Wireless Deadman Switch With Adjustable Fuel Flow for Aircraft Refueling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional aircraft refueling systems with wired deadman switches require workers to manage cables while monitoring fuel gauges, and lack the ability to adjust fuel flow rates, leading to potential overfilling and inefficiencies.

Innovation Solution

A wireless deadman device with a transmitter and receiver for aircraft refueling vehicles, allowing wireless communication, adjustable fuel flow control, and safety features like a timer function to prevent overfilling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a deadman switch system is installed in a fueling vehicle to stop fueling operations when the driver becomes incapacitated, then safety and reliability are improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional control systems and components

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesafetyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical deadman switch mechanisms with a wireless communication system. The driver's mobile device communicates wirelessly with the fueling vehicle's control system, eliminating the need for physical mechanical switches, linkages, and associated mechanical components while maintaining the safety function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a wireless communication intermediary (mobile device and wireless transmission system) between the driver and the fueling vehicle's control system. This intermediary enables the driver to control and signal the system without direct mechanical connection, reducing the complexity of the vehicle's internal control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If traditional mechanical deadman switches are used in fueling vehicles, then the system structure is simple, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to manual intervention requirements and potential for human error

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem structureVSAvoidease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables the driver's mobile device to automatically detect and transmit status information to the fueling vehicle's control system. The system monitors the driver's presence and operational status automatically, eliminating the need for manual switching or intervention while reducing human error potential.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical operation with wireless electronic communication. The driver interacts with familiar mobile device interfaces rather than mechanical switches, improving ease of operation while the automated wireless transmission reduces the need for complex mechanical control structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP4385903B1Wireless deadman switch for aircraft fueling vehicle
Publication Date: 2026.05.06 YANO SPECIAL VEHICLE MFG CORP
  • EP4385903B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4385903B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4385903B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Provided is a wireless deadman switch installed on an aircraft refueling vehicle which a workman can operate while controlling a fuel supply amount when aviation fuel is supplied to an aircraft. The wireless deadman switch comprises a transmitter and a receiver connected so as to be enable wireless communication, to refuel aviation fuel to an aircraft by operating a refueling device arranged in an aircraft fueling vehicle. The transmitter comprises a lever handle to transmit a refueling signal to the receiver when a worker grasps with a predetermined pressure, a mode change button capable of changing refueling amount step by step by the worker, an emergency stop button of refueling, a rechargeable battery and various LEDs to display communication state with the receiver, battery level, refueling amount changed by the mode change button. The receiver comprises a transmitter charging holder capable of integrally arranging the transmitter and the receiver and charging the battery of the transmitter, a pairing switch to set pairing with the transmitter; and various LEDs to display charging state of the battery of the transmitter, pairing state with the transmitter, arranging state of the transmitter. The aviation fuel is refueled to the aircraft by operating the refueling device with the refueling amount set by the mode change button during the receiver receives the refueling signal from the transmitter.