Refueling Boom Actuator Coordination for Slow Airspeed Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aerial refueling systems face challenges in deploying and stowing refueling booms at slow airspeeds, where the boom aerodynamic control surface does not generate sufficient lift to lift the boom above the latch, and existing systems lack coordination between hoist and aerodynamic actuators for single-button operation throughout the aerial refueling envelope.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a hoist actuator and aerodynamic control surface that work in coordination, with the hoist lifting the boom off the latch and the aerodynamic control surface activating only after the boom is lifted, allowing for single-button deployment and stowing across the entire aerial refueling envelope, even at slow airspeeds, by transitioning between different actuator state modes based on flight conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the boom aerodynamic control surface is used to lift the boom off the latch, then the boom can be deployed at normal airspeeds, but it fails to generate sufficient lift at slow airspeeds
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two previously separate systems (hoist system and aerodynamic control system) into a coordinated dual-mode system. The hoist actuator and aerodynamic control surface work together in a unified control architecture that selects between mechanical lifting (hoist) and aerodynamic lifting (control surface) based on flight conditions, enabling deployment across the entire airspeed envelope
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically transitions between two actuator state modes based on real-time flight conditions. The controller monitors airspeed and automatically switches between hoist-dominated mode (slow airspeeds) and aerodynamic control surface-dominated mode (normal airspeeds), making the system adaptable to varying operational requirements
2Ease of operation
If the hoist and aerodynamic control surface operate independently, then each can function in its optimal conditions, but coordination between them is lacking for single-button operation
Solution Approach 1:
The controller continuously monitors flight conditions (airspeed, boom position) and uses this feedback to automatically determine the appropriate actuator state mode. This closed-loop control enables single-button operation where the system self-regulates the coordination between hoist and aerodynamic control surface without requiring pilot intervention or complex manual coordination procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The unified control system makes the refueling boom system universally operable across the entire aerial refueling envelope. A single deployment command works regardless of airspeed conditions because the controller automatically adapts the actuator coordination strategy, making the system multi-functional across different flight regimes
3Productivity
If both hoist and aerodynamic control surface are active simultaneously, then deployment might be faster, but damage may occur due to conflicting forces
Solution Approach 1:
The controller acts as an intermediary that manages the transition between hoist and aerodynamic control surface activation. It monitors the boom lifting state and coordinates the timing of actuator activation, ensuring that the aerodynamic control surface is not activated while the boom is still in contact with the latch, thereby preventing conflicting forces and potential damage
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary assessment of flight conditions before activating the aerodynamic control surface. The controller determines whether airspeed is sufficient to generate adequate lift before commanding the aerodynamic actuator to engage, preventing premature activation that could cause mechanical stress or damage to the boom system
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 enables reliable and efficient deployment and stowing of the refueling boom across the entire aerial refueling envelope, including slow airspeed conditions, by ensuring the hoist and aerodynamic control surface are not active simultaneously, preventing damage and improving usability.
Implementation Method 1
a boom aerodynamic control surface of the refueling boom generates aerodynamic lift to raise the refueling boom off a latch
Implementation Method 2
The boom aerodynamic control surface then provides aerodynamic control to fly the refueling boom away from the fuselage
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A
AI summary
Systems and methods for deploying and stowing a refueling boom (110). Deploying the refueling boom (110) includes lowering a refueling boom structure with a hoist (114) while a boom aerodynamic control surface (112) of the refueling is deactivated, determining that first transition conditions have been met, switching the hoist actuator state mode, and activating the boom aerodynamic control surface (112). Stowing the refueling boom includes flying the refueling boom towards a fuselage (120), determining that second transition conditions have been met, switching the hoist actuator state mode, and raising a refueling boom structure (116) of the refueling boom (110) with the hoist (114).