Aircraft Propellant-Handling Module for In-Flight Refueling
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Solution Overview
Problem
In-flight refueling for large civil aircraft is hindered by the need for specialized training and safety concerns related to handling propellant supply lines, which are not practical for commercial airline crews.
Innovation Solution
A propellant-handling module installed in the receiver aircraft that includes a motorized drum unit for retracting the propellant supply line from the tanker, eliminating the need for the receiver aircraft to carry a propellant supply line and reducing safety and certification issues, while allowing for standardization and rapid retrofitting across various aircraft types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the receiver aircraft carries a propellant supply line for in-flight refueling, then refueling capability is enabled, but safety risks and certification complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the propellant supply line from the receiver aircraft and relocates it to the tanker aircraft. The receiver aircraft now only carries a retrieval device that grabs onto the supply line deployed by the tanker, eliminating the safety risks associated with carrying hazardous propellant lines on commercial aircraft while maintaining refueling capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the receiver aircraft carries a propellant supply line for in-flight refueling, then refueling capability is enabled, but certification issues and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
By removing the propellant supply line from the receiver aircraft configuration, the patent eliminates the need for complex safety certifications and hazardous material handling approvals that would be required for commercial aircraft. This makes certification significantly easier and more cost-effective.
3Ease of operation
If commercial airline crews undergo specialized training for in-flight refueling, then operational capability is improved, but training costs and time requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional refueling role assignment: instead of the receiver aircraft crew controlling the refueling operation, the tanker aircraft crew (who are already trained for this operation) now control the entire refueling process from their aircraft. This eliminates the need for commercial airline crews to undergo specialized refueling training while maintaining full operational capability.
4Productivity
If a modular propellant-handling module is used for retrofitting, then installation speed and cost are improved, but device complexity must be managed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the refueling system into two independent modules: a complex propellant supply system on the tanker aircraft and a simple retrieval device on the receiver aircraft. The receiver module can be retrofitted as a standalone unit without affecting the tanker, enabling rapid installation and easier maintenance while managing overall system complexity through modular separation.
Data Source
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AI summary
A propellant-handling module for installation in a host aircraft comprises: a motorised drum unit comprising a line and drogue for engagement with a propellant supply line of a propellant supply aircraft and for drawing the propellant supply line from the propellant supply aircraft to the host aircraft when the propellant supply aircraft is located behind the host aircraft; a propellant inlet configured for connection with the propellant supply line; a propellant outlet in communication with the propellant inlet and configured for connection with a propellant system of the host aircraft; an electrical power unit for powering the propellant-handling module; and a communication and control system for receiving a deploy command signal and a return command signal from the supply aircraft and configured to: receive said deploy command signal and in response control the motorised drum unit to deploy the line and drogue for said engagement with the propellant supply line; and receive said return command signal and in response control the motorised drum unit to return the line and drogue to the host aircraft in said engagement with the propellant supply line for drawing the propellant supply line from the propellant supply aircraft to the host aircraft when the propellant supply aircraft is located behind the host aircraft.