Aircraft Refueling Device Pressure Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aircraft refueling devices are hindered by heavy and complex mechanical pressure regulators, which require elaborate maintenance and are not suitable for efficient pressure control across a wide range of fuel flow pressures.
Innovation Solution
A refueling device with a deformable fuel circulation conduit equipped with sensors to measure pressure upstream and downstream, allowing for continuous monitoring and calculation of pressure drops, enabling real-time comparison to a reference value for abnormal situation detection and eliminating the need for a mechanical pressure regulator downstream.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mechanical pressure regulator is installed downstream of the deformable conduit to limit fuel pressure, then the pressure control function is achieved, but the device becomes heavier and more complex with elaborate maintenance requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical pressure regulator with an electronic control system consisting of pressure sensors (upstream and downstream of the deformable conduit), a microprocessor-based calculation unit, and an alert system. The system calculates pressure loss by comparing sensor readings and detects anomalies electronically, eliminating the need for complex mechanical moving parts while maintaining reliable pressure monitoring and control functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces pressure sensors as intermediary measurement devices that indirectly monitor pressure conditions without directly interfering with the fuel flow. The sensors act as mediators between the pressure system and the control unit, enabling detection of pressure anomalies through electrical signals rather than mechanical intervention, thus simplifying the overall system architecture.
2Stress or pressure
If a mechanical pressure regulator is used to limit pressure to approximately 3.5 bar, then pressure limitation is achieved, but the regulator is heavy and requires elaborate maintenance procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical pressure regulator with an electronic monitoring system that uses pressure sensors and microprocessor-based calculation to detect pressure anomalies. This electronic system eliminates heavy mechanical components and complex maintenance requirements while maintaining the ability to control and monitor fuel pressure effectively throughout the refueling operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-diagnosis by continuously monitoring pressure differential across the deformable conduit and automatically detecting anomalies such as clogging or deformation. The alert system provides self-service functionality by notifying operators of maintenance needs without requiring complex manual inspection procedures, thereby simplifying maintenance operations.
3Stress or pressure
If the mechanical pressure regulator is set to limit pressure to 3.5 bar, then pressure limitation works within a specific range, but the system cannot detect anomalies outside the active operating range of the regulator
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal pressure monitoring system that can detect anomalies across the entire pressure range, not just within the narrow 3-3.5 bar operating range of a mechanical regulator. The electronic system with upstream and downstream sensors can identify clogging, deformation, and other anomalies regardless of the absolute pressure level, making the system adaptable to various operating conditions and pressure scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously provides feedback by comparing the calculated pressure loss against reference values stored in memory. This feedback mechanism enables real-time detection of deviations from normal operation across the full pressure range, allowing the system to adapt and respond to anomalies outside the traditional regulator's active operating range through automated alerting and monitoring.
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
This solution results in a lighter, simpler, and more reliable refueling system that can detect anomalies and maintain efficient fueling operations without the need for complex mechanical regulators, ensuring consistent pressure control and reduced maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
a first sensor for measuring the pressure values of fuel flow in the deformable conduit near the wing hook
Implementation Method 2
a second sensor for measuring the pressure values of the flow upstream of the deformable conduit
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
Said aircraft refuelling device comprises a deformable pipe (40) for the circulation of fuel, the downstream end (43) of which is provided with a wing fastener (42) for the connection thereof onto an intake port of the aircraft fuel tank. It comprises a first sensor (501) for measuring the pressure values (P), in the vicinity of the wing fastener (42), of a fuel flow in the deformable pipe (40), and means for determining the flow rate in the deformable pipe. Said refuellling device further comprises a second sensor for measuring the pressure values of the flow upstream of the deformable pipe (40), a unit for calculating the value of the pressure drop of the flow in the deformable pipe (40), based on the pressure values (P) measured by the first and second sensors (501). It also comprises a unit for comparing the calculated pressure drop value with a reference value, established during the commissioning phase, for example, for the same flow rate.