Rotatable Control Unit for Drogue Refueling Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Drogue refueling apparatuses are typically passive, making them susceptible to motion induced by turbulence, tanker wake, and receiver forebody effects, which complicates aircraft refueling and increases the risk of damage due to higher-than-normal impact loads.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a rotatable control unit with resilient fins that can controllably rotate about an axis to stabilize the drogue refueling apparatus, reducing induced motion and allowing for active control of its position relative to the tanker or receiver aircraft, thereby enhancing refueling efficiency and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a passive drogue refueling apparatus is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the stability of the drogue refueling apparatus deteriorates due to motion induced by turbulence and tanker wake
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transitioning from a passive, static drogue refueling apparatus to an active, dynamic system. A control unit with aerodynamic surfaces (fins) is introduced that can actively adjust its orientation and generate control forces in response to disturbances such as turbulence and tanker wake. This dynamic capability allows the system to maintain stability by counteracting external forces in real-time, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and stability.
2Ease of manufacture
If a passive drogue refueling apparatus is used, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to higher-than-normal impact loads and damage risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by introducing a control unit with aerodynamic surfaces that proactively counteract disturbances before they can cause harmful impact loads. The control forces generated by the fins preemptively stabilize the drogue apparatus, reducing the likelihood of excessive closure rates and off-center contacts during refueling operations. This protective mechanism enhances reliability by preventing damage before it occurs, while the modular design maintains ease of manufacture.
3Loss of time
If a passive drogue refueling apparatus is used, then the loss of time is reduced in terms of system simplicity, but the productivity deteriorates due to lower success rate and longer refueling time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by implementing a control unit that continuously monitors the position and motion of the drogue refueling apparatus and adjusts the orientation of its aerodynamic surfaces accordingly. This closed-loop control system responds to real-time conditions, maintaining optimal positioning and stability. The feedback mechanism increases the success rate of refueling operations by ensuring the drogue remains in the correct position, thereby improving productivity without significantly increasing time loss.
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 significantly increases the success rate and safety of aerial refueling by providing a stable target, reducing the likelihood of missed contacts and damage, and allows for efficient positioning of the drogue refueling apparatus, thereby supporting more aircraft and reducing fuel waste.
Implementation Method 1
The one or more resilient fins may be resilient to deflection to generate at least a rotational force about the axis in response to fluid flow as the drogue refueling apparatus moves along a direction of travel
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, apparatus, and methods may control movement of an object through a fluid. The systems, apparatus, and methods may utilize a rotatable control unit including a pair of fins to generate a control force at least partially perpendicular to a direction of travel of the object through the fluid. One fin may be configured to generate a different amount of rolling moment than the other fin to provide rotational acceleration and energy production.