RFID (Radio Frequency Identification Device) control plane disconnection detection system

Abstract

An actuator system includes one or more mechanical elements and a temperature radio frequency identification (RFID) tag connected to at least one of the one or more mechanical elements. The temperature RFID tag includes an RFID tag connected to a temperature sensitive element, the temperature sensitive element including: a first contact; a second contact; and a conductive path between the first contact and the second contact. The conductive path creates an electrical path between the first contact element and the second contact element when in a normal operating state, and does not create an electrical path between the first contact and the second contact when in an over-temperature state. The RFID tag is connected to the first contact and the second contact such that the RFID tag does not transmit information when the temperature sensitive element is in the normal operating state and the RFID tag transmits information when the temperature sensitive element is in the over-temperature state.

Description

Background Art

[0001] Exemplary embodiments relate to the field of monitoring, and in particular, to utilizing radio frequency identification (RFID) for over-temperature conditions and identifying actuators if such conditions occur.

[0002] Modern aircraft often use various aircraft mechanical actuation systems for primary and secondary flight controls. Such actuator systems may include temperature sensitive devices during system operation. Sometimes, these systems approach and / or exceed the design limits of one or more of the system devices or components. Temperature monitoring systems are necessary to ensure that these systems are not damaged and can be used for failure prediction.

[0003] In aircraft, current temperature monitoring circuits add additional wiring to the wing and thus increase the weight of the system. This increases the weight of the flight control surface (e.g., wing), which is undesirable. Summary of the invention

[0004] In one embodiment, an actuator system is disclosed, the actuator system comprising one or more mechanical elements and a temperature radio frequency identification (RFID) tag connected to at least one of the one or more mechanical elements. The temperature RFID tag comprises an RFID tag connected to a temperature sensitive element, the temperature sensitive element comprising: a first contact; a second contact; and a conductive path between the first contact and the second contact. When in a normal operating state, the conductive path creates an electrical path between the first contact element and the second contact element, and when in an over-temperature state, the conductive path does not create an electrical path between the first contact and the second contact. The RFID tag is connected to the first contact and the second contact so that when the temperature sensitive element is in a normal operating state, the RFID tag does not transmit information, and when the temperature sensitive element is in an over-temperature state, the RFID tag transmits information.

[0005] According to any of the previous embodiments, an RFID tag includes an antenna having a first portion and a second portion, the first portion connected to a first contact and the second portion connected to a second contact.

[0006] According to any of the previous embodiments, when the temperature sensitive element is in a normal operating state, the two parts are electrically connected to each other through a conductive path.

[0007] A method according to any of the previous embodiments, wherein when the temperature sensitive element is in an over-temperature state, the two antenna parts are not electrically connected to each other through the conductive path.

[0008] According to any of the previous embodiments, the temperature sensitive element comprises a temperature sensor having a threshold value, and which is such that when the temperature sensor determines that the threshold value has been exceeded, the two antenna parts are not electrically connected to each other via the conductive path.

[0009] According to any of the previous embodiments, when the temperature sensitive component arrangement is in an over-temperature state, the temperature RFID tag transmits information identifying the component to which it is attached.

[0010] According to any of the previous embodiments, the element is an aircraft slat or flap actuator.

[0011] According to any previous embodiment, the element is one of: a slat disconnect sensor, a slat deflection sensor, a slat / flap position sensor, a slat position sensor unit mounting bracket, a flap position sensor unit mounting bracket, a flap deflection sensor, a flap drop box and an angle gear box.

[0012] In another embodiment, a method for determining that an element of an actuator system has experienced an overheat condition is disclosed. The method includes: connecting a temperature radio frequency identification (RFID) tag to one or more elements of the system, the temperature RFID tag including an RFID tag connected to a temperature sensitive element, the temperature sensitive element including: a first contact; a second contact; and a conductive path between the first contact and the second contact, the conductive path creating an electrical path between the first contact element and the second contact element in a normal operating state, and the conductive path does not create an electrical path between the first contact and the second contact when in an overtemperature state; the connection includes coupling an antenna of the connected RFID to the first contact and the second contact, so that when the temperature sensitive element is in a normal operating state, the RFID tag does not transmit information, and when the temperature sensitive element is in an overtemperature state, the RFID tag transmits information; and receiving information from the temperature RFID tag at an RFID reader.

