Aircraft Refueling Vehicle Wireless Pressure Feedback Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aircraft refueling systems face reliability issues due to variable fuel pressure drops in flexible pipes, leading to inconsistent pressure control at the aircraft tank, which can damage the aircraft and require frequent verification of regulation devices, reducing operational availability.
Innovation Solution
A refueling machine with sensors and wireless transmission systems to monitor flow parameters like pressure, volume, and temperature near the fuel transfer point, allowing real-time adjustment and recording of values to maintain predetermined pressure ranges, and incorporating identification systems for secure and efficient refueling operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pressure control devices are mounted on the refueling vehicle to regulate fuel pressure, then the pressure of fuel entering the aircraft tank can be controlled, but the devices require periodic verification which reduces operational availability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback system where a sensor mounted on the aircraft tank directly measures the actual fuel pressure at the point of entry. This measurement is transmitted to the refueling vehicle's control unit, which automatically adjusts the pressure regulation devices to maintain pressure within the specified range (0-3.5 bar). This closed-loop feedback eliminates the need for periodic manual verification of pressure control devices, as the system continuously self-regulates based on actual conditions at the aircraft tank.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a flexible pipe is used to connect the refueling system to the aircraft tank, then the system can be mobile and adaptable, but the variable pressure drops in the pipe make precise pressure control difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent places a pressure sensor directly on the aircraft tank at the fuel entry point, downstream of the flexible pipe. This positioning allows the system to measure the actual pressure after all variable losses in the flexible pipe have occurred. The control unit on the refueling vehicle uses this feedback signal to dynamically adjust the pressure regulation devices, compensating for variable pressure drops in the flexible pipe and maintaining precise pressure control (within 0-3.5 bar) despite the pipe's mobility and adaptability.
3Measurement precision
If pressure gauge is mounted at the downstream end of the fuel supply pipe near the aircraft tank, then the pressure can be monitored, but the gauge is not accessible and operators cannot act on the flow to reduce pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical pressure gauge with an electronic pressure sensor that is electronically connected to the refueling vehicle's control unit. The sensor is mounted on the aircraft tank in a position that is not physically accessible to operators during refueling operations. The control unit receives electronic signals from the sensor and automatically adjusts the pressure regulation devices based on the measured pressure, eliminating the need for operator intervention. This substitution of mechanical monitoring and manual control with electronic sensing and automated control allows the sensor to be positioned optimally for measurement while maintaining ease of operation through automation.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to equipment for refueling an aircraft, including a pipe (40) provided with means (42) for connecting onto an intake port (301) of the fuel tank of the aircraft (400) and, at or in the vicinity of the connection means (42), means (501) for determining the value of at least one parameter representative of a flow (E) of fuel passing through the connection means. Said equipment further includes at least one receiver onboard the refueling equipment (1), means (503, 504) for transmitting, to the receiver, a signal (Si(P)) representative of a parameter value predetermined by determination means (501) and an electronic unit capable of receiving, from the receiver, a signal representative of the parameter and of driving at least one flow control and monitoring device in accordance with the signal received from the receiver. The refueling method includes the steps of, during a refueling operation, determining the value of at least one parameter representative of the flow (E) at or in the vicinity of the connection means (42), transmitting, to at least one receiver onboard the refueling apparatus, a signal (Si(P)) representative of a parameter value predetermined during the previous step, and automatically driving, in accordance with the signal received by the receiver, a flow control and monitoring device.