Steerable Drogue with Control Ring Steering Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing in-flight refueling systems face challenges in aligning the refueling probe with the drogue due to the complexity and weight of traditional control mechanisms, such as movable control surfaces or thrusters.
Innovation Solution
A steerable drogue with a simplified steering mechanism that alters the angle of support arms relative to airflow using a control ring with servo motors, allowing precise alignment and stabilization through aerodynamic forces, and optionally utilizing accelerometers for stabilization and alignment with the probe.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional control mechanisms (movable control surfaces or thrusters) are used to align the refueling probe with the drogue, then alignment capability is achieved, but device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the steering function from complex mechanical control surfaces and thrusters, implementing it through a simplified mechanism that alters the angle of support arms using a control ring with servo motors. This removes unnecessary complexity while maintaining alignment capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical control surfaces and thrusters with a different mechanical approach: a control ring that rotates to alter the angle of support arms, which then generate aerodynamic forces for steering. This substitution reduces complexity and weight.
2Ease of operation
If traditional control mechanisms (movable control surfaces or thrusters) are used to align the refueling probe with the drogue, then alignment capability is achieved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the steering function from heavy mechanical control surfaces and thrusters, implementing it through a simplified mechanism that alters the angle of support arms using a control ring with servo motors. This removes unnecessary weight while maintaining alignment capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional heavy mechanical control surfaces and thrusters with a lighter system: a control ring that rotates to alter the angle of support arms, which then generate aerodynamic forces for steering. This substitution reduces weight.
3Ease of operation
If support arms are altered to produce aerodynamic force for steering, then steering capability is improved, but the probe may penetrate between support arms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the support arm structure by introducing intercostal members (tie wires or nets) that divide the space between adjacent support arms. This segmentation prevents the probe from penetrating between arms while allowing the arms to be angled for steering.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intercostal members as intermediary elements between support arms. These members act as barriers that prevent probe penetration while allowing the support arms to maintain their angled configuration for effective steering.
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 solution enables efficient and precise alignment of the drogue with the refueling probe, reducing the complexity and weight of control systems while maintaining stability and alignment, thereby facilitating safer and more reliable in-flight refueling.
Implementation Method 1
the or each support arm produces an aerodynamic force on the drogue in a chosen direction
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A steerable drogue (2) comprises a steering mechanism (22, 34, 36) for twisting the canopy support arms (6) to produce an aerodynamic force in flight which can be used to produce movement of the drogue in a required direction.