrations and movements, ensuring the control system adapts to the actual contact or non-contact state of the flexible structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts the filtering mode based on real-time analysis of the flexible structure's vibrations and movements. Instead of static filtering mode selection, the system continuously adapts the filtering characteristics to match the current physical status, improving both adaptability and stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 approach effectively detects the physical status of the flexible structure without requiring additional measurement sources, simplifying system configuration and preventing Filtering Mode Mismatch conditions, thus ensuring stable and accurate control of the flying boom system.

Implementation Method 1

analyzing vibrations and movements of the flexible structure to determine whether it is in a contact state or a non-contact state

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVibration: Vibration

Data Source

PatentEP4060309B1Method for detecting a physical status of a flexible structure

Publication Date: 2023.05.10 AIRBUS DEFENCE & SPACE SAU

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AI summary

The present invention belongs to the field of flight control laws (CLAWs) used to control a flexible structure, for example an air to air refuelling flying boom system, specifically to a method for detecting the physical status determined by the exogenous boundary conditions acting on said flexible structure. The present invention is also related to a computer program which carries out the method for detecting the physical status of a flexible structure, as well as to a system and aircraft comprising such a flexible structure.