A high-lift system hall-type slat skew sensor, aircraft and detection method

Abstract

The application discloses a high-lift system Hall-type slat tilt sensor, an airplane and a detection method, which comprise a probe shell, an outer shell and a piston; the probe shell extends into the inner part of the outer shell, the rear end of the probe shell is located at the position close to the middle of the probe shell, the front end is connected with the front end of the probe shell, and the rear end of the probe shell is provided with a Hall chip; the piston is axially and slidingly connected between the probe shell and the outer shell, the piston is provided with a magnetic target, and the rear end of the piston extends out of the rear end of the outer shell. The slat tilt detection is realized, the size and weight of the slat tilt sensor are greatly reduced, the installation is simple, the maintenance is good, the output signal is high in reliability and stability, and the comprehensive performance of the product is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of high-lift aircraft systems, and relates to a Hall effect slat tilt sensor for high-lift systems, an aircraft, and a detection method. Background Technology

[0002] As a crucial component of an aircraft's high-lift system, the consistency of the slat tilt pattern affects the aircraft's aerodynamic characteristics, reducing the lift-drag effect of the high-lift system during takeoff and landing, and thus threatening flight safety. Therefore, slat tilt sensors are needed to detect slat tilt consistency and output corresponding detection signals to the aircraft's computer system to provide warnings.

[0003] Existing slat tilt detection methods mainly include: RVDT (Remote Radial Deflector) type, which detects whether the difference in tilt angle between different slats exceeds a threshold angle; flux separation sensors, which use magnetic circuits to detect when different control surfaces separate due to inconsistent deployment; breakpoint sensors, which detect the circuit continuity caused by inconsistent tilt of different slats and output different voltage signals; and sensors that use electromagnetic induction to convert the displacement signal caused by inconsistent tilt of different slats into an electrical signal. These detection methods have significant drawbacks, such as complex structure, low reliability, high failure rate, and non-reusability. The detection devices are heavy, large, complex to install, difficult to debug, and have poor maintainability. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the shortcomings of existing slat tilt detection methods, such as complex structure, low reliability, high failure rate, and non-reusability, and to provide a Hall effect slat tilt sensor, aircraft, and detection method for a high-lift system. The invention has a simpler structure, higher reliability, lower failure rate, is easier to install and maintain, and improves detection quality.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention employs the following technical solution: A Hall effect slat tilt sensor for a high-lift system includes a probe housing, a housing, and a piston; The probe housing extends into the outer shell, with the rear end of the probe housing located near the middle of the probe housing, and the front end connected to the front end of the probe housing. A Hall chip is located at the rear end of the probe housing. The piston is axially slidably connected between the probe housing and the outer shell. A magnetic target is installed on the piston, and the rear end of the piston extends out of the rear end of the outer shell.

[0006] Preferably, the Hall chip is connected to a switching circuit, a power protection circuit, and a power filtering circuit.

[0007] Preferably, the front end of the housing is provided with an electrical connector socket, which is connected to the front end of the probe housing and electrically connected to the Hall chip.

[0008] Preferably, the piston has a mechanical mounting interface at its rear end, and the interface is provided with a press-in bushing with a shoulder.

[0009] Preferably, a spring base is provided at the rear end of the housing, and a shoulder is provided on the outer surface of the piston near the middle.

[0010] Furthermore, a spring is provided between the piston and the outer casing, with one end of the spring located at the front end of the piston and the other end in contact with the spring base.

[0011] Furthermore, a spring washer is provided between the end face of the spring and the piston.

[0012] Preferably, the outer casing has two rows of exhaust holes arranged axially, and the two rows of exhaust holes are arranged symmetrically downward along the vertical direction.

[0013] A detection method for the Hall-type slat tilt sensor of the high-lift system is characterized in that, a neutral position of the piston is set, and during the sliding process from the neutral position to the far point, the center of the magnetic target gradually moves away from the sensitive point of the Hall chip as the piston slides, and the magnetic field strength sensed by the Hall chip decreases accordingly. When it reaches the point far from the transition point, the output of the Hall chip changes from low level to high level. During the sliding process from the far point to the neutral position, the center of the magnetic target gradually approaches the sensitive point of the Hall chip as the piston slides. The magnetic field strength sensed by the Hall chip increases accordingly. When it approaches the transition point, the output of the Hall chip changes from high level to low level.

[0014] An aircraft has a Hall effect slat tilt sensor installed in a non-airtight compartment of the slat of the aircraft's high-lift system. The Hall chip is connected to the aircraft computer via a communication line, and the rear end of the piston is connected to a steel wire rope assembly for traction slats.

