Telescoping Refueling Boom Control for Drift-Free Tube Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional aircraft refueling boom systems experience large command-to-position errors and telescoping tube drift due to reliance on either position control feedback or rate control feedback alone, which are insufficient for modern telescoping refueling boom actuators during in-flight operations.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system that dynamically selects between telescoping tube rate control mode and position control mode based on current position error and rate of movement, using a processor to manage the actuator and transition between modes to maintain accurate control and prevent drift.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional position control feedback is used exclusively during free air maneuvering and fueling contact, then the control system is simple to operate, but large command-to-position errors occur while the boom is in contact with a receiver aircraft
Solution Approach 1:
The control system dynamically transitions between position control mode and contact mode based on operational conditions. During free air maneuvering, position control maintains accurate positioning, while during contact operations, the system switches to contact mode to accommodate physical interaction with the receiver aircraft, thereby resolving the contradiction between operational simplicity and positioning accuracy across different flight phases
2Measurement precision
If a contact mode is used to allow the telescope to move freely with the receiver aircraft, then large command-to-position errors are negated during contact, but the telescoping tube experiences drift in the absence of operator commands
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor telescoping tube position and operator input. During contact mode, feedback from the contact force sensors allows the tube to follow the receiver aircraft while maintaining force control. When no contact is detected or operator command is zero, feedback triggers a transition to position hold mode, preventing drift by actively maintaining the current position rather than allowing free movement
Solution Approach 2:
The control system dynamically switches between contact mode and position hold mode based on real-time detection of contact conditions and operator input. This dynamic transition ensures that the telescoping tube maintains stability during non-contact phases while accommodating contact movements during fueling operations, resolving the contradiction between contact accuracy and position stability
3Speed
If rate control feedback alone is used, then the system responds quickly to operator commands, but telescoping tube movement occurs even without operator input, resulting in tube drift
Solution Approach 1:
The control system dynamically transitions between rate control mode and position hold mode based on operational context. During active fueling operations with operator input, rate control provides rapid response to commands. When fueling is complete or no operator command is present, the system switches to position hold mode, which actively maintains the current position and prevents drift, thus resolving the contradiction between response speed and position stability
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems and methods according to one or more embodiments are provided for rate and position control modes used in the operations of a telescoping refueling boom system. In one example, a system includes a telescoping tube and an actuator coupled to the telescoping tube and configured to extend and/or retract the telescoping tube. A processor is coupled to the actuator and configured to select a telescoping tube rate control mode and/or a telescoping tube position control mode based on a telescoping tube current position error, a telescoping tube current rate of movement, and a value of a telescoping tube rate command. (Fig. 1)