Linear motion testing system for a multi-channel inductive proximity sensor

Abstract

The application provides a linear motion test system of a multi-channel inductive proximity sensor, relates to the technical field of aviation sensor testing, and comprises a base, a plurality of linear motion platforms installed on the base, a plurality of targets fixed on the linear motion platforms through target supports, a plurality of proximity sensors fixed on the base through sensor supports, a plurality of stepping motors for driving the linear motion platforms to move along a straight line, and an upper computer connected with the stepping motors through a CAN bus via a CAN distributor, for sending position control instructions to the stepping motors, so that the stepping motors drive the linear motion platforms to drive the targets to move, the distance between the targets and the proximity sensors is adjusted, the inductance values of the plurality of proximity sensors are collected by a measured controller, and performance verification is completed. The application realizes automatic and accurate control, reproduces real working conditions, improves the reliability of test data, adapts to the testing requirements of multiple scenes, and guarantees the operation reliability of aviation key systems.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of aviation sensor testing technology, and more specifically to a linear motion testing system for a multi-channel inductive proximity sensor. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of aviation sensor testing technology, a linear motion testing system for multi-channel inductive proximity sensors is involved. Inductive proximity sensors are key detection components for position indication in aircraft landing gear systems. Their core detection principle is non-contact sensing—the electromagnetic field generated by the coil inside the sensor changes as the measured metal target approaches or moves away, causing the coil's equivalent inductance to dynamically change with parameters such as the target distance and the area facing it. Ultimately, the change in inductance value determines the door opening / closing position, landing gear retraction / extension position, and wheel position (air / ground), providing a core position feedback signal to the controller under test.

[0003] However, the industry currently lacks dedicated testing equipment and technology capable of precisely setting the relative positions of multiple inductive proximity sensors and targets. This makes it impossible to accurately simulate the dynamic changes in inductance values ​​of multiple sensors under different operating conditions, and also makes it difficult to systematically verify the impact of changes in inductance values ​​of multiple proximity sensors on the input signals of the controller under test. This directly results in a lack of effective verification basis for the hardware and software logic, signal processing capabilities, and fault response mechanisms of the controller under test, making it impossible to fully verify the reliability and accuracy of the controller under real operating conditions.

[0004] Therefore, it is urgent to build an automated proximity sensor linear motion test bench. By precisely controlling the relative distance between multiple inductive proximity sensors and the target, the test bench can simulate the actual working conditions of the cabin door opening and closing position, landing gear retraction and extension position, and wheel load in-air / on-ground position. The test bench can input multi-channel sensor position signals to the controller under test, accurately reproduce the relative position relationships under various working scenarios, and thus achieve comprehensive and accurate verification of the hardware and software performance of the controller under test, ensuring the safe operation of the aircraft landing gear system. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of this, this application provides a linear motion testing system for a multi-channel inductive proximity sensor. The system uses an automated method to accurately set the relative positions of the multi-channel inductive proximity sensor and the target, simulating actual working conditions such as the opening and closing position of the cabin door, the retraction and extension position of the landing gear, and the wheel load in the air / on the ground position. The system inputs multi-channel sensor position signals to the controller under test, thereby achieving comprehensive and accurate verification of the hardware and software performance of the controller under test.

[0006] This application provides the following technical solution: a linear motion testing system for a multi-channel inductive proximity sensor, comprising:

[0007] Base; Multiple linear motion platforms are mounted on the base; Multiple targets are fixed to the linear motion platform by target supports. Multiple proximity sensors are fixed to the base on the side opposite to the linear motion platform via sensor supports, such that the sensing surface of the proximity sensor is directly facing the sensing surface of the target. A multi-channel stepper motor is provided, each stepper motor being connected to the linear motion platform to drive the linear motion platform to move in a straight line. The host computer is connected to multiple stepper motors via a CAN bus and a CAN splitter. It sends position control commands to the stepper motors so that the stepper motors drive the linear motion platform to move the target, thereby adjusting the distance between the target and the proximity sensor to the set target distance. The host computer also collects the inductance values ​​of multiple proximity sensors through the controller under test to complete the performance verification.

