Generator tester

• US 8,319,517 B2
• Filed: 08/25/2010
• Issued: 11/27/2012
• Est. Priority Date: 08/25/2010
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation (Rtx Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation (Rtx Corporation)
• Inventors: Elshaer, Anwar Salah
• Primary Examiner(s): Vazquez, Arleen M
• Application Number:
  US12/868,011
• Publication Number:
  US 20120049886A1
• Time in Patent Office: 825 Days
• Field of Search: 324/765.01
• US Class Current: 324/765.01
• CPC Class Codes: G01R 31/34 Testing dynamo-electric machines
• CPC Class Codes: G01R 31/346 Testing of armature or field windings

Abstract

An example generator test assembly includes a testing module operative to test a generator according to a test procedure. At least one connector is configured to couple the generator to the testing module. The generator has a generator identifier. The test module is configured to select the test procedure from a plurality of potential test procedures based on the generator identifier.

Claims

1. A generator test assembly comprising:

a testing module operative to test a generator according to a test procedure; and

at least one connector configured to couple the generator to the testing module,

wherein the generator has a generator identifier and the testing module is configured to select the test procedure from a plurality of potential test procedures based on the generator identifier, wherein the generator is in an uninstalled position when coupled to the testing module.

2. The generator test assembly of claim 1, wherein the testing module communicates a voltage to the generator through the at least one connector.

3. The generator test assembly of claim 1, wherein the test comprises a dielectric test, a resistance test, an insulation test, or some combination of these.

4. The generator test assembly of claim 1, wherein the at least one connector comprises a cannon plug.

5. The generator test assembly of claim 1, wherein the generator identifier comprises a generator part number.

6. The generator test assembly of claim 1, wherein the generator is an integrated drive generator.

7. The generator test assembly of claim 1, wherein the generator in an installed position is configured to provide power to a plurality of aircraft components and is located a first distance from the generator, and all portions of the generator in the uninstalled position are located a second distance that is different from the first distance.

19. The generator test assembly of claim 1, wherein the testing module is configured to automatically select the test procedure from a plurality of potential test procedures based on the generator identifier.

8. A generator test assembly, comprising:

at least one connector; and

a testing module operative to test a generator according to a test procedure, the testing module configured to select the test procedure from a plurality of potential test procedures based on an identifier associated with the generator,

wherein the generator includes at least one connection interface that electrically couples the generator to an aircraft when the generator is in an installed position and electrically couples the generator to the at least one connector of the testing module when the generator is in a testing position, wherein the plurality of potential test procedures comprise a dielectric test, a resistance test, an insulation test, or some combination of these.

9. The generator test assembly of claim 8, wherein the generator identifier comprises a generator part number.

10. The generator test assembly of claim 8, wherein the generator is an integrated drive generator.

20. The generator test assembly of claim 8, wherein the testing module is configured to automatically select the test procedure from the plurality of potential test procedures based on the identifier associated with the generator.

21. The generator test assembly of claim 8, wherein the plurality of potential test procedures are predetermined.

11. A generator testing method, comprising:

receiving a generator that has been removed from an aircraft;

connecting a testing module to the generator;

providing the testing module with an identifier associated with the generator;

using the testing module to select a test procedure based on the identifier; and

using the testing module to test the generator according to the test procedure.

12. The generator testing method of claim 11, wherein the identifier comprises a part number of the generator.

13. The generator testing method of claim 11, wherein using the testing module to select the test procedure comprises automatically selecting the test procedure from a plurality of component maintenance procedures.

14. The generator testing method of claim 13, wherein the component maintenance procedures are electronically stored within a memory portion of the testing module.

15. The generator testing method of claim 11, wherein using the testing module to test the generator comprises dielectric testing, resistance testing, insulation testing, or some combination of these.

16. The generator testing method of claim 11, wherein the test procedure is selected from a group of potential test procedures.

17. The generator testing method of claim 11, wherein the generator is an integrated drive generator.

18. The generator testing method of claim 11, including connecting using a cannon plug.

22. The generator testing method of claim 13, wherein the plurality of component maintenance procedures are determined prior to the providing.