Systems and techniques are provided for autonomous or semi-autonomous connection and disconnection of an end effector to a port, such as a refueling port associated with a fuel tank. The end effector may be coupled with a carriage system, such as a robotic arm and have a connection with a supply source. A sensor suite may be coupled with the carriage system and output optical and/or proximity data that is received at a controller system. The controller system may identify a location of the port, position the end effector in proximity with the port, and provide a connection therebetween. The controller system may identify a fiducial target associated with the port that provides for alignment with the end effector and port. The end effector may also include a compensation system to adjust a location of the end effector to a finer degree than is possible using the carriage system.
AUTONOMOUS REFUELING SYSTEM
2023-09-21
Patent
Electronic Resource
English
IPC: | B60S SERVICING, CLEANING, REPAIRING, SUPPORTING, LIFTING, OR MANOEUVRING OF VEHICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR , Warten, Reinigen, Instandsetzen, Unterstützen, Anheben oder Rangieren von Fahrzeugen, soweit nicht anderweitig vorgesehen / B25J Manipulatoren , MANIPULATORS / B64F GROUND OR AIRCRAFT-CARRIER-DECK INSTALLATIONS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR USE IN CONNECTION WITH AIRCRAFT , Boden- oder Flugzeugträgerdeckeinrichtungen besonders ausgebildet für die Verwendung in Verbindung mit Luftfahrzeugen |
Monocular, Vision-based, Autonomous Refueling System
British Library Conference Proceedings | 2002
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