[0008] According to one embodiment of this application, the CAN splitter is a 1-to-4 CAN bus splitter, which supports simultaneous control of four stepper motors.

[0009] According to one embodiment of this application, the sensor support includes a bottom support, a lifting block, and bolts. The proximity sensor is fixed between the bottom support and the lifting block by the bolts. Both the bottom support and the lifting block are provided with 120° isosceles triangular openings adapted to the contact surface of the proximity sensor, so that four contact line segments are formed between the bottom support and the lifting block and the proximity sensor to constrain the longitudinal and axial degrees of freedom of the proximity sensor.

[0010] According to one embodiment of this application, a connecting protrusion is provided on one side edge of the base, and a connecting groove is provided on the other side edge of the base. The connecting groove is used to cooperate with the connecting protrusion of the adjacent base to realize the parallel superposition and expansion of multiple sets of bases and linear motion platforms.

[0011] According to one embodiment of this application, each additional set of bases and linear motion platforms can expand the simulation of the position status of four proximity sensors.

[0012] According to one embodiment of this application, the connecting protrusion is an inverted trapezoidal protrusion, and the connecting groove is an inverted trapezoidal groove.

[0013] According to one embodiment of this application, the linear motion platform comprises four units, each driven independently by a stepper motor.

[0014] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects that at least one technical solution adopted in the embodiments of this specification can achieve include at least: 1. Achieve precise automated control of multi-channel sensor positions: By combining the host computer with the CAN bus and the 1-to-4 CAN splitter, commands can be sent to four stepper motors simultaneously to drive the linear motion platform to precisely adjust the relative positions of the target and proximity sensor. This replaces manual adjustment, significantly improves position control accuracy and adjustment efficiency, avoids human error, and ensures that the distance between the sensor and the target and the alignment meet the requirements of the test conditions.

[0015] 2. Accurately reproduces actual aviation working conditions: It can simulate the position status of real scenarios such as cabin door opening and closing, landing gear retraction and extension, and wheel load in the air / on the ground. It inputs multi-channel sensor position signals to the controller under test, comprehensively verifying the hardware and software logic, signal processing capabilities and fault response mechanisms of the controller under test. It provides a test environment close to actual application for controller performance verification, effectively solving the problem that traditional testing methods cannot reproduce real working conditions.

[0016] 3. Flexible scalability: The system supports parallel stacking arrangements, and initial fixation can be achieved simply through the interlocking of concave and convex structures, enabling precise alignment between bases without additional measurements, ensuring structural stability when multiple platforms work together. Each additional base and linear motion platform can expand the position state simulation of 4 proximity sensors. The number of sensors can be flexibly adjusted according to testing needs, adapting to multi-channel and complex testing tasks, meeting the verification requirements of different types of aerospace controllers, and enhancing the system's versatility and reusability.

[0017] 4. Improve the reliability and comprehensiveness of test data: Through automated control and stable position maintenance capabilities, the inductance values ​​of multiple proximity sensors under different position states can be obtained, providing accurate and comprehensive measured data support for the performance analysis and optimization design of aviation sensors and controllers. This helps to solve the problems of insufficient controller verification and sensor layout design relying on experience due to the lack of effective testing equipment in the existing technology, and ensures the operational reliability of key systems such as aircraft landing gear. Attached Figure Description

