Aircraft Refueling Device Hose Position Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current airborne refueling systems, such as hose and drogue and boom and receptacle systems, face limitations in efficiently managing the refueling hose's extension and retraction to maintain optimal distance and alignment with the receiver aircraft, particularly in multi-point refueling scenarios, leading to potential accidents and reduced efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A method and system utilizing a controller with processing circuitry to adjust force generating arrangements on the refueling device, determining whether to extend or retract the hose based on desired and current positions, maintaining a reference force to control the distance between the refueling device and the aircraft, allowing for precise maneuvering and alignment with the receiver aircraft.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the hose length is manually controlled without active force management, then the system structure is simpler, but the alignment precision and safety are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a controller that continuously monitors the position of the refueling device relative to the receiver aircraft and adjusts the force generating arrangements accordingly. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables precise alignment by comparing actual position with desired position and making real-time corrections through force adjustments on the hose.
Solution Approach 2:
The refueling device includes autonomous control capabilities where the controller automatically determines whether to extend or retract the hose based on position data, and autonomously adjusts the force generating arrangements without requiring constant manual intervention, enabling the system to self-correct and maintain optimal alignment.
2Productivity
If a single boom system is used for refueling, then the device structure is simpler, but the refueling productivity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The refueling system is divided into multiple independent refueling devices, each capable of operating autonomously to service different receiver aircraft. This segmentation allows parallel refueling operations, significantly increasing productivity while each individual device maintains a manageable structure and control system.
Solution Approach 2:
Each refueling device is designed with universal capabilities to service multiple types of receiver aircraft through standardized interfaces and adaptive control algorithms. The force generating arrangements and controller can adjust to different refueling scenarios, enabling a single device type to perform multiple functions and service various aircraft configurations.
3Measurement precision
If the hose force is not actively managed, then the energy consumption is lower, but the position control accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The force generating arrangements dynamically adjust the force applied to the hose based on real-time position feedback and control algorithm decisions. The system transitions between different force states (extend, retract, maintain) as needed to achieve and maintain desired position accuracy, optimizing energy usage by applying force only when and where necessary for precise control.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for controlling maneuver of a refueling device, that includes: a refueling device is attached by a hose to a component of an aircraft. That component maintains a reference force on the hose. The desired position and current position of the refueling device are obtained. A determination is made, based on the current and desired positions of the refueling device, whether to extend or retract the hose. Depending on the determination, a command is sent for adjusting force generating arrangements that are attached to the refueling device. This causes the component to detect a changed force and to maintain the reference force on the hose. The distance between the fueling device and the aircraft is thereby changed.