[0015] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects: This invention adopts the Hall effect sensor principle and can realize slat tilt detection through three main structural components, which greatly reduces the size and weight of the slat tilt sensor, makes it easy to install and maintain, and provides high reliability and stability of the output signal, thereby improving the overall performance of the product.

[0016] Furthermore, a spring base is used for mechanical limiting to prevent the piston from completely detaching from the outer casing.

[0017] Furthermore, the spring serves to provide tension to the steel ropes mounted on the slat system.

[0018] Furthermore, by adjusting the thickness of the spring washer, the initial force value of the spring can be adjusted, effectively ensuring that the initial force value of the spring meets the technical requirements.

[0019] Furthermore, the vent can effectively drain and vent air, while quickly expelling rainwater, splashes, small sand particles, dust, etc., that fall into the sensor during use, making it difficult for them to accumulate. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view of the slat tilt sensor structure of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a view of the slat tilt sensor of the present invention from direction A; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the motion path from the neutral position to the far point in this invention; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the sliding fit between the probe housing and the piston of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram showing the distribution of drainage holes in the outer casing of the present invention; Figure 6 For the present invention Figure 5 View A.

[0021] The components are as follows: 1-Electrical connector socket, 2-Socket sealing gasket, 3-Probe housing sealing gasket, 4-M2.5 cylindrical head screw, 5-Φ2.5 Class A small washer, 6-Probe housing, 7-Buffer washer, 8-Large collar, 9-Spring washer, 10-Spring, 11-Magnetic target, 12-Piston, 13-Induction circuit board assembly, 14-M1.6 cylindrical head screw, 15-M1.6 hex nut, 16-Φ1.6 Class A small washer, 17-Spring base, 18-Small collar, 19-Press-in bushing with shoulder, 20-Upper bracket, 21-Switch conversion circuit board assembly, 22-Long support column, 23-Power protection circuit board assembly, 24-Short support column, 25-Power filter circuit board assembly, 26-Lower bracket, 27-Sealing cap, 28-Housing shell, 29-M4 slotted spherical cylindrical head screw, 30-Φ4 standard spring washer, 31-Φ4 Grade A small washers, 32-M3 slotted spherical head screws with holes, 33-Φ3 standard spring washers, 34-Φ3 Grade A small washers, 35-anti-loosening fuses; 36-boss. Detailed Implementation

[0022] The technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0023] It should be noted that the terms “front,” “back,” “left,” “right,” “up,” and “down” used in the following description refer to the directions shown in the attached diagram, while the terms “inside” and “outside” refer to the directions toward or away from the geometric center of a specific component, respectively.

[0024] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. The terminology used herein in the description of the invention is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. The term "and / or" as used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0025] like Figure 1 As shown, the Hall effect slat tilt sensor for the civil aircraft high-lift system described in this invention is used to provide stable and reliable measurement signals to the aircraft computer, and includes a housing 28.

[0026] The outer casing 28 is equipped with a flange for mounting on an aircraft. The probe housing 6 extends into the outer casing 28, with its rear end located near the center and its front end located at the front end, as shown below. Figure 2 As shown, the probe housing 6 and the outer shell 28 are fixedly connected by an M4 slotted and perforated spherical head screw 29, a Φ4 standard spring washer 30, and a Φ4 Class A small washer 31. The M4 slotted and perforated spherical head screw 29 is prevented from loosening by an anti-loosening fuse 35, and conductive sealing is achieved by the probe housing sealing gasket 3.

[0027] The front end of the probe housing 6 houses a switch conversion circuit board assembly 21, a power protection circuit board assembly 23, and a power filter circuit board assembly 25. These three circuit board assemblies are assembled together via an upper bracket 20, a long support column 22, a short support column 24, and a lower bracket 26, and are secured using M2.5 head screws 4 and Φ2.5 A-grade washers 5. The area behind the front end of the probe housing 6 is a sliding rod section. The sensing circuit board assembly 13 is installed at the head of this sliding rod section, i.e., the rear end of the probe housing 6, and is secured using M1.6 head screws 14, M1.6 hexagonal nuts 15, and Φ1.6 A-grade washers 16. A sealing cap 27 provides insulation and sealing. A Hall effect chip is mounted on the sensing circuit board assembly 13.