[0018] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the working principle of the linear motion testing system for the multi-channel inductive proximity sensor of the present invention. Figure 2 This is a top view of the structural principle diagram of the linear motion testing system for the multi-channel inductive proximity sensor of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a front view of the structural principle diagram of the linear motion testing system for the multi-channel inductive proximity sensor of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a side view of the structural principle diagram of the linear motion testing system for the multi-channel inductive proximity sensor of the present invention. Figure 5 The present invention describes the structural principle of the linear motion testing system for a multi-channel inductive proximity sensor. Figure 3 Vito; In the diagram, 1-stepper motor a, 2-stepper motor b, 3-stepper motor c, 4-stepper motor d, 5-target support, 6-target, 7-proximity sensor a, 8-proximity sensor b, 9-proximity sensor c, 10-proximity sensor d, 11-linear motion platform a, 12-linear motion platform b, 13-linear motion platform c, 14-linear motion platform d, 15-proximity sensor support, 16-base. Detailed Implementation

[0020] The embodiments of this application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0021] The following specific examples illustrate the implementation of this application. Those skilled in the art can easily understand other advantages and effects of this application from the content disclosed in this specification. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all of them. This application can also be implemented or applied through other different specific embodiments, and the details in this specification can also be modified or changed based on different viewpoints and applications without departing from the spirit of this application. It should be noted that, in the absence of conflict, the following embodiments and features in the embodiments can be combined with each other. Based on the embodiments in this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0022] This invention provides a linear motion testing system for a multi-channel inductive proximity sensor, comprising: Base; Multiple linear motion platforms are mounted on the base; Multiple targets are fixed to the linear motion platform by target supports. Multiple proximity sensors are fixed to the base on the side opposite to the linear motion platform via sensor supports, such that the sensing surface of the proximity sensor is directly facing the sensing surface of the target. A multi-channel stepper motor is provided, each stepper motor being connected to the linear motion platform to drive the linear motion platform to move in a straight line. The host computer is connected to multiple stepper motors via a CAN bus and a CAN splitter. It sends position control commands to the stepper motors so that the stepper motors drive the linear motion platform to move the target, thereby adjusting the distance between the target and the proximity sensor to the set target distance. The host computer also collects the inductance values ​​of multiple proximity sensors through the controller under test to complete the performance verification.

[0023] This invention provides a linear motion testing system for a multi-channel inductive proximity sensor, comprising a base, a linear motion platform, a proximity sensor, and a target, target support, sensor support, and stepper motors that match the proximity sensor. A host computer uses a CAN bus to send control commands to the stepper motors via a CAN splitter (1 to 4). The linear motion platform is located at one end of the base. The target is connected to the linear motion platform via the target support, which is fixed to the platform. The linear motion platform is driven by the stepper motors. The sensor support is fixed to the top of the other end of the base. The proximity sensor is connected to the sensor support, with its sensing surface corresponding to the sensing surface of the target. The sensor support secures the proximity sensor with bolts, allowing for the mounting of sensors of different diameters.

[0024] This system deploys a host computer and a 1-to-4 CAN bus splitter. The host computer, based on the CAN bus communication protocol, sends position control commands to four stepper motors via the splitter. The four stepper motors respond to the commands, driving the linear motion platform to move, thereby achieving precise adjustment and stable maintenance of the relative position between the proximity sensor and the target. In use, it can simulate actual operating conditions such as door opening and closing, landing gear retraction and extension, inputting multi-channel signals to the controller under test, and supporting parallel superposition and expansion. This system achieves automated and precise control, reproduces real operating conditions, improves the reliability of test data, adapts to multi-scenario testing needs, and ensures the operational reliability of critical aviation systems.

[0025] In this embodiment, a proximity sensor is connected to a sensor support, with the sensing surface of the proximity sensor corresponding to the sensing surface of the target. The sensor support includes a bottom support, a lifting block, and bolts. The bolts fix the proximity sensor between the bottom support and the lifting block. Both the bottom support and the lifting block have 120° isosceles triangular openings adapted to the contact surface of the proximity sensor, forming four contact line segments between the bottom support, the lifting block, and the proximity sensor to constrain the longitudinal and axial degrees of freedom of the proximity sensor. The sensor support uses bolts and a lifting block to fix the proximity sensor. Both the support and the lifting block have 120° isosceles triangular openings, forming four spatial contact line segments with the sensor through these openings, thereby constraining the longitudinal and axial degrees of freedom of the sensor and ensuring the stability of its installation posture.

