Optical Axle Deflection Sensor for Aircraft Weight Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring the weight and balance of aircraft are inaccurate and cumbersome, relying on stationary scales or strain gauges that are prone to corrosion and mechanical failures, limiting aircraft utilization and increasing operational costs.
Innovation Solution
A structural deflection and load measuring device using light beam emitting and sensing technology, with refractive and reflective optical components, to measure axle deflections and calculate weight, balance, and load on aircraft landing gear axles, providing a reliable and accurate method for determining aircraft weight and balance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If strain gauges are used to measure axle deflection, then measurement capability is provided, but reliability deteriorates due to corrosion and mechanical bonding failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces strain gauges (mechanical/electrical system) with an optical measurement system using light beams, mirrors, and position sensors. This substitution eliminates the mechanical bonding and electrical connections that cause corrosion and failure, while maintaining deflection measurement capability through optical path detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces mirrors as intermediary elements that reflect light beams to indicate axle deflection. The mirrors are attached to the axle structure and their angular position changes with deflection, providing a reliable mechanical-optical interface that avoids direct electrical connections to the harsh environment.
2Measurement precision
If stationary scales are used for weighing aircraft, then accurate weight measurement is achieved, but productivity deteriorates due to time-consuming procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent installs deflection measurement sensors on the aircraft landing gear axles in advance, so that weight and balance measurements can be taken immediately before flight without requiring the aircraft to be moved to external weighing facilities. This preliminary installation enables rapid on-site measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The aircraft performs its own weight and balance measurement using onboard sensors, eliminating the need for external stationary scales and manual weighing procedures. The system automatically measures axle deflections and calculates weight and balance data, reducing operational time and costs.
3Ease of operation
If calculated weight and balance values are used, then operational simplicity is maintained, but measurement precision deteriorates due to reliance on average weights
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual calculation methods with automated optical sensing and electronic computation. Light beams detect precise axle deflections, which are converted to weight measurements through calibrated relationships, providing accurate real-time data without relying on average weight assumptions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors axle deflections and provides real-time feedback on actual weight and balance conditions. This feedback mechanism allows operators to make informed decisions about load distribution and aircraft configuration based on precise measured data rather than estimates.
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
The device offers precise and durable measurement of axle deflections, enabling accurate determination of aircraft weight and balance, reducing operational constraints and increasing aircraft utilization while minimizing maintenance costs.
Implementation Method 1
at least one light beam emitting device connected to the axle and operable to emit at least one light beam
Implementation Method 2
a refractive optical device located between the at least one light position sensing device and the at least one light emitting device and within the path of the light beam for refracting the light beam
Implementation Method 3
a reflective optical device which is located at a position distal from the at least one light beam emitting device and the at least one light position sensing device and positioned to reflect the beam emitted from the at least one emitting device onto the at least one position sensing device
Implementation Method 4
at least one light position sensing device connected to the axle and located relative to the light beam emitting device for receiving the light beam and for measuring the position of the light beam
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a structural deflection and load measuring device for mounting on an axle. The device includes at least one light beam emitting device connected to the axle and able to emit at least one light beam and at least one light position sensing device connected to the axle. The sensing device is located relative to the light beam emitting device for receiving at least one light beam from the light beam emitting device thereon and is operable to calculate the position of the light beam received on its surface.