Cantilevered Differential Motion Sensor Integrating Arms and Base
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aircraft motion sensors require unique and separately machined arms, hinge pins, and springs, leading to complex assembly, increased costs, and potential misassembly issues, as well as the need for lubrication and precise machining.
Innovation Solution
A cantilevered differential motion sensor with arms integrally formed with the base, eliminating the need for separate springs and hinge pins, and allowing for resilient bias to the relaxed position without additional components, with a fuse and stabilization brackets to hold the arms in a non-relaxed position and detect malfunctions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If separate arms, hinge pins, and springs are used, then the sensor can be assembled from individual components, but the assembly process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate components (arms, hinge pins, and springs) into a single integrally formed base structure. The arms are directly formed as part of the base, eliminating the need for separate hinge pins and springs, thereby simplifying the overall structure and reducing assembly steps.
2Ease of manufacture
If separate components are assembled, then flexibility in manufacturing is maintained, but the risk of misassembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the arms and hinge mechanisms into the base structure, the patent eliminates misassembly risks associated with separate components. The integral design ensures proper alignment and connection without requiring precise assembly operations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate springs and hinge pins are used, then the sensor can accommodate different configurations, but the number of parts and assembly steps increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functional elements into the base structure, reducing the total number of parts. This integration maintains the necessary configurational flexibility while dramatically improving assembly efficiency by eliminating multiple assembly steps.
4Ease of manufacture
If separate components are used, then each component can be optimized independently, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple components into a single integrally formed base, reducing the number of parts from four separate components (two arms, two hinge pins, and springs) to one monolithic structure. This reduces manufacturing complexity and associated costs.
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
Simplifies manufacturing and assembly, reduces costs, and enhances reliability by eliminating the need for separate springs and hinge pins, while providing effective detection of panel malfunctions and reducing dynamic motion instability.
Implementation Method 1
the arms being moveable between a relaxed position and a non-relaxed position, the arms being biased towards the relaxed position
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The disclosed sensor (50;150) includes a frame having a base (26;126) and a plurality of arms (22,24;122,124) integral with the base. The arms are biased to a relaxed position, which may be an extended position. A fuse (40;140) is fastened between the arms to hold the arms in a non-relaxed position. When incorporated into an aircraft, for example, the disclosed sensor may be connected to a first panel (72), and a pin (60) connected to a second panel (74) may be positioned between the arms.