Aircraft Refueling Indication System with Dual-Spectrum Lighting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aerial refueling systems face challenges in providing clear and consistent positional and operational feedback to receiver aircraft, especially under low-light conditions, as existing systems require pilots to focus on multiple visual cues and struggle with distinguishing light sources in infrared mode.
Innovation Solution
An indication system with multiple light sources that emit both visible and infrared light, operable at bright and dim settings, provides feedback on readiness and fueling status by selectively activating light sources based on refueling data, allowing pilots to easily identify their position within the refueling range without shifting focus.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If multiple separate visual cues (lights and hose markings) are used to provide positional and operational feedback, then the information provided to the pilot is comprehensive, but the pilot must repeatedly shift focus between different locations on the tanker aircraft
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate visual feedback elements (lights and hose markings) into a single integrated visual display system on the tanker aircraft. The display system includes multiple light sources positioned at different locations that collectively provide both positional and operational feedback, eliminating the need for the pilot to shift focus between separate cues.
Solution Approach 2:
The visual feedback system is segmented into multiple light sources, each providing specific information about receiver aircraft position and refueling status. Different light sources are activated based on the receiver's position relative to the tanker, providing comprehensive feedback through a unified display.
2Illumination intensity
If visible light signals are used for indication, then the pilot can observe them in daylight conditions, but they become challenging to observe under low-light conditions such as night operations
Solution Approach 1:
The light sources in the display system are designed to emit both visible light and infrared light simultaneously. This multi-functionality allows the same light sources to serve dual purposes: providing visible feedback during daylight operations and detectable infrared signals during night operations when used with night-vision equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameter of the light sources by operating them in different modes: visible light emission during daytime and infrared light emission during nighttime. This parameter change allows the system to adapt to different lighting conditions without requiring separate indication systems.
3Adaptability or versatility
If infrared lights are used during low-light conditions, then the pilot can observe them with night-vision equipment, but the pilot must identify other points of reference to determine the relative position of activated lights
Solution Approach 1:
The display system merges the functions of visible reference markers and infrared indication lights into a single integrated system. The same light sources that provide infrared indication also serve as visible reference points, eliminating the need for the pilot to identify separate reference points during night operations.
4Reliability
If the indication system provides immediate feedback only, then the pilot receives real-time information about refueling status, but the pilot receives no advanced warning when approaching range boundaries
Solution Approach 1:
The display system provides preliminary warning by activating specific light sources that indicate the receiver aircraft is approaching the boundaries of the refueling range, before the actual boundary is reached. This allows the pilot to take corrective action in advance to maintain proper positioning and avoid interruption of fuel transfer.
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
Enhances operational versatility by providing clear indications in both daylight and low-light conditions, reducing interruptions and allowing pilots to anticipate range boundaries, thus improving the efficiency and safety of aerial refueling operations.
Implementation Method 1
Each light source is configured to simultaneously emit visible light and infrared light
Data Source
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AI summary
In an example, an indication system (134) includes a plurality of light sources (236) communicatively coupled with a control system (370). The indication system (134) can be used with a refueling system (120), including a hose (122) for supplying fuel to a receiver aircraft (112). Each light source (236) is configured to simultaneously emit visible light and infrared light, and is operable at a dim setting and a bright setting. The control system (370) receives refueling data (360) from the refueling system (120). The refueling data (360) includes position data (364) indicating a position of the receiver aircraft (112) relative to the refueling system (120). The control system (370) is configured to, when the refueling data (360) indicates that the position of the receiver aircraft (112) is in a refueling range (132), activate at least one refueling light source (242) of a plurality of refueling light sources (242) at the bright setting and activate a remainder of the refueling light sources (242) at the dim setting.