Remote Optical Control Surface Measurement for Safer Aircraft Rigging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current aircraft control surface rigging methods require human contact, posing safety risks and inefficiencies, especially when measuring complex control surfaces, as they often rely on manual measurements and direct interaction with hazardous aircraft components.
Innovation Solution
A wireless remote optical control surface indication system comprising sensor modules mounted on aircraft that measure control surface positions relative to reference points using non-contact optical methods, transmitting data to a central computer for accurate calibration and alignment without human intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual measurement methods are used for control surface rigging, then human operators can directly measure and adjust control surfaces, but safety risks increase due to human contact with hazardous aircraft components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical measurement methods with an optical measurement system. A sensor module with a laser device projects a light curtain onto the control surface, and photodetectors optically detect the position of the control surface relative to the light curtain, eliminating the need for human operators to physically contact hazardous aircraft components during rigging operations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an optical measurement system as an intermediary between the human operator and the hazardous aircraft components. The sensor module, clamp assembly, and optical components serve as mediators that enable measurement and calibration without direct human contact with moving control surfaces or hazardous energy sources
2Measurement precision
If traditional rigging methods are used, then calibration can be performed with simple tools, but measurement precision decreases when dealing with complex control surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces simple mechanical measurement tools with an optical measurement system that uses a laser device to project a light curtain and photodetectors to precisely detect control surface position. This optical system provides high measurement precision for complex control surfaces by detecting the position relative to the light curtain without physical contact
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the measurement system into modular components: a clamp assembly that attaches to the aircraft structure, a sensor module containing the laser device and photodetectors, and a housing that protects the optical components. This segmentation allows the complex measurement system to be assembled, calibrated, and maintained as discrete units
3Reliability
If non-contact optical measurement is implemented, then safety is improved by eliminating human contact, but device complexity increases due to additional sensors and optical components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the laser device, photodetectors, housing, and mounting components into a single integrated sensor module assembly. The clamp assembly is combined with the sensor module to create a unified attachment system that secures the optical components to the aircraft structure while enabling measurement functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the light curtain as an intermediary that enables non-contact measurement. The laser device projects the light curtain onto the control surface, and the photodetectors detect the position by measuring the light curtain's interaction with the control surface, providing safe remote measurement capability
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
This system enables safe and efficient calibration of aircraft control surfaces by eliminating human contact with hazardous components, reducing the need for manual measurements and allowing for precise alignment of control surfaces, thereby improving safety and reducing rigging time.
Implementation Method 1
project a curtain of light in a first plane from the laser device onto the measurement surface to form an impingement line
Implementation Method 2
detect an object centroid where light scattered from the impingement line impinges on a row of photodetectors
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for optically measuring a position of a measurement surface relative to a reference position. The system is a wireless network comprising a centrally located data acquisition computer and a multiplicity of remotely located sensor modules mounted at different locations within wireless communication range of a central receiver. Each sensor module is mounted to a clamp that is made specific to a control surface location and embedded with an RFID tag to denote clamp location. The optical components of the sensor modules are selected to enable indication of the linear position of a measurement surface relative to a reference position and then broadcast the measurement results. The broadcast results are received by the central receiver and processed by the data acquisition computer, which hosts human interface software that displays measurement data.