Aircraft Refueling Nozzle Height Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid systems, such as those used in aircraft refueling, do not account for differences in fluid filling heights, leading to pressure drops that reduce filling efficiency due to varying wing heights of aircraft.
Innovation Solution
A fluid system with sensors and a controller that regulate fluid flow and pressure, compensating for nozzle height differences by calculating expected nozzle pressure based on flow rate, pressure, and height differences, using equations like P2e=P1-(Q2*Cv*62.4*ρ) and adjusting the fluid regulator to maintain desired pressure at the nozzle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the fluid system uses a fixed calibration height for refueling, then the system is simple to operate, but the fluid fill efficiency decreases when aircraft wing heights differ from the calibration height
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the regulator setpoint pressure based on the actual nozzle height. The controller receives height information from sensors and modifies the target pressure accordingly, allowing the system to adapt to different aircraft configurations rather than relying on a fixed calibration height
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by using height sensors to detect the actual nozzle position and feeding this information back to the controller. The controller then adjusts the regulator setpoint based on this feedback, creating a closed-loop system that maintains optimal fill efficiency across varying heights
2Productivity
If the system compensates for nozzle height differences by adjusting regulator setpoint pressure, then the fluid fill efficiency is maintained, but the device complexity increases due to additional sensors and control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The height sensors serve multiple functions: they detect nozzle height, provide input for pressure calculation, and enable the system to handle various aircraft types. The controller performs multiple tasks including receiving sensor data, calculating required pressure adjustments, and regulating the fluid flow, reducing the need for separate dedicated components
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the pressure parameter dynamically based on height variations. By adjusting the regulator setpoint pressure according to the actual nozzle height, the system maintains optimal fill conditions without requiring physical recalibration or multiple fixed-pressure regulators
3Measurement precision
If the system recalibrates for different aircraft wing heights, then the measurement precision improves, but the loss of time increases due to recalibration requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary height detection and pressure calculation before the refueling operation begins. By measuring the nozzle height and calculating the appropriate regulator setpoint in advance, the system eliminates the need for time-consuming recalibration during the refueling process
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual recalibration procedures with automated sensor-based height detection and electronic pressure regulation. Instead of mechanical adjustment of regulators for different aircraft, the system uses electronic sensors and controllers to automatically adapt to varying heights
4Device complexity
If the system maintains fixed pressure regulation, then the device complexity is low, but the fluid pressure at the nozzle varies with height differences affecting fill performance
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure regulation transitions from static to dynamic. The regulator setpoint is no longer fixed but changes dynamically based on the detected nozzle height, ensuring consistent pressure at the nozzle regardless of height variations while maintaining relatively simple regulation hardware
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 effectively compensates for nozzle height differences, maintaining efficient fluid fill times and pressures across different aircraft wing heights without the need for recalibration, reducing fueling time and ensuring consistent performance.
Implementation Method 1
Height differences may result in a pressure drop in the fluid system
Implementation Method 2
a height sensor that may be configured to determine a nozzle height
Implementation Method 3
a flow sensor that may be configured to sense a fluid flow rate of fluid in said fluid conduit
Implementation Method 4
a pressure sensor that may be configured to sense a fluid pressure of the fluid conduit downstream of the fluid regulator
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure includes a fluid system that may include a fluid conduit (30) that may be configured for connection with a fluid source (20) and a fluid destination (80). The system may include a fluid regulator (40) that may be configured to regulate fluid flow between said fluid source (20) and said fluid destination (80). The system may include a nozzle (66) that may be connected to the fluid conduit and may configured to connect the fluid conduit with said fluid destination. The system may include a first sensor (70.1) that may be connected to the fluid conduit, and a second sensor (70.4) that may be configured to acquire information from which a height of the nozzle can be determined. The system may include a controller (50) that may be configured to control operation of the fluid regulator according to (i) an output of the first sensor and (ii) the information acquired by the second sensor.