Telescoping Refueling Boom Length Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current refueling boom systems face challenges in avoiding interference with auxiliary power unit exhausts and require operator intervention for precise positioning, leading to potential errors and increased workload.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that sense the length of the refueling boom and automatically adjust its position using a state machine and control laws to prevent extension beyond allowed lengths, ensuring the boom remains out of the exhaust path and can be deployed or stowed without operator input.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the refueling boom is extended to fully reach the receiving aircraft, then refueling efficiency is improved, but the boom may interfere with or contact exhaust from the auxiliary power unit
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors the elevation angle of the refueling boom and automatically adjusts its longitudinal position based on real-time feedback. When the boom approaches angles that would cause exhaust interference, the system automatically retracts it to a safe position, preventing harmful contact while maximizing refueling efficiency during safe operating conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The refueling boom system performs self-adjustment without operator intervention. The automatic control system independently monitors boom position, calculates safe operating parameters, and executes position corrections to avoid exhaust interference, making the system self-regulating and reducing pilot workload
2Reliability
If the refueling boom operator manually controls the boom retraction to avoid exhaust interference, then safety is improved, but operator workload and potential for error increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically monitors boom position, determines safe operating parameters, and executes retraction commands without operator intervention. The control system serves itself by independently managing the conflict between refueling efficiency and exhaust avoidance, eliminating the need for continuous operator attention while maintaining safety
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical control with an automated electronic control system. Sensors, processors, and actuators work together to automatically adjust boom position based on elevation angle, substituting human judgment and manual manipulation with automated electronic control to reduce workload and eliminate human error
3Reliability
If the auxiliary power unit is relocated or redesigned to avoid exhaust interference, then safety is improved, but time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of changing the fixed physical configuration of the auxiliary power unit, the system dynamically adjusts the refueling boom position in real-time. The boom automatically changes its longitudinal position based on its elevation angle, creating a dynamic solution that avoids exhaust interference without requiring any physical relocation or redesign of stationary components
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the refueling boom (its longitudinal position) based on the elevation angle parameter. By dynamically adjusting position as a function of angle, the system achieves safety without modifying the physical configuration or location of the auxiliary power unit, avoiding costly redesign
4Adaptability or versatility
If the refueling boom is made flexible to improve positioning capability, then adaptability is improved, but control complexity increases due to pitch and yaw pivot interactions
Solution Approach 1:
The automated control system handles multiple control functions (elevation, azimuth, and longitudinal position) through a single integrated control algorithm. The system universally manages all boom degrees of freedom by calculating safe operating parameters based on elevation angle and automatically adjusting position, simplifying the control interface while maintaining full adaptability
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.