Force sensing clevis insert
First Claim
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1. A sensor comprising:
- a) a clevis insert for reception within a first bore of a clevis, the clevis insert being configured to accommodate a latch pin that extends therethrough such that the clevis insert supports the latch pin within the first bore when the clevis insert is located between the first bore of the clevis and the latch pin; and
b) a strain sensing element operatively associated with the clevis insert for detecting mechanical strain imparted to the clevis insert when a force acts on the clevis insert through the pin, wherein the strain sensing element is located external to the latch pin between the latch pin and the first bore of the clevis when the clevis insert and latch pin are in the first bore.
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Abstract
A sensor includes a clevis insert for reception within a first bore of a clevis. The clevis insert is configured to accommodate a latch pin. A strain sensing element is operatively associated with the clevis insert for detecting mechanical strain imparted to the clevis insert when a force acts on the clevis insert through the pin. The invention also provides a method of retrofitting a cowl latch assembly.
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Citations
23 Claims
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1. A sensor comprising:
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a) a clevis insert for reception within a first bore of a clevis, the clevis insert being configured to accommodate a latch pin that extends therethrough such that the clevis insert supports the latch pin within the first bore when the clevis insert is located between the first bore of the clevis and the latch pin; and b) a strain sensing element operatively associated with the clevis insert for detecting mechanical strain imparted to the clevis insert when a force acts on the clevis insert through the pin, wherein the strain sensing element is located external to the latch pin between the latch pin and the first bore of the clevis when the clevis insert and latch pin are in the first bore. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A latch assembly comprising:
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a) a clevis portion including a wall having a first bore extending therethrough; b) an annular insert accommodated within the first bore of the wall of the clevis portion and having an aperture extending therethrough; c) a keeper pin extending through the aperture in the annular insert; and d) a strain sensing element mounted adjacent the aperture of the annular insert for detecting mechanical strain imparted to the annular insert when a force acts on the annular insert through the keeper pin, wherein the strain sensing element is located external to the keeper pin between the keeper pin and the first bore of the clevis portion. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21)
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22. A method of retrofitting a latch assembly comprising the steps of:
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a) providing a clevis insert having; i) a clevis insert body dimensioned for reception within a bore in a wall of a clevis, the clevis insert body having an aperture therein, the aperture being configured and adapted to receive a latch pin that extends therethrough such that the clevis insert body supports the latch pin within the bore when the clevis insert body is between the bore of the clevis and the latch pin; and ii) a strain sensing element provided on the clevis insert body adjacent the aperture so as to be located external to a latch pin when the clevis insert and latch pin are in the bore for detecting mechanical strain imparted to the clevis insert when a force acts thereon through the pin; b) enlarging an existing bore formed in a wall of the clevis; and c) positioning the clevis insert within the bore in the wall of the clevis. - View Dependent Claims (23)
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Specification