Torque Rollers for Aerial Refueling Boom Torsional Loads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional aerial refueling booms are prone to excessive wear due to torsional loads, which are not adequately addressed, leading to frequent maintenance needs and increased downtime.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates torque rollers and support fittings on the boom to react to and resist torsional loads, minimizing wear and extending maintenance intervals by providing counterforces to both vertical and horizontal loads during refueling operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional boom design with rollers is used to counteract vertical and horizontal loads, then the boom can support refueling operations, but excessive wear occurs on the rollers due to unaddressed torsional loads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces torque rollers as intermediary elements between the inner and outer tubes. These torque rollers specifically address torsional loads by rolling along the inner tube, distributing the torsional stress and preventing excessive wear on the primary rollers that support vertical and horizontal loads.
Solution Approach 2:
The support system is segmented into different roller types with specialized functions: regular rollers for vertical/horizontal loads and torque rollers for torsional loads. This segmentation allows each roller type to be optimized for its specific function, reducing overall wear on the system.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional boom design is used, then initial manufacturing cost is lower, but maintenance frequency and downtime increase due to roller wear from torsional loads
Solution Approach 1:
The torque rollers act as protective intermediaries that absorb torsional stresses, preventing these forces from transferring to and wearing down the primary rollers. This extends the maintenance interval and reduces downtime while adding only moderate complexity to the manufacturing process.
3Reliability
If additional torque rollers are added to resist torsional loads, then roller wear is reduced and maintenance intervals are extended, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The torque rollers are designed to perform multiple functions: resisting torsional loads, supporting the inner tube during telescopic movement, and distributing mechanical stresses. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by providing comprehensive protection against various failure modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The torque rollers are nested within the telescopic boom structure, rolling along the inner tube while being supported by the outer tube. This nested arrangement minimizes the space required and integrates the torque resistance function within the existing telescopic mechanism without requiring separate external structures.
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 reduces maintenance frequency and duration, thereby lowering costs and ensuring the boom remains operational for longer periods by effectively managing torsional loads.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of rollers mounted on the support fitting for rolling with respect to the movement of the extendable portion of the boom and for providing a counter force to the boom in response to a torsional load subject on the boom
Data Source
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AI summary
A refueling boom for an aerial tanker includes an outer member (106) operatively connected to the tanker, an inner member (108) operatively and telescopically configured with the outer member, and one or more torque rollers (110). The torque roller is disposed on the outer member such that the torque roller engages with the inner member when the inner member is telescoping and reacts to torsional loads subject on the inner member when the boom is deployed in an aerial refueling operation. The inner member may include a plurality of longitudinally disposed torsion surfaces or races for respectively engaging with the torque rollers.