[0026] In this embodiment, a connecting protrusion is provided on one side edge of the base, and a connecting groove is provided on the other side edge of the base. The connecting groove is used to cooperate with the connecting protrusion of the adjacent base to achieve parallel stacking and expansion of multiple sets of bases and linear motion platforms. This linear motion testing system is scalable and can be arranged in parallel according to actual needs. Each additional set of bases and linear motion platforms can add four proximity sensors to simulate the position state.

[0027] Preferably, the connecting protrusion is an inverted trapezoidal protrusion, and the connecting groove is an inverted trapezoidal groove. In this system, the inverted trapezoidal groove is used to connect and fix the side base, providing both stability and safety.

[0028] Preferably, the linear motion platform has four components, each driven independently by a stepper motor.

[0029] The method of using the linear motion testing system for multi-channel inductive proximity sensors according to this invention is as follows: 1) Fix the target on the target support and the proximity sensor on the sensor support, so that the sensing surface of the proximity sensor is completely aligned with the sensing surface of the target. 2) Send position control commands to the four stepper motors via a splitter through the host computer. The four stepper motors drive the linear motion platform, the target support, and the target to move, thereby changing the distance between the proximity sensor and the target to achieve the required distance. 3) The design of this linear motion testing system allows the controller under test connected to the proximity sensor to obtain the inductance value combinations of four or more proximity sensors in different position states.

[0030] The working principle diagram of the linear motion testing system for the multi-channel inductive proximity sensor of this application is shown below. Figure 1 As shown, it includes the following steps: For equipment installation and calibration, fix the target to the target support and the proximity sensor to the sensor support, ensuring that the sensing surfaces of both are perfectly aligned, thus completing the initial alignment of the test components. The target is fixed to the target support, and the proximity sensor is fixed to the sensor support, ensuring that the sensing surface of the proximity sensor is perfectly aligned with the sensing surface of the target.

[0031] Command issuance and position adjustment are achieved by sending position control commands to four stepper motors via a 1-to-4 CAN bus splitter from the host computer. The stepper motors respond to the commands and drive the linear motion platform to move the target to adjust the distance between it and the proximity sensor until the target test position is reached.

[0032] After the system stabilizes, the controller under test, connected to the proximity sensor, acquires the combination of inductance values ​​of the four sensors at the current position state to complete the performance verification of the corresponding working condition.

[0033] System expansion (operation as needed): If additional test channels are required, the new base is connected and fixed to the original base using an inverted trapezoidal groove. A new set of bases and linear motion platforms are added by parallel stacking, thereby expanding the simulation of the position status of 4 proximity sensors.

[0034] like Figures 2-5 As shown, the linear motion testing system for multi-channel inductive proximity sensors of this application includes stepper motor a1, stepper motor b2, stepper motor c3, stepper motor d4, target support 5, target 6, proximity sensor a7, proximity sensor b8, proximity sensor c9, proximity sensor d10, linear motion platform a11, linear motion platform b12, linear motion platform c13, linear motion platform d14, proximity sensor support 15, and base 16. Base 16 is the reference plane for the entire linear motion testing system. Linear motion platforms a11, b12, c13, and d14 are arranged parallel to its length (from front to back), and are driven by stepper motors a1, b2, c3, and d4, respectively. Four targets are fixed to target supports 5 respectively, and each target support is assembled on linear motion platform a 11, linear motion platform b 12, linear motion platform c 13, and linear motion platform d 14 respectively.

[0035] The proximity sensors a7, b8, c9, and d10 are fixed to the proximity sensor support 15. The sensor support uses bolts and a lifting block to secure the proximity sensors. Both the support and the lifting block have 120° isosceles triangular openings, forming four spatial contact lines with the sensors. This constrains the longitudinal and axial degrees of freedom of the sensors, ensuring the stability of their installation posture and preventing displacement during testing. This structure is compatible with proximity sensors of different diameters and has good compatibility. The support 15 is rigidly connected to the base 16, forming a fixed reference assembly structure.