[0028] The sealing cap 27 is fitted onto the rear end of the probe housing 6. A layer of D04 silicone rubber is evenly applied to the contact surface between the sealing cap 27 and the probe housing 6 for sealing, and it is fixed with M1.6 screws, which can effectively protect the Hall sensing circuit installed at the rear end of the probe housing 6.

[0029] The power protection circuit board assembly 23 and the power filtering circuit board assembly 25 are equipped with power protection circuits and power filtering circuits, respectively. These circuits primarily function to protect the power supply from interference, including reverse connection protection, overvoltage protection, common-mode filtering, and π-type filtering. The sensing circuit board assembly 13 is equipped with a Hall effect chip to sense changes in magnetic field strength caused by target movement and convert these changes into Hall voltage changes. By detecting the output voltage of the Hall effect chip at a specified switching point, a high / low level that meets the operating characteristics is output. The switch conversion circuit board assembly 21 is equipped with a switch conversion circuit that processes the signals from the sensing circuit board assembly 13, ultimately outputting a ground / open signal via a fast-response, high-load-capacity relay. Each output path is equipped with a thermistor for overcurrent protection, and the thermistor automatically recovers after protection, ensuring short-circuit protection for each output path. The sensing circuit board assembly 13, the switch conversion circuit board assembly 21, the power protection circuit board assembly 23, and the power filter circuit board assembly 25 are electrically connected by wires. The circuit operating voltage is 15VDC, and together they form the core circuit of this invention. The entire circuit board assembly has a simple design and no high-power components, so the current is relatively small, approximately 20mA in actual measurements.

[0030] The electrical connector socket 1 is installed at the front end of the probe housing 6 using an M3 slotted and perforated spherical head screw 32, a Φ3 standard spring washer 33, and a Φ3 Class A small washer 34. An anti-loosening fuse 35 is used to prevent the M3 slotted and perforated spherical head screw 32 from loosening, and a socket sealing gasket 2 provides conductive sealing, physically isolating the internal circuitry from the external environment. The switch conversion circuit board assembly 21 is electrically connected to the electrical connector socket 1 via wires. The electrical connector socket 1 provides power to the entire circuitry and also inputs the ground / on signal output from the switch conversion circuit board assembly 21 to the onboard computer.

[0031] Piston 12 is installed between probe housing 6 and outer shell 28, sliding linearly along the sliding rod portion of probe housing 6. Spring base 17 is located at the rear end of outer shell 28, providing mechanical restraint to prevent piston 12 from completely detaching from outer shell 28. The rear end of piston 12 extends beyond the rear end of outer shell 28, and the extended portion is provided with a mechanical mounting interface. A shouldered press-in bushing 19 is provided at the interface to enhance its wear resistance. Spring 10 is installed between piston 12 and outer shell 28, providing tension. To reduce the contact friction between piston 12 and outer shell 28, and spring base 17, a large collar 8 and a small collar 18 are respectively provided between piston 12 and outer shell 28, and spring base 17. Both are made of polytetrafluoroethylene, a material with a low coefficient of friction. To reduce wear of spring 10 during operation, a spring washer 9 is provided between the end plane of spring 10 and piston 12. To buffer the impact of the piston 12 on the probe housing 6 during movement, the inner surface of the piston 12 and the outer surface of the probe housing 6 are fitted with a small clearance, and both contact surfaces are treated with a micro-arc oxidation surface treatment that has good wear resistance.

[0032] The spring base 17 is installed at the rear end of the housing 28, with its outer surface contacting the inner surface of the housing 28 and forming an annular closed groove with the housing 28 to limit the movement of the spring 10. An annular groove is formed on the inner surface for installing the small collar 18. It is manufactured from high-strength, wear-resistant stainless steel.

[0033] The small collar 18 is installed in the annular groove of the spring base 17, closely fitting the outer surface of the piston 12. Made of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), it reduces the friction between the piston 12 and the spring base 17. The small collar 18 has an angled mounting notch for easy installation on the spring base 17.

[0034] The magnetic target 11 is installed in a groove on the surface of the piston 12 and moves with the piston 12. As the piston 12 slides, the distance between the magnetic target 11 and the Hall chip on the sensing circuit board assembly 13 alternates from close to far away, thereby sensing and outputting corresponding high / low levels.

[0035] Four samarium cobalt permanent magnets (sCMs) are uniformly arranged in grooves on the outer surface of piston 12. The main function of the magnetic targets 11 is to generate a fixed magnetic field. Their magnetic moment is not easily affected by external fields. They have a Curie temperature of 750℃, an operating temperature of up to 250℃, a relative permeability of 1.01–1.05 μs, and a surface remanence of 250 mT. To ensure a more uniform magnetic field, two magnetic targets are uniformly arranged axially within the grooves of piston 12 on each side.

