Slat Disconnect Sensor Using Electrical Contactors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensors fail to effectively detect skewed or disconnected aircraft control surfaces such as slats or flaps, leading to a loss of lift during undesired conditions.
Innovation Solution
A sensor system comprising a first and second member coupled by a pin, with restricted rotation, featuring electrical contactors (fuses) that interrupt contact when the components exceed a certain relative motion, signaling skew or disconnection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If existing sensors are used to detect skewed or disconnected control surfaces, then detection function is provided, but detection sensitivity is insufficient and device complexity is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential detection function from complex existing sensor systems by using a simple electrical contactor (fuse) that directly contacts the adjacent component. This minimalistic approach achieves reliable detection of skew or disconnection without the complexity of traditional sensors, thereby improving detection sensitivity while reducing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor system uses the component itself (adjacent slat or flap) as part of the sensing mechanism through direct electrical contact. The component's own position and movement serve the dual purpose of actuation and sensing, eliminating the need for separate complex sensing mechanisms and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining detection sensitivity.
2Measurement precision
If existing sensors are used to detect control surface skew, then detection is provided, but size and weight are excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a simple electrical contactor (fuse) as the sensing element, which is inherently lightweight and can be easily replaced. This disposable-like component achieves effective detection without the weight burden of traditional sensors, directly addressing the contradiction between detection capability and sensor weight.
3Reliability
If existing sensors are used to detect disconnected control surfaces, then detection function is provided, but maintenance requirements are high
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system leverages the component's own structure and movement for sensing purposes, reducing the number of separate sensing elements that can fail. This self-service approach improves detection reliability while minimizing maintenance requirements by eliminating complex sensor components that would need regular servicing.
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 sensor system provides enhanced detection sensitivity with reduced complexity, size, and weight, allowing for earlier detection of skew or disconnection with minimal maintenance requirements.
Implementation Method 1
featuring electrical contactors (fuses) that interrupt contact when the components exceed a certain relative motion, signaling skew or disconnection
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~3A
AI summary
A sensor for detecting relative movement between two adjacent components includes a first member (32), a second member (34) rotatable about an axis relative to the first member, and a fuse element including a first electrical contactor connected to the first member (32) and a second electrical contactor connected to the second member (34). When the first member (32) and the second member (34) are skewed, the first electrical contactor and the second electrical contactor are not in electrical contact.