Proximity Sensor Monitoring for Independent Landing Gear Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aerospace industry's Functional Hazard Analysis (FHA) requirements for landing gear detection systems pose challenges due to weight and space constraints, necessitating a reliable independent measurement path for proximity sensors that are not always feasible with existing systems.
Innovation Solution
A proximity sensor monitor system that includes an electrical component, an impedance component, and a signal generator, coupled with a processor to compensate for frequency differences between the excitation frequencies used in the proximity sensor and the monitor, providing independent and reliable measurements of target proximity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two independent landing gear detectors are installed to satisfy FHA requirements, then reliability is improved, but weight and space increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the detection function into two independent measurement paths: the primary proximity sensor path and the secondary monitor path. Each path can independently detect landing gear position, ensuring that if one path fails, the other can still provide reliable detection. This segmentation achieves redundancy without requiring complete duplication of the entire sensor system.
Solution Approach 2:
The monitor path uses the impedance component and electrical component as intermediary elements to create an independent measurement path. By measuring impedance changes through these intermediary components, the system achieves independent verification of proximity sensor readings without requiring a completely separate physical sensor, thus reducing weight and space requirements.
2Reliability
If two independent landing gear detectors are installed to satisfy FHA requirements, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical component and impedance component serve multiple functions: they are part of the primary proximity sensor circuitry while simultaneously serving as measurement elements for the secondary monitor path. This multi-functionality allows the same components to support both detection paths, reducing the need for additional dedicated components and simplifying the overall device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges the primary sensor functionality with the secondary monitor functionality by using shared electrical components and impedance elements. The monitor path is integrated into the existing sensor circuitry, combining multiple functions into a unified structure that reduces complexity compared to completely separate independent sensor systems.
3Reliability
If different excitation frequencies are used in the proximity sensor and monitor, then independent measurement is achieved, but measurement accuracy decreases due to frequency difference
Solution Approach 1:
The system deliberately uses different excitation frequencies for the proximity sensor and monitor paths to ensure measurement independence. The processor compensates for the frequency difference by adjusting measurement parameters and applying appropriate signal processing techniques, allowing each path to operate optimally at its own frequency while maintaining accurate and comparable measurements.
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
Ensures accurate and reliable independent measurements of target proximity, satisfying FHA requirements by compensating for frequency differences and allowing for fault detection, thereby enhancing safety and reliability in landing gear deployment scenarios.
Implementation Method 1
proximity sensors, which detect changes in the impedance of a component depending on the location of a target
Implementation Method 2
the processor is configured to compensate for a frequency difference between an excitation frequency used to generate the proximity monitor signal, and an excitation frequency used to generate an electrical signal applied to the connected electrical and impedance components
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention generally relates to proximity sensor monitors and proximity monitor systems incorporating proximity sensor monitors. A proximity sensor monitor measures the impedance or other electrical characteristics of a proximity sensor component to determine the presence of a target. The proximity sensor monitor performs this measurement independently of a separate proximity sensor. The proximity sensor monitor is configured to compensate for differences between the measurement frequency of the proximity sensor monitor and the driving frequency of the proximity sensor.