Ball-and-Socket Joint Wear Measurement via Capacitive Resonance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring wear in ball-and-socket joints of helicopter control mechanisms are invasive, requiring disassembly and are not precise, leading to prolonged immobilization of helicopters due to the difficulty in accurately determining capacitor capacity variations.
Innovation Solution
A device with electrodes and an electronic circuit, including a resonant circuit with a capacitor, inductance, and resistance, is integrated into the ball-and-socket joint to measure wear by evaluating energy dissipation changes when excited at resonance frequency, allowing for precise wear assessment and prediction of remaining flight hours.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If mechanical measurement method is used to measure wear of ball-and-socket joint, then wear can be measured, but complete disassembly of oscillating plate is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical measurement system with an electrical measurement system. Capacitive sensors and inductive sensors are integrated into the ball-and-socket joint to measure wear electrically without mechanical contact or disassembly. The capacitive sensor measures changes in capacitance caused by wear, while the inductive sensor detects changes in inductance, both providing wear measurement without mechanical intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement system is self-contained within the ball-and-socket joint structure. The sensors are embedded in the fixed ring, and the measurement electronics are integrated into the joint itself, allowing the joint to perform self-diagnosis of wear without requiring external measurement equipment or disassembly of the oscillating plate.
2Measurement precision
If mechanical measurement method is used to measure wear of multiple ball-and-socket joints, then wear can be measured, but helicopter is immobilized for several hours or even several days
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces time-consuming mechanical measurement procedures with rapid electrical measurements. The integrated sensors can measure wear of multiple ball-and-socket joints simultaneously or in rapid succession, reducing maintenance time from hours or days to minutes. The electrical measurement process does not require disassembly or manual intervention for each joint.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement system allows for continuous monitoring of wear in ball-and-socket joints. The sensors are permanently installed and can continuously track wear progression, enabling condition-based maintenance rather than periodic immobilization for measurement. This allows the helicopter to remain operational while wear is monitored in real-time or near-real-time.
3Loss of information
If direct capacity measurement of capacitor is performed, then wear information can be obtained, but precise capacity value is difficult to obtain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces intermediary measurement methods to indirectly determine capacitor capacity with higher precision. Instead of directly measuring capacity, the system uses capacitive sensors that measure changes in capacitance through electrical field interactions, or inductive sensors that measure wear through inductance changes. These intermediary measurements provide more precise wear information than direct capacity measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the measurement parameter from direct capacitor capacity to related electrical parameters such as capacitance change, inductance change, or resonant frequency shift. By measuring these related parameters that are more sensitive to wear-induced changes, the system achieves higher measurement precision. The wear information is derived from these parameter changes rather than direct capacity measurement.
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 precise measurement of wear without disassembly, reducing maintenance time and providing a lifetime model for ball-and-socket joints, ensuring accurate prediction of deterioration and maintaining helicopter control.
Implementation Method 1
The electronic circuit is a resonant circuit including the capacitor, an inductance and a resistance positioned in series
Implementation Method 2
The two rings being separated by an electrically insulating lining, they therefore form a capacitor structure with the latter. The variation of the capacity of the capacitor thus formed reflects the wear of the ball-and-socket joint.
Data Source
Figure 1~4
Figure 2~3
AI summary
The device makes it possible to measure the wear of a ball-and-socket joint (2) comprising a first ring (4), which delimits a spherical housing, a second spherical ring (6), which is positioned concentrically in the housing of the first ring, and a lining (8), which is made from an elastically insulating material and is inserted between the second ring and the spherical housing of the first ring, at least two electrodes (42, 62) provided to be connected to the first ring (4) and the second ring (6), respectively, or to the lining (8), so as to form a capacitor structure (C) and means (12-22) for measuring the capacity of the capacitor thus formed. The device further comprises an electronic circuit (22), which is a resonant circuit including the capacitor (C), an inductance (L) and a resistance (R) positioned in series.