Single Sensor Driveline Monitoring for Multiple Aircraft Control Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for monitoring multiple control surfaces in aircraft are complex and costly due to the need for multiple sensors, which can lead to aerodynamic inefficiencies and performance degradation from control surface deviations.
Innovation Solution
A single rotational sensor coupled with multiple differentials is used to measure and determine the condition of multiple control surfaces, reducing system complexity and cost by measuring rotational displacement and comparing it to expected values to assess conditions such as under-extension, over-extension, and driveline disconnect failures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple sensors are used to monitor each control surface individually, then measurement precision and reliability are improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple control surface monitoring functions into a single sensor system. The driveline sensor assembly measures the rotational position of a common driveline that connects multiple control surfaces, allowing one sensor to monitor the position of multiple control surfaces simultaneously. This merging approach maintains reliable monitoring while reducing the number of sensors from multiple individual sensors to a single shared sensor.
Solution Approach 2:
The single driveline sensor assembly performs multiple functions: it monitors the rotational position of the common driveline, determines the position of multiple different control surfaces based on that measurement, and provides comprehensive monitoring coverage for the entire control surface system. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for dedicated sensors for each control surface.
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are installed on control surfaces, then measurement coverage is improved, but weight and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple measurement functions into a single sensor unit. By placing one sensor on the common driveline that serves multiple control surfaces, the system achieves comprehensive position measurement for all control surfaces without the weight penalty of multiple distributed sensors. The single sensor measures the driveline rotation, from which positions of multiple control surfaces are derived.
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If individual sensors are used for each control surface, then detection accuracy is improved, but system cost and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The driveline sensor assembly serves as a universal monitoring device for multiple control surfaces. A single sensor unit and processing system can detect and measure the position and condition of multiple different control surfaces by analyzing the rotational position of the common driveline. This universal approach reduces manufacturing complexity and maintenance costs compared to deploying identical sensor systems on each control surface.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus to measure multiple control surfaces with a sensor are disclosed. A disclosed example apparatus for determining a condition associated with first and second control surfaces includes a sensor to measure a rotation of a shaft operatively coupled thereto. The apparatus also includes a first differential operatively coupled between the shaft and a first pivot of the first control surface, and a second differential operatively coupled between the first differential and a second pivot of the second control surface.