[0013] According to any of the previous methods, an RFID reader sends an interrogation signal during flight and receives information during flight.

[0014] According to either of the previous approaches, an RFID reader is located within the aircraft.

[0015] According to either of the previous methods, an RFID reader sends an interrogation when the aircraft is on the ground after a flight.

[0016] According to either of the previous approaches, the RFID reader is located outside the aircraft.

[0017] According to any of the previous methods, the antenna has a first portion and a second portion, and coupling further comprises connecting the first portion to the first contact and connecting the second portion to the second contact.

[0018] According to any of the previous methods, when the temperature sensitive element is in a normal operating state, the two parts are electrically connected to each other through a conductive path.

[0019] According to any of the previous methods, the method further comprises sending an interrogation signal from the RFID reader to the RFID tag, which causes the RFID tag to transmit the information. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] The following description should not be considered limiting in any way. Referring to the accompanying drawings, similar elements are numbered with similar numerals: Figure 1 An example of an aircraft is shown upon which embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented; Figure 2 shows an exemplary configuration of elements of an actuator system deployed about an aircraft; Figure 3 An example of an exemplary RFID tag is shown; Figure 4A and Figure 4B A temperature RFID tag is shown, wherein the RFID tag is connected to a temperature sensitive element in a normal operating state where a threshold temperature has not been exceeded and in an open (over-temperature) state where a threshold temperature has been exceeded, respectively; and Figure 5 An embodiment of a system is shown in which multiple tags are used to determine the temperature of a component. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] A detailed description of one or more embodiments of the disclosed apparatus and methods is presented herein by way of example and not limitation with reference to the figures.

[0022] As discussed generally above, temperature sensors are known. Such sensors would require the addition of wire connections to the aircraft and result in increased weight. Generally, disclosed herein is a system based on radio frequency identification (RFID).

[0023] Such a design can achieve the technical effect of removing the aforementioned wiring and connectors, and because no wiring is required, the time between failures is increased and the cost of one or both of maintenance and installation is reduced.

[0024] Figure 1 An example of a commercial aircraft 10 that may embody aspects of the teachings of the present disclosure is shown having an aircraft engine 20. The aircraft 10 includes two wings 22, each of which includes one or more slats 24 and one or more flaps 26. The aircraft also includes ailerons 27, spoilers 28, horizontal stabilizer trim tabs 29, rudders 30, and horizontal stabilizers 31.

[0025] The term "control surface" as used herein includes but is not limited to slats or flaps or any of the above surfaces (ailerons 27, spoilers 28, horizontal stabilizer trim tabs 29, rudders 30, and horizontal stabilizers 31). It should be understood that slats 24 and / or flaps 26 may include one or more slat / flap panels that move together.

[0026] Each of the control surfaces may be moved by one or more actuators that are part of an actuator system. The actuator system may include one or more of the following: a flap rotation actuator, a flap lowering box, a slat rotation actuator, an angle gearbox, a controller that controls the slat / flap position by controlling the operation of the actuators, a slat and flap disconnect sensor, a slat and flap deflection sensor, a flap and slat position sensor, a slat drive system torque shaft, a flap drive system torque sensor, and a flap and slat power drive unit.

[0027] See now Figure 2 , showing one or more elements of an actuator system arranged around a commercial aircraft 10. The specific location of each element may vary, and Figure 2 The arrows in are used to provide a general location where the elements may be located on the aircraft 10. While multiple versions of certain elements are shown (e.g., slat torque shafts and flap torque shafts), the number of shafts is not meant to be limiting but rather to give a visual depiction of alternative versions of such elements.

[0028] Figure 2 An actuator system 100 is generally shown that can control and monitor the position of one or more control surfaces of an aircraft. Figure 2 The actuator system 100 is used to control Figure 1 The position of one or more of the flaps 26, slats 24, ailerons 27, spoilers 28, horizontal stabilizer trim tabs 29, rudders 30 and horizontal stabilizers 31 in FIG.

[0029] For the sake of clarity, in the following description of the elements of the actuator system, reference will be made to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The system 100 includes one or more power drive units 104 (or simply drive units). The drive unit 104 can cause a drive shaft 105 to rotate so as to simultaneously move the slat 24 and / or the flap in either direction, inward or outward, as generally indicated by arrow A. The one or more drive shafts for the flaps may also be flap drive system torque shafts and are labeled 105f, while the one or more drive shafts for the slats may also be slat drive system torque shafts and are labeled 105s.

