Refueling Boom Optical Positioning System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing in-flight refueling systems face challenges in accurately guiding the refueling boom due to air velocity interference with ultrasound sensors and the lack of application of laser interferometry in this field, necessitating a precise and secure method for boom positioning during refueling operations.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising light emitting devices, such as lasers, mounted on the refueling boom that project visible light beams onto the receiver aircraft's receptacle, providing distance and location indications through varying spots of incidence, monitored and displayed to the operator for precise alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If ultrasound sensors are used for guiding the refueling boom, then the system can provide positioning information, but the air velocity disturbs the sensor measurements and reduces measurement precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the acoustic field-based ultrasound sensors with an optical field-based laser interferometry system. The laser interferometer measures distance by detecting interference patterns of light waves, which are not affected by air velocity or acoustic disturbances. This substitution of the physical field (acoustic to optical) eliminates the harmful interference from air motion while maintaining positioning capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from acoustic wavelength (ultrasound) to optical wavelength (laser light). By using laser interferometry, the system operates at a different physical regime where the measurement is based on the interference of coherent light waves, which are immune to air velocity disturbances. This parameter change fundamentally alters how the measurement is made, transforming it from an acoustic-based system to an optical-based system.
2Measurement precision
If laser interferometry is used for distance measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but the system complexity increases and has not been applied to refuelling operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the laser interferometer into the existing refueling boom system, making the boom serve dual functions: both as the fuel transfer mechanism and as the carrier for the distance measurement device. The laser interferometer is mounted on the boom and works together with the existing control systems, allowing one system to perform multiple functions (refueling + precise measurement) without requiring entirely separate systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a monitoring system as an intermediary between the laser interferometer and the operator. This monitoring system processes the complex interferometric data and presents simplified visual or digital information to the operator, acting as a mediator that translates the sophisticated measurement technology into usable information without exposing the operator to the underlying complexity.
3Ease of operation
If the boom approximation operation is performed manually by the operator, then control flexibility is maintained, but the operation is sensitive and requires very precise and accurate control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback system where the laser interferometer continuously measures the distance between the boom and the receiver aircraft, and this information is fed back to the operator or to an automated control system. This real-time feedback allows the operator to make precise adjustments based on actual measured distance, transforming the manual operation into a guided process that achieves high precision while maintaining operator flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the laser interferometer to perform preliminary distance measurements and calculations before the actual connection is made. By continuously monitoring the distance and providing advance information about the relative position, the system enables the operator to prepare for and execute the connection maneuver with higher precision, performing the critical positioning action before the final contact is made.
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
Enables safe and accurate positioning of the refueling boom relative to the receiver aircraft, enhancing the precision and security of the refueling operation by providing visual cues for correct alignment and connection.
Implementation Method 1
A system comprising light emitting devices, such as lasers, mounted on the refueling boom that project visible light beams onto the receiver aircraft's receptacle
Data Source
AI summary
System (1) for providing indication of the position of a refuelling boom (2) in a tanker aircraft relative to a receptacle (17) in a receiver aircraft during refuelling operations, in particular in the approximation operation, the system (1) comprising a plurality of light emitting devices (23-33) mountable on the boom (2), each emitting device (23-33) providing a respective visible light beam, said light beams providing spots of incidence (3-13) when contacting the receptacle (17) in the receptor aircraft, in such a manner that the position of the spots of incidence (3-13) on the receptacle (17) varies depending on the position of the refuelling boom (2) relative to the receiver aircraft in the approximation operation. The invention also relates to a method for the approximation operation of a refuelling boom (2) in a tanker aircraft to a receptacle (17) in a receiver aircraft operating such a system (1).