Flight test hinge assembly configured for calculating exerted forces through strain analysis

US9789979B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• The Boeing Company · US

Inventors

• Brian S. Oelke · Seattle, US
• James A. Williams · Shelbyville, US
• Robert W. Johnson · Renton, US
• Shahzad Aminzadeh · Mill Creek, US
• Matt R. Dickerson · Maple Valley, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jul 11, 2014
• Grant date: Oct 17, 2017
• Expiry date: Dec 10, 2035

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G01L5/1627
• WIPO field: Measurement
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A system for calculating forces exerted into an aircraft component includes a test hinge assembly and a monitoring system. In at least one embodiment, the test hinge assembly is a triangular shaped assembly, and includes at least one beam, at least one connecting joint having a channel configured to receive and retain a fastening member, and at least one strain gage secured to an outer surface of the beam(s). The strain gage(s) is configured to detect one or more strains exerted into the beam(s). The monitoring system is in communication with the strain gage(s). The monitoring system is configured to calculate forces exerted into the fastening member(s) by analyzing the strain(s) exerted into the beam(s).