[0036] The linear motion system has an inverted trapezoidal groove structure in the center of the base 16. When the side base and the main base have an inverted trapezoidal concave-convex structure, the lateral (horizontal) offset can be automatically limited, ensuring the structural stability when multiple platforms work together.

[0037] In use, target 6 is fixed to target support 5, and proximity sensors a 7, b 8, c 9, and d 10 are fixed to proximity sensor support 15, ensuring that the sensing surfaces of the proximity sensors are completely aligned with the sensing surfaces of the target. Stepper motor a 1 drives linear motion platform a 11 and its corresponding target support and target to perform linear motion; stepper motor b 2 drives linear motion platform b 12 and its corresponding target support and target to perform linear motion; stepper motor c 3 drives linear motion platform c 13 and its corresponding target support and target to perform linear motion; and stepper motor d 4 drives linear motion platform d 14 and its corresponding target support and target to perform linear motion. This changes the distance between proximity sensors a 7, b 8, c 9, d 10 and target 6, simulating the linear motion of the target and proximity sensors approaching or moving away from each other. The inductance values ​​at four different distances are output to the controller under test. Based on actual needs, an additional set of bases and linear motion platforms can be added by parallel stacking to expand the simulation of position status of four or more proximity sensors.

[0038] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A linear motion testing system for a multi-channel inductive proximity sensor, characterized in that, include: Base; Multiple linear motion platforms are mounted on the base; Multiple targets are fixed to the linear motion platform by target supports. Multiple proximity sensors are fixed to the base on the side opposite to the linear motion platform via sensor supports, such that the sensing surface of the proximity sensor is directly facing the sensing surface of the target. A multi-channel stepper motor is provided, each stepper motor being connected to the linear motion platform to drive the linear motion platform to move in a straight line. The host computer is connected to multiple stepper motors via a CAN bus and a CAN splitter. It sends position control commands to the stepper motors so that the stepper motors drive the linear motion platform to move the target, thereby adjusting the distance between the target and the proximity sensor to the set target distance. The host computer also collects the inductance values ​​of multiple proximity sensors through the controller under test to complete the performance verification.

2. The linear motion testing system for multi-channel inductive proximity sensors according to claim 1, characterized in that, The CAN splitter is a 1-to-4 CAN bus splitter, which supports simultaneous control of four stepper motors.

3. The linear motion testing system for multi-channel inductive proximity sensors according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sensor support includes a bottom support, a lifting block, and bolts. The proximity sensor is fixed between the bottom support and the lifting block by the bolts. Both the bottom support and the lifting block are provided with 120° isosceles triangular openings that are adapted to the contact surface of the proximity sensor, so that four contact line segments are formed between the bottom support and the lifting block and the proximity sensor to constrain the longitudinal and axial degrees of freedom of the proximity sensor.

4. The linear motion testing system for a multi-channel inductive proximity sensor according to claim 1, characterized in that, The base has a connecting protrusion on one side edge and a connecting groove on the other side edge. The connecting groove is used to connect with the connecting protrusion on the adjacent base to realize the parallel superposition and expansion of multiple bases and linear motion platforms.

5. The linear motion testing system for a multi-channel inductive proximity sensor according to claim 4, characterized in that, Each additional set of bases and linear motion platforms can expand the simulation of the position status of 4 proximity sensors.

6. The linear motion testing system for a multi-channel inductive proximity sensor according to claim 4, characterized in that, The connecting protrusion is an inverted trapezoidal protrusion, and the connecting groove is an inverted trapezoidal groove.

7. The linear motion testing system for a multi-channel inductive proximity sensor according to claim 1, characterized in that, The linear motion platform consists of four units, each driven independently by a stepper motor.

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