Aerial Refueling Boom Controller Merging Operator and Sensor Inputs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated aerial refueling systems lack controllability, as they operate in either fully automated or fully manual modes, failing to accommodate situations where operator assistance is needed without taking over control, and do not seamlessly integrate both operator and sensor inputs for precise positioning of the refueling boom.
Innovation Solution
A system that combines operator input and sensor data to control the position of the aerial refueling device, allowing the operator to assist or override automated control, with a controller summing signals to adjust the boom's position based on both inputs, enabling simultaneous manual and automated control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If fully automated control is used to position the refueling boom, then positioning precision is improved, but operator controllability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines automated sensor-based positioning with manual operator control into a unified system. The controller receives input signals from both sensors (providing automated precision) and operator input devices (providing manual controllability), merges these signals, and generates command signals that reflect both inputs. This merging allows the system to maintain positioning precision while preserving operator controllability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the balance between automated and manual control based on operational needs. The controller can seamlessly transition between relying more on sensor input or operator input, allowing the control characteristics to change dynamically during refueling operations. This dynamic adaptability resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to optimize for precision or controllability depending on the situation.
2Ease of operation
If fully manual control is used to position the refueling boom, then operator controllability is improved, but positioning precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges manual operator control with automated sensor feedback to create a hybrid control system. The controller combines input signals from both the operator input device and sensors, allowing operators to maintain direct control while benefiting from automated precision measurements. This merging enables both operator controllability and positioning precision to coexist.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses sensor feedback to enhance manual control. Sensors continuously monitor the boom position and provide feedback signals that are combined with operator inputs. This feedback loop allows operators to make informed manual adjustments with precise positional awareness, improving positioning precision while maintaining operator controllability.
3Reliability
If the system requires precise relative spatial positioning of rapidly moving aircraft, then refueling safety is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller serves multiple functions: it processes sensor signals, processes operator input signals, merges these signals, generates command signals, and manages the refueling operation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated systems for each function, thereby managing system complexity while maintaining refueling safety through integrated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated sensor-based positioning system operates autonomously to maintain precise spatial positioning, reducing the burden on operators and minimizing human error. The system self-regulates the boom position based on sensor feedback, ensuring refueling safety without requiring constant manual intervention, thus managing complexity through automation.
4Ease of operation
If the system integrates both operator and sensor inputs, then controllability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges operator input signals and sensor input signals into a unified control command through a single controller. This merging approach consolidates multiple control pathways into one integrated system, improving controllability while managing device complexity by avoiding the need for separate independent control systems for each input type.
Data Source
AI summary
Aerial refueling systems and associated methods are disclosed. A system in accordance with one embodiment of the invention includes an operator input device configured to receive operator inputs and direct a first input signal corresponding to a target position for an aerial refueling device. A sensor can be positioned to detect a location of at least one of the aerial refueling device and a receiver aircraft, and can be configured to direct a second input signal. A controller can be operatively coupled to the operator input device and the sensor to receive the first and second input signals and direct a command signal to adjust the position of the aerial refueling device in response to both the first and second input signals, unless either or both of the input signals are absent or below a threshold value. Accordingly, the system can respond to both automatically generated sensor data and data input by an operator. A fully automated version of the system can be installed on an unmanned aircraft having additional capabilities, for example, electronic surveillance and/or jamming capabilities.