Actuator-Position Sensor Threshold Circuit for Flap Degradation Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting degradation in actuator-position sensors of aircraft wing flaps are inadequate, as they are time-consuming, require physical access, and fail to detect issues that only arise during flight, leading to potential flap lockouts and unreliable operations.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that includes a first circuit to convert the actuator-position sensor's voltage pattern to an output voltage, a comparator circuit to determine if the output voltage exceeds specific thresholds, and an output device to indicate the sensor's condition, allowing for in-situ detection of healthy, degraded, or failed states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If static testing methods are used to detect actuator-position sensor degradation, then testing can be performed outside of flight conditions, but the testing is time-consuming and fails to detect degradation that only occurs during flight
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary testing of the actuator-position sensor during aircraft maintenance and before flight operations. The test device is connected to the sensor to evaluate its electrical characteristics and generate test outputs that indicate sensor health status, allowing degradation to be detected before it causes flight issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex manual static testing procedures with an automated electronic test device that directly interfaces with the actuator-position sensor. The device uses electronic signal generation and analysis to automatically evaluate sensor characteristics, substituting mechanical/manual testing with electronic automation to reduce time while maintaining or improving detection accuracy.
2Ease of operation
If in situ testing is performed with a flight technician physically accessing the actuator-position sensor, then testing can be conducted without removing the sensor, but the process requires physical access and is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The test device replaces manual physical testing procedures with automated electronic testing. The device connects to the actuator-position sensor through its existing electrical interfaces and automatically performs tests by generating excitation signals and analyzing sensor outputs, eliminating the need for flight technicians to manually access and test the sensor physically.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator-position sensor is designed to provide its own test signals through its normal operational outputs. The test device utilizes these self-generated signals from the sensor to evaluate its condition, allowing the sensor to effectively test itself without requiring external physical manipulation or disassembly.
3Device complexity
If conventional testing methods are used, then simple electrical characteristics can be tested, but degradation present only during flight cannot be detected
Solution Approach 1:
The test device dynamically evaluates the actuator-position sensor by generating excitation signals and analyzing the sensor's response under simulated operational conditions. The system assesses how the sensor behaves when subjected to dynamic electrical stimuli that mimic flight conditions, rather than only measuring static electrical characteristics, enabling detection of degradation that manifests only during active operation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables accurate, efficient, and timely detection of actuator-position sensor degradation without disassembly, reducing unnecessary component replacements and ensuring reliable wing flap operations.
Implementation Method 1
a first circuit electrically coupled with the actuator-position sensor to convert a voltage pattern generated by the actuator-position sensor to an output voltage
Implementation Method 2
a comparator circuit electrically coupled with the first circuit and configured to determine if the output voltage of the first circuit exceeds a first threshold
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a system for determining a condition of an actuator-position sensor. The system comprises a first circuit electrically coupled with the actuator-position sensor to convert a voltage pattern generated by the actuator-position sensor to an output voltage. The system also comprises a comparator circuit electrically coupled with the first circuit and configured to determine if the output voltage of the first circuit exceeds a first threshold. The system further comprises an output device electrically coupled to the comparator circuit and configured to indicate a first output, associated with a first condition of the actuator-position sensor, when the output voltage of the first circuit exceeds the first threshold.