Capacitive sensors for monitoring loads on an aircraft landing gear

摘要

A sensor (100) for monitoring loads in a landing gear torque linkage includes a main pin (122) having an axial interior bore (130) defined