[0036] like Figure 4As shown, piston 12, as the main moving part of the sensor, has an axial groove inside. An axial boss 36 is provided on the outer surface of the probe housing 6. The groove and boss 36 are slidably connected to prevent piston 12 from rotating circumferentially. The outer surface of piston 12 has mounting grooves for the magnetic target 11, consisting of two grooves symmetrically arranged along the axis. A retaining groove, made of polytetrafluoroethylene, is provided on the front outer surface of piston 12 for mounting a large collar 8, which reduces friction between piston 12 and housing 28. The large collar 8 has an angled mounting notch for easy installation on piston 12. An ear loop connector is provided at the rear end of piston 12 for mounting a steel cable.

[0037] like Figure 3 As shown, the initial position of piston 12 after installation on the aircraft is also called the neutral position, which is determined by the required extension distance of piston 12. In this embodiment, when piston 12 is in the neutral position, the distance between piston 12 and buffer washer 7 is 27.6mm. The specified direction is positive when pulled outward from the neutral position and negative when retracted.

[0038] The following is a further detailed explanation using the outward pulling direction of piston 12 as an example; the same applies to the contraction direction.

[0039] During the sliding process from the neutral position to the far point, the center of the magnetic target 11 gradually moves away from the sensitive point of the Hall chip as the piston 12 slides. The magnetic field strength B sensed by the induction circuit decreases accordingly. When it reaches a point far from the transition point, the output of the magnetic field induction circuit changes from low to high. The high-level signal output by the induction circuit is processed by the switching conversion circuit and outputs an open-circuit signal.

[0040] During the sliding process from the far point to the neutral position, the center of the magnetic target 11 gradually approaches the sensitive point of the Hall chip as the piston 12 slides. The magnetic field strength B sensed by the sensing circuit increases accordingly. When it approaches the transition point, the output of the magnetic field sensing circuit changes from high level to low level. The low-level signal output by the sensing circuit is processed by the switching conversion circuit and output as a ground signal.

[0041] When used, it can achieve the following functions: Stable and accurate detection output was achieved across the entire temperature range. This invention successfully applies the Hall effect principle to slat tilt consistency detection, achieving good experimental results across the entire temperature range and effectively ensuring the accuracy and stability of the output signal.

[0042] A reasonable small-gap fit was designed to achieve smooth movement. The small-gap fit between all moving parts of the sensor designed in this invention is 0.25-0.4mm. Actual tests have proven that this effectively ensures the consistency of the movement direction and greatly reduces the probability of product jamming.

[0043] Friction reduction design is employed to decrease friction between moving parts. This invention reduces friction by adding PTFE rings between metal parts, setting the surface roughness of the mating surfaces to 0.8, and applying aerospace-grade grease to all mating surfaces.

[0044] A mechanical limit design is employed to prevent the sensor from exceeding its stroke and rotating circumferentially during movement. A shoulder design is added to the outer surface of the piston 12, which, through the end face of the spring base 17, blocks the maximum stroke of the piston 12 within a specified range. An axial boss 36 is provided on the slide rod section of the probe housing 6, which, through contact and engagement with the axial groove on the piston 12, prevents the piston 12 from rotating due to torque.

[0045] The initial force of spring 10 can be adjusted by adjusting the thickness of spring washer 9. In the design of this invention, the thickness of spring washer 9 is designed to be different from 0.5 to 5 mm, and it is made of stainless steel material with good wear resistance and high strength. It is selected and used during assembly and adjustment, which effectively ensures that the initial force of spring 10 meets the technical requirements.

[0046] Spring 10 is mounted on piston 12, with one end contacting spring washer 9 and the other end contacting spring base 17. The inner ring is in clearance fit with the outer surface of piston 12, and the outer ring is in clearance fit with the inner surface of housing 28. It provides tension for the steel ropes mounted on the slat system and requires the use of stainless steel with good fatigue resistance during manufacturing.

[0047] like Figure 5 As shown, in the design of this invention, two rows of 7mm diameter vent holes are axially arranged on the outer shell 28. The two rows of vent holes are symmetrically arranged in the vertical direction and obliquely downward, with an included angle of 60°. Each vent hole can effectively drain water and vent air, and at the same time quickly discharge rainwater, splashes, and small sand, dust, etc. that fall into the sensor during use, making it difficult for them to accumulate.

