Detection apparatus

• US 6,386,482 B1
• Filed: 02/17/2000
• Issued: 05/14/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 02/17/1999
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Goodrich Actuation Systems Limited (Goodrich Ltd.)
• Original Assignee: Lucas Industries Limited (Zeppelin - Stiftung der Stadt Friedrichshafen)
• Inventors: Capewell, Richard S
• Primary Examiner(s): Poon, Peter M.
• Assistant Examiner(s): JAKEL, KEVIN W
• Application Number:
  US09/505,535
• Time in Patent Office: 817 Days
• Field of Search: 735/142.6, 734/255, 340/429, 340/426, 244/129.1, 244/1.R, 244/228
• US Class Current: 244/129.1
• CPC Class Codes: B64D 2045/001 for indicating symmetry of flaps deflection
• CPC Class Codes: B64D 45/0005 Devices specially adapted to indicate the position of a movable element of the aircraft, e.g. landing gear

Abstract

A detection apparatus for use with a system having a plurality of moveable surfaces, the apparatus comprising a signal transmission apparatus extending across each surface, a signal generator and a signal receiver. The apparatus further comprises a signal interrupter associated with adjacent ones of the surfaces and arranged to interrupt the transmission of a signal along the signal transmission apparatus upon relative movement of the adjacent ones of the surfaces occurring. The invention also relates to a leading edge high lift system of an aircraft wing having a plurality of moveable leading edge high lift surfaces.

Claims

1. A high lift system of an aircraft wing having a plurality of moveable high lift surfaces, said system including a detection apparatus comprising a signal transmission apparatus extending across each said surface, a signal generator, a signal receiver and a signal interruptor associated with adjacent ones of said surfaces and arranged to interrupt transmission of a signal along said signal transmission apparatus upon relative movement of said adjacent ones of said surfaces occurring.

2. A high lift system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the high lift moveable surfaces are leading edge high lift surfaces.

3. A high lift system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said signal interrupter is arranged to permit a small amount of relative movement without interrupting said transmission of a signal along said signal transmission apparatus.

4. A high lift system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said signal transmission apparatus comprises an optical fibre.

5. A high lift system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said signal transmission apparatus comprises an electrically conductive wire.

6. A high lift system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said signal transmission apparatus is provided with a protective sleeve.

7. A high lift system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said signal transmission apparatus is composed of a plurality of segments, each segment extending across a respective one of said surfaces, said signal interruption apparatus comprising plug and socket arrangements arranged to become disconnected upon relative movement of adjacent said surfaces occurring.

8. A high lift system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said signal transmission apparatus is continuous, said signal interrupter being arranged to break said signal transmission apparatus in the event of relative movement of adjacent ones of said surfaces occurring.

9. A high lift system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said signal interruption apparatus comprises a first component carried by a bracket associated with one of said surfaces, and a second component carried by a bracket associated with an adjacent one of said surfaces.

10. A high lift system as claimed in claim 9, wherein said brackets are provided with slots within which said components can slide to permit a limited amount of relative movement of said surfaces to occur without interrupting said signal.

11. A high lift system as claimed in claim 9, wherein said components are rotatable relative to said brackets.

12. A high lift system as claimed in claim 9, wherein said components are arranged to cooperate with one another along a plane angled relative to axes of said components.