Aircraft Refueling Boom Control System for Exhaust Stream Avoidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for stowing a refueling boom on aircraft often result in the boom entering the exhaust stream of an auxiliary power unit, and operators may struggle to correctly retract the boom, leading to potential damage and increased workload.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that automatically control the refueling boom's length and position using sensors and a state machine to prevent extension into the exhaust stream, allowing for automatic deployment and stowage without operator input, and incorporating control laws to manage boom movement and prevent interference with the auxiliary power unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the refueling boom is elevated and fully extended towards a horizontal position, then the boom can reach the receiving aircraft for fuel transfer, but the boom enters the exhaust stream of the auxiliary power unit causing potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The control system performs preliminary action by automatically retracting the boom to a safe position before the auxiliary power unit is activated. This prevents the boom from being in the exhaust stream when the engine runs, eliminating the harmful effect while maintaining the ability to extend the boom when needed for refueling operations
Solution Approach 2:
The control system uses feedback from sensors that detect boom position and auxiliary power unit status to automatically adjust boom extension. When the APU is active, the system receives feedback indicating engine operation and automatically retracts the boom; when the APU is inactive, the boom can be extended to the horizontal position for refueling
2Reliability
If manual control methods are used to retract the boom before elevation, then the operator can avoid exhaust interference, but the operator workload increases and errors may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The control system provides self-service by automatically managing boom retraction and extension based on APU status without requiring operator intervention. The system monitors engine operation and autonomously adjusts boom position, eliminating operator workload while maintaining reliable positioning accuracy through automated control logic
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical control with an automated electronic control system that uses sensors and control algorithms to manage boom positioning. This substitution eliminates the need for operators to manually retract the boom while providing more consistent and reliable positioning through electronic feedback control
3Ease of operation
If the auxiliary power unit is turned off or relocated to avoid exhaust conflicts, then boom operation is simplified, but redesign and relocation are time consuming and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The control system implements dynamics by enabling the boom to adapt its extension state based on real-time APU operation status. Rather than fixing the boom in a retracted position or modifying the APU location, the system dynamically adjusts boom position according to whether the engine is running, maintaining operational simplicity without requiring physical redesign
Data Source
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AI summary
A method, apparatus, and computer program product for controlling a refueling boom (316). A length (330) of the refueling boom (316) may be sensed to form an identified length for the refueling boom. A determination may be made as to whether the identified length of the refueling boom is extended more than an allowed length (728) for the refueling boom. A command to move the refueling boom within the allowed length for the refueling boom may be generated if the refueling boom is extended more than the allowed length.