[0048] The printed circuit board support and probe housing 6 are fitted with a clearance fit, primarily used for mounting and positioning the circuit board assembly, while also separating the circuit board assembly from the probe housing 6. The surface of the circuit board assembly is insulated to prevent electrical conduction between them. The printed circuit board support has through holes, which serve to reduce weight and provide passageways for wires.

[0049] A buffer washer 7 is nested near the front end of the probe housing 6. The material is silicone rubber G55-1, with an operating temperature range of -90~220℃. It functions to buffer the collision between the piston 12 and the probe housing 6 during movement and to reduce noise. In the design, the inner ring of the buffer washer 7 is interference-fitted with the outer surface of the slide section of the probe housing 6, while the outer ring is fitted with a small clearance to allow for deformation space for the buffer washer 7.

[0050] The present invention also discloses an aircraft employing a Hall effect slat tilt sensor for a high-lift system. The sensor is installed in a non-airtight compartment in the slat of the aircraft's high-lift system. An electrical connector socket 1 is connected to the aircraft computer via a communication line. A steel wire rope assembly for traction slats is bolted to a bushing 19 with a shoulder.

[0051] It should be noted that, in this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus.

[0052] It should be understood that the above description is for illustrative purposes and not for limitation. Many embodiments and applications beyond the provided examples will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the above description. Therefore, the scope of this patent should not be determined by reference to the above description, but rather by reference to the foregoing claims and the full scope of their equivalents. For purposes of completeness, all articles and references, including patent applications and publications, are incorporated herein by reference. The omission of any aspect of the subject matter disclosed herein in the foregoing claims is not intended as a waiver of that subject matter, nor should it be construed as an indication that the applicant has not considered that subject matter as part of the disclosed inventive subject matter.

Claims

1. A Hall-effect slat tilt sensor for a high-lift system, characterized in that, Includes probe housing (6), outer shell (28) and piston (12); The probe housing (6) extends into the outer shell (28), the rear end of the probe housing (6) is located near the middle of the outer shell (28), the front end of the probe housing (6) is connected to the front end of the outer shell (28), and a Hall chip is provided at the rear end of the probe housing (6). The piston (12) is axially slidably connected between the probe housing (6) and the outer shell (28). A magnetic target (11) is provided on the piston (12), and the rear end of the piston (12) extends out of the rear end of the outer shell (28). A spring base (17) is provided at the rear end of the housing (28), and a shoulder is provided on the outer surface of the piston (12) near the middle. A spring (10) is provided between the piston (12) and the outer shell (28). One end of the spring (10) is located at the front end of the piston (12), and the other end is in contact with the spring base (17). The outer casing (28) has two rows of exhaust holes arranged axially, and the two rows of exhaust holes are arranged symmetrically downward along the vertical direction.

2. The Hall effect slat tilt sensor for a high-lift system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The Hall effect chip is connected to a switching circuit, a power protection circuit, and a power filtering circuit.

3. The Hall effect slat tilt sensor for a high-lift system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The front end of the housing (28) is provided with an electrical connector socket (1), which is connected to the front end of the probe housing (6) and is electrically connected to the Hall chip.

4. The Hall effect slat tilt sensor for a high-lift system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The piston (12) has a mechanical mounting interface at its rear end, and a bushing (19) with a shoulder is provided at the interface.

5. The Hall effect slat tilt sensor for a high-lift system according to claim 1, characterized in that, A spring washer (9) is provided between the end plane of the spring (10) and the piston (12).

6. A detection method based on the Hall effect slat tilt sensor of the high-lift system according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, Set the piston (12) to a neutral position. During the sliding process from the neutral position to the far point, the center of the magnetic target (11) gradually moves away from the sensitive point of the Hall chip as the piston (12) slides. The magnetic field strength sensed by the Hall chip decreases accordingly. When it reaches the point far from the jump point, the output of the Hall chip changes from low level to high level. During the sliding process from the far point to the neutral position, the center of the magnetic target (11) gradually approaches the sensitive point of the Hall chip as the piston (12) slides. The magnetic field strength sensed by the Hall chip increases accordingly. When it approaches the jump point, the output of the Hall chip changes from high level to low level.

7. An aircraft, characterized in that, The non-airtight compartment of the slat of the aircraft high lift system is equipped with a Hall-type slat tilt sensor as described in any one of claims 1-5. The Hall chip is connected to the aircraft computer via a communication line, and the rear end of the piston (12) is connected to the wire rope assembly for traction slats.

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