In-flight Refueling Hose Tension Control via Drum Torque Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing in-flight refueling systems lack comprehensive control over the motion of the hose and drogue device, leading to risks such as missed contacts, device breakage, and whipping effects due to improper force management during various phases of refueling.
Innovation Solution
A system that continuously measures tension and acceleration at the end of the hose and drogue, using this data to control the torque applied to the drum device, ensuring target tension values are maintained throughout refueling phases, and providing real-time feedback to pilots to prevent unsuitable connections and disconnections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If comprehensive control of hose and drogue motion is implemented, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback control by measuring the actual tension in the hose and comparing it to target tension values, then adjusting the drum torque accordingly. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures reliable operation while managing system complexity through automated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical control with an automated control system that uses sensors to measure tension and a controller to adjust drum torque. This substitution of mechanical control with automated sensing and control improves reliability while the complexity is managed through electronic control systems.
2Reliability
If tension control is continuously adjusted, then missed contacts are reduced, but measurement precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses continuous feedback from tension sensors to adjust drum torque, ensuring the hose maintains appropriate tension to prevent missed contacts. The feedback loop compensates for variations in tension, reducing the need for extremely high measurement precision while maintaining reliable operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system dynamically adjusts the drum torque based on real-time tension measurements and the specific phase of refueling operation. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain optimal tension control while accommodating variations in measurement precision across different operating conditions.
3Strength
If device breakage is prevented through control, then strength is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system performs preliminary actions by continuously monitoring tension and adjusting drum torque before critical failure conditions occur. This proactive control prevents device breakage by maintaining tension within safe limits, avoiding the need for more complex reinforcement of the hose and drogue structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The feedback control mechanism continuously monitors hose tension and adjusts drum torque to prevent excessive forces that could cause device breakage. This feedback-based strength management prevents failure while avoiding the need for overly complex structural reinforcements.
4Stability of the object's composition
If whipping effects are controlled, then stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system uses feedback from tension sensors to detect and correct conditions that lead to whipping effects. By continuously adjusting drum torque based on tension measurements, the system maintains hose stability and prevents whipping without requiring complex additional stabilization mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts drum torque to maintain hose stability and prevent whipping effects during different phases of refueling. This dynamic control approach ensures stability while avoiding the need for complex mechanical stabilization devices.
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 solution enables precise control of the hose and drogue motion, reducing the risk of device failure and missed contacts, while preventing whipping effects and ensuring safe, controlled refueling operations by adapting to varying forces and conditions.
Implementation Method 1
measuring continuously the tension R at the end of the hose resultant from the applied forces on the drogue and from the tension Te applied to the hose by the drum device
Data Source
AI summary
A method for in-flight refueling of a receiver aircraft from a tanker aircraft including: measuring continuously a tension at an end of a hose extending from the tanker aircraft towards the receiver aircraft, and using the measured tension to control a torque applied to a drum device deploying the hose from the tanker aircraft such that the tension at the end of the hose conforms to target tensions during each phase of the refueling operation.