[0030] In order to convert the rotary motion of the drive shaft 105 into linear motion to move flaps 26, one or more flap actuators 106f are provided. In one embodiment, each flap 26 has its own flap actuator 106f. In order to convert the rotary motion of the drive shaft 105 into linear motion to move slats 24, one or more slat actuators 106s are provided. In one embodiment, each slat 26 has its own slat actuator 106s.

[0031] In one embodiment, the flap actuator 106f and the slat actuator 106s may be rotary actuators, and may often be referred to herein as rotary actuators.

[0032] The system 100 may also include one or more slat disconnect sensors 110 and one or more slat deflection sensors 112, one or more slat / flap position sensors 114, one or more slat position sensor unit mounting brackets 116, one or more flap position sensor unit mounting brackets 118, one or more flap deflection sensors 120, one or more flap lowering boxes 122, and one or more angle gear boxes 124.

[0033] System 100 also includes controller 126. Based on input from the cockpit or other location, controller 126 may cause control surfaces to move in a known manner.

[0034] Each of the elements of system 100 may include one or more RFID tags attached thereto or arranged near it. One of the one or more temperature RFID tags is used in conjunction with RFID reader 130 to send a wireless indication when the temperature at one of the elements of system 100 exceeds a threshold. That is, in one embodiment herein, the temperature RFID tag is configured to transmit information to the reader only when the temperature exceeds a predetermined level. This can be achieved by, for example, including a small (e.g., MEMS) temperature sensor with a threshold value, which can open or close a switch (e.g., a conductive path) depending on whether the threshold value is exceeded.

[0035] In one embodiment, a particular element may have multiple tags attached to it. Tags may be set to work when different temperatures are exceeded. In this way, an estimate of the actual temperature may be estimated by comparing the thresholds of the RFID tags that respond. For example, if a particular element has three RFID tags connected to it that work at 105°C, 110°C, and 115°C, and only those RFID tags that work at 105 and 110 degrees send signals to the reader 130, the controller 126 may determine that the temperature on the element is at least 110 degrees. Alternatively, each RFID may transmit its set point as part of a message to provide the controller with the required information.

[0036] As will be disclosed more fully below, embodiments herein may have the technical effect of allowing the temperature (or over-temperature condition) of an element of the actuator system 100 to be wirelessly communicated without having to provide wires for transmitting power and data to a temperature sensor, which may be located in a weight-sensitive area of ​​the aircraft, such as an aircraft wing. Such an effect may be achieved because a link disconnection (e.g., the link is no longer conductive) between the temperature-sensitive elements will cause the RFID element to be able to transmit information to the RFID reader 130. As long as the temperature set point is not exceeded, the temperature-sensitive element will be used for electrical connection and thereby disable the antenna of the RFID element (or RFID tag). In addition, because the RFID tag does not require external wiring, embodiments herein may also achieve one or more of these effects with little or no increase in aircraft weight. In the case where the RFID tag is a passive tag, the RFID reader may send an interrogation signal, which causes the RFID to transmit information to the reader.

[0037] Figure 3 An example of an RFID tag 300 that can be used in one embodiment is shown. The tag 300 includes a controller 302 and an antenna 303. Generally speaking, if the RFID tag 300 is a passive tag, it collects energy from an interrogation signal (e.g., radio waves) from a nearby RFID reader through the antenna 303. The controller 302 may include a storage element to store the power received by the antenna 304. The storage element may then be used to drive the antenna to send a signal back to the reader (e.g., Figure 2 The signal may provide power to logic and other circuits of the reader 130 in the reader 130. In one embodiment, the signal may include an identification of the tag / actuator coupled thereto.

[0038] In one embodiment, the antenna 304 includes two parts 304a, 304b. Herein, when the two parts are connected together, the RFID tag 300 is in a so-called "disabled state" and cannot transmit information. This disabled state can be referred to as a "normal" state where the threshold temperature is not exceeded.

[0039] like Figure 4A As shown, in one embodiment, the RFID tag 300 is connected to a first contact 422 and a second contact 424 of a temperature sensitive element 420. Such a connection system may be referred to as a temperature RFID tag 400 herein.

