Aircraft Refueling Nozzle Connection Detection System
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for detecting the status of the connection of a telescoping tube during air-to-air refueling are unreliable, relying on induced magnitudes and manual control, which can lead to unsafe refueling processes due to lack of reliable information on nozzle insertion and latch status.
Innovation Solution
A system that directly detects the status of the nozzle's connection to the receptacle on the receiving aircraft using inductance variation and proximity sensors, allowing for real-time measurement of insertion, latch status, and trigger position without modifying the receptacle, providing more reliable information for safe refueling operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If induction coils are used to detect connection status, then the system can detect connection indirectly, but the reliability of detection is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the indirect electromagnetic induction-based detection system with direct mechanical sensing systems. Specifically, it uses mechanical position sensors, latches with direct mechanical feedback, and trigger mechanism sensors that provide direct physical detection of connection status, eliminating the unreliable indirect measurement through induction coils.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary sensing mechanisms between the nozzle and receptacle components. These intermediaries include mechanical position sensors, magnetic sensors, and electrical contact sensors that directly detect the physical state of connection, providing reliable intermediate information about connection status without relying on indirect electromagnetic induction.
2Ease of operation
If manual control is used for connection and disconnection, then the operator can control the process, but the process becomes unsafe due to lack of reliable information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements comprehensive feedback systems that continuously monitor connection status, latch position, and trigger state. These feedback mechanisms provide real-time information to the operator through visual indicators, electrical signals, or mechanical feedback, enabling safe manual control by ensuring the operator always has reliable information about the current state of the refueling connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent supplements manual control with automated sensing and indication systems. Mechanical position sensors, magnetic detectors, and electrical indicators replace the operator's reliance on visual observation and manual checking, providing continuous, reliable feedback that enhances safety while maintaining manual control capability.
3Ease of manufacture
If induced magnitudes are used for detection, then the system can operate without modifying the receptacle, but the measurement accuracy is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces intermediary sensing elements that can detect status without requiring modification to the receptacle. These intermediaries include magnetic sensors, capacitive sensors, or optical sensors positioned on the nozzle or in the surrounding environment that detect connection status through field interactions rather than direct contact or receptacle modification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces indirect electromagnetic induction detection with direct mechanical or optical sensing systems. These systems use physical position sensors, magnetic field detectors, or optical sensors that provide accurate measurement without requiring receptacle modification, achieving both ease of manufacture and measurement precision.
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
The system enhances the reliability of connection and disconnection detection, ensuring safe and efficient air-to-air refueling by providing direct and accurate information on nozzle insertion and latch status, reducing the risk of manual errors and induced measurement inaccuracies.
Implementation Method 1
A system that directly detects the status of the nozzle's connection to the receptacle on the receiving aircraft using inductance variation
Implementation Method 2
using inductance variation and proximity sensors
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4a
Figure 4b~4c
AI summary
System for detecting the status of a tube for fuel transfer. It comprises a nozzle (2) for a telescoping tube employed in air to air refueling and transfer of fuel on a tanker aircraft that comprises a system that detects the status of the connection of said nozzle (2) with respect of a receptacle (4) in a receiving aircraft, said system detecting the characteristics of the status of the connection of said nozzle (2) in receptacle (4) by means of direct measurement of parameters in the nozzle (2) itself of the tanker aircraft. The invention also refers to a telescoping tube employed in air to air refueling and transferring fuel in a tanker aircraft, that that comprises such a nozzle (2), and also to a tanker aircraft that comprises such a telescoping tube.