Overwing Aircraft Refuelling Cross-Check System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current aircraft refuelling systems lack effective measures to prevent misfuelling, particularly during overwing fuelling, where the risk of incompatible fuel being delivered is high due to similar equipment used for different fuel types, potentially leading to engine performance failure.
Innovation Solution
A refuelling system that includes a fuel storage vessel, a fuel dispensing system with a mechanism to prevent incompatible fuel dispensing, an aircraft fuel grade identification means readable by a hand-held device, a computer interface for retrieving fuel grade information from a remote database, and an automated cross-check system to ensure compatibility between stored fuel, aircraft requirements, and previous fuel grades.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If overwing fuelling is used with similar equipment for different fuel types, then refuelling operation is simplified and faster, but the risk of misfuelling increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements automated feedback mechanisms where the fuel dispensing system reads the aircraft's fuel grade requirement identification means, compares it with the stored fuel grade information, and provides real-time feedback to prevent incompatible fuel dispensing. This feedback loop ensures that only compatible fuel is delivered while maintaining efficient overwing fuelling operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical checking procedures with automated electronic identification and verification systems. The hand-held device and computer interface automatically read, store, and compare fuel grade information, eliminating the need for manual verification and reducing human error in the refuelling process.
2Device complexity
If manual checking of fuel compatibility is performed by refuelling personnel, then system complexity is low, but the reliability of preventing misfuelling is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel dispensing system performs self-verification by automatically reading the aircraft's fuel requirement identification means and comparing it with the stored fuel grade information. This self-service mechanism eliminates reliance on manual checking by refuelling personnel and ensures consistent, reliable fuel compatibility verification without increasing operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary electronic verification layer between the fuel storage vessel and the aircraft. The hand-held device and computer interface act as intermediaries that automatically compare fuel grade requirements, providing a reliable barrier against misfuelling while maintaining system simplicity through automated mediation rather than complex manual procedures.
3Reliability
If additional automated checks are implemented at the refuelling point, then misfuelling prevention reliability improves, but the refuelling process time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary verification of fuel compatibility automatically before the refuelling process begins. The hand-held device reads the aircraft's fuel requirement identification means and the fuel dispensing system verifies compatibility with the stored fuel grade in advance, ensuring that only compatible fuel is dispensed without causing delays during the actual refuelling operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces time-consuming manual verification procedures with rapid automated electronic reading and comparison processes. The hand-held device and computer interface automatically retrieve, store, and compare fuel grade information in seconds, providing reliable verification while minimizing time loss compared to manual checking procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
A refuelling system suitable for use with an overwing fuelled aircraft comprising: (b) a stored fuel grade identification means for identifying the fuel grade stored in the fuel storage vessel and available type(s) of delivery of the fuel to the aircraft; (d) an aircraft fuel grade identification means being attached to, or forming part of, an overwing fuelled aircraft, wherein said aircraft fuel grade identification means represents the fuel grade requirement of the aircraft and is readable from the exterior of the aircraft; (g) a transmission and receiving system which enables information regarding the fuel grade that had previously been supplied to the aircraft having the aircraft registration number inputted into the computer interface and the type of delivery of fuel which may be used by said aircraft to be retrieved from a remote database; (i) an automated cross-check system which is configured to retrieve the fuel grades identified by the fuel identification means in (b), retrieve the fuel grade identified in (d) from the hand-held device, retrieve the type(s) of delivery of fuel identified by the fuel identification means in (b) and by the system of element (g), and the previous fuel grade supplied to the aircraft identified by the system in element (g) which can generate a positive response signal if all of the fuel grades identified are compatible with each other and the type(s) of delivery of fuel to the aircraft are compatible.