[0040] Generally speaking, when the temperature is below a certain threshold, the two parts 304a, 304b of the antenna 304 are shorted together (see short 326). Therefore, the temperature RFID tag 400 will not transmit information to the reader when interrogated. However, if Figure 4B As shown, when the temperature is above the threshold, the short 326 is interrupted.

[0041] As shown, the first antenna portion 304a is connected to the first contact 422 and the second antenna portion 404b is connected to the Figure 4A and Figure 4B Of course, the connections could be reversed and the second antenna portion 404b would be connected to the first contact 422 and the first antenna portion 304a would be connected to the second contact 324.

[0042] Regardless, as shown, conductive path 326 electrically couples the first antenna portion to the second antenna portion to place RFID tag 400 in a disabled state so that it cannot transmit information. This occurs when the temperature at or near temperature sensitive element 420 (e.g., the temperature of the element to which temperature RFID tag 400 is attached) has not yet or currently exceeds a threshold temperature.

[0043] like Figure 4B As shown, when the short 326 has been opened and the first antenna portion is no longer electrically coupled to the second antenna portion to place the RFID tag 400 in a disabled state. In this case, the RFID tag 300 in particular and the temperature RFID tag 400 in general are operable and can transmit information.

[0044] Based on the above discussion, it should be understood that when the temperature sensitive element 400 is Figure 4B When shown "open", the electrical path between the first contact 322 and the second contact 324 is not established, and the temperature RFID tag 400 can notify any RFID reader on the aircraft or on the ground that overtemperature is occurring or has occurred. In addition, when operating under normal conditions, the RFID tag is shorted and does not provide a response to the reader.

[0045] The temperature sensitive element 400 may be a sensor comprising a switch or element which causes an interruption of an electrical signal path when a threshold value is exceeded. Such devices are known and are not discussed further herein.

[0046] It is worth noting that Figure 2 The RFID reader 130 may be located on the aircraft or on the ground (as shown by RFID reader 130'). The RFID reader 130' may read the temperature RFID tag while the aircraft is on the ground or during takeoff, landing, or approach. Thus, the teachings herein may provide real-time over-temperature indication to the pilot and may also notify ground personnel of the location of overheated or overheating system components.

[0047] Furthermore, in one embodiment, multiple temperature RFID tags may be provided on a system element. Figure 5As shown, the system element 500 is shown as having four temperature RFID sensors 400a-400d. Each sensor may have a different threshold temperature. For example, the first temperature RFID sensor 400a may have a first temperature threshold of 30°C, the second temperature RFID sensor 400b may have a second temperature threshold of 35°C, the third temperature RFID sensor 400c may have a third temperature threshold of 40°C, and the fourth temperature RFID sensor 400d may have a fourth temperature threshold of 35°C. The RFID reader 130 may send an inquiry signal to the four temperature RFID sensors 400a-400d, and determine the temperature of the element 500 according to which of the four temperature RFID sensors 400a-400d responds. For example, if the first to third temperature RFID sensors 400a-400c respond and the fourth temperature RFID sensor 400d does not respond, it can be determined that the temperature of the element 500 is higher than 35°C and lower than 40°C.

[0048] Any of the four temperature RFID sensors 400a-400d, or any of the previously described sensors, may return an indication of the part number / part type to which the tag is attached, location location, threshold voltage, etc.

[0049] The term "about" is intended to include the degree of error associated with the measurement of the particular quantity based on the equipment available at the time the application was filed.

[0050] The terms used herein are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms "a", "a", and "the" are intended to include plural forms. It should also be understood that when used in this specification, the terms "include" and / or "comprise" specify the presence of the features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or parts, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, parts, and / or groups thereof.

