Sensor-Mount Bush for Pin Detection and Low-Wear Attachment
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lug-based attachment systems for aircraft components are bulky, increase weight, and are not optimal for space-constrained applications, while conventional bushes do not address friction and wear issues effectively.
Innovation Solution
A bush with a sleeve, shoulder, and sensor mount that integrates a sensor to detect the presence of a pin within an aperture, reducing the need for lugs and brackets, and enhancing movement and wear resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If lugs and brackets are used for mounting equipment, then equipment can be securely attached, but weight and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The bush integrates multiple functions into a single component: it provides mounting capability through the integrated sensor mount, reduces friction through the bearing surface, and eliminates the need for separate lugs and brackets. The sensor mount is directly formed as part of the bush body, merging the mounting function with the bearing function in one element.
Solution Approach 2:
The bush serves multiple purposes simultaneously: it acts as a bearing to reduce friction, provides a mounting platform for sensors through the integrated sensor mount, and eliminates the need for separate attachment hardware. This multi-functional design replaces what would traditionally require lugs, brackets, and separate sensor mounting components.
2Reliability
If lugs and brackets are used for mounting equipment, then equipment can be securely attached, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bush integrates multiple functions into a single component: it provides mounting capability through the integrated sensor mount, reduces friction through the bearing surface, and eliminates the need for separate lugs and brackets. The sensor mount is directly formed as part of the bush body, merging the mounting function with the bearing function in one element.
Solution Approach 2:
The bush serves multiple purposes simultaneously: it acts as a bearing to reduce friction, provides a mounting platform for sensors through the integrated sensor mount, and eliminates the need for separate attachment hardware. This multi-functional design replaces what would traditionally require lugs, brackets, and separate sensor mounting components.
3Ease of operation
If conventional bushes are used, then friction reduction is provided, but wear resistance is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The bush is made from composite material, specifically glass fibre reinforced plastic, which provides both the low friction characteristics needed for smooth movement and the enhanced wear resistance required for reliable operation. The composite structure combines the low friction properties of the plastic matrix with the strength and wear resistance of the glass fibre reinforcement.
4Volume of moving object
If space-constrained locations are used for mounting, then equipment can be installed in tight spaces, but traditional lug and bracket solutions become undesirable
Solution Approach 1:
The bush integrates multiple functions into a single component: it provides mounting capability through the integrated sensor mount, reduces friction through the bearing surface, and eliminates the need for separate lugs and brackets. The sensor mount is directly formed as part of the bush body, merging the mounting function with the bearing function in one element.
Solution Approach 2:
The bush serves multiple purposes simultaneously: it acts as a bearing to reduce friction, provides a mounting platform for sensors through the integrated sensor mount, and eliminates the need for separate attachment hardware. This multi-functional design replaces what would traditionally require lugs, brackets, and separate sensor mounting components.
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 bush reduces weight and complexity, minimizes wear, and enables efficient detection of pin presence, making it suitable for space-constrained environments like aircraft latch lines.
Implementation Method 1
the bush may be configured to prevent or reduce wear caused by a pin moving within an aperture, for example a pin rotating or sliding within an aperture
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
A bush (100, 200, 300) is provided comprising a sleeve (102, 214) for receiving a pin; a shoulder (104, 216) extending from the sleeve, the shoulder for delimiting insertion of the sleeve into an aperture; and a sensor mount (108) for mounting a sensor such that the sensor may detect the presence of a pin within the sleeve. Installing such a bush within an aperture of a component may negate the requirement for lugs and/or brackets on the component. This may enable reduction of the weight, size and/or complexity of the component.