[0051] Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to one or more exemplary embodiments, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements of the present disclosure without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt specific circumstances or materials to the teachings of the present invention without departing from the substantive scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, it is intended that the present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed as the best mode contemplated for implementing the present disclosure, but that the present disclosure will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. An actuator system (100) for an aircraft, the system comprising: one or more mechanical elements; A temperature radio frequency identification (RFID) tag (400) connected to at least one of the one or more mechanical elements, the temperature RFID tag (400) comprising an RFID tag (300) comprising: an antenna (304), the antenna (304) comprising: a first antenna portion (304a), a second antenna portion (304b), a controller (302) connected between the first antenna portion (304a) and the second antenna portion (304b), The antenna (304) is connected to a temperature sensitive element (420) to form a switch capable of opening and closing, and comprises: a first contact (422) connected to the first antenna portion (304a); a second contact (424) connected to the second antenna portion (304b); and A conductive path (326) between the first contact (422) and the second contact (424) is configured to: being shorted when the temperature is below a threshold, wherein the RFID tag (300) is in a disabled state; and being disconnected when the temperature is above a threshold, wherein the RFID tag (300) is enabled; wherein in a normal operating state, when the RFID tag (300) is in a disabled state, the conductive path creates an electrical path between the first contact (422) and the second contact (424), thereby electrically connecting the first antenna portion (304a) and the second antenna portion (304b) via the conductive path (326), and the switch is closed, and in an over-temperature state, and the RFID tag (300) is enabled, the conductive path (326) does not create an electrical path between the first contact (422) and the second contact (424), the two antenna portions (304a, 304b) are not electrically connected to each other via the conductive path (326), and the switch is open; and When the temperature sensitive element (420) is in a normal operating state, the RFID tag (300) does not transmit information, and when the temperature sensitive element (420) is in an over-temperature state, the RFID tag (300) transmits information.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the temperature sensitive element (420) comprises a temperature sensor having a threshold and which causes the two antenna portions (304a, 304b) to not be electrically connected to each other via the conductive path (326) when the temperature sensor determines that the threshold has been exceeded.

3. The system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the temperature RFID tag (400) transmits information identifying the mechanical element to which it is attached when the temperature sensitive element (420) is in an over-temperature state.

4. A system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the mechanical element is an aircraft slat or flap actuator.

5. A system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, comprising one or more of the following: a slat disconnect sensor (110), a slat deflection sensor (112), a slat / flap position sensor (114), a slat position sensor unit mounting bracket (116), a flap position sensor unit mounting bracket (118), a flap deflection sensor (120), a flap lowering box (122) and an angle gear box (124).

6. A method of determining that a mechanical element of an actuator system (100) has experienced an overheat condition, the method comprising: A temperature radio frequency identification (RFID) tag (400) is connected to one or more mechanical elements of an actuator system (100), the temperature RFID tag (400) comprising: an RFID tag (300) comprising: An antenna (304), the antenna (304) comprising: a first antenna portion (304a), a second antenna portion (304b), a controller (302) connected between the first antenna portion (304a) and the second antenna portion (304b), The antenna (304) is connected to a temperature sensitive element (420), which includes: a first contact (422); a second contact (424); and a conductive path (326) between the first contact (422) and the second contact (424), which is configured to: be short-circuited when the temperature is below a threshold, wherein the RFID tag (300) is in a disabled state; and be disconnected when the temperature is above a threshold, wherein the RFID tag (300) is enabled; wherein in a normal operating state, when the RFID tag (300) is in a disabled state, the conductive path (326) between the first contact (422) and the second contact (424) is configured to: be short-circuited when the temperature is below a threshold, wherein the RFID tag (300) is in a disabled state; and be disconnected when the temperature is above a threshold, wherein the RFID tag (300) is enabled. The path (326) creates an electrical path between the first contact (422) and the second contact (424), thereby electrically connecting the first antenna portion (304a) and the second antenna portion (304b) via the conductive path (326), and the switch is closed, and in an over-temperature state, and the RFID tag (300) is enabled, the conductive path (326) does not create an electrical path between the first contact (422) and the second contact (424), the two antenna portions (304a, 304b) are not electrically connected to each other via the conductive path (326), and the switch is open; wherein when the temperature sensitive element (420) is in a normal operating state, the RFID tag (300) does not transmit information, and when the temperature sensitive element (420) is in an over-temperature state, the RFID tag (300) transmits information; and Information from the temperature RFID tag (400) is received at an RFID reader (130).

7. The method of claim 6, wherein the RFID reader (130) transmits interrogation signals during flight and receives information during flight, optionally wherein the RFID reader (130) is located within an aircraft.

8. The method of claim 6, wherein the RFID reader (130) transmits the interrogation signal after a flight when the aircraft is on the ground.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the RFID reader (130) is located outside the aircraft.

10. The method according to any one of claims 6 to 9, further comprising: An interrogation signal is sent from the RFID reader (130) to the RFID tag (300), which causes the RFID tag (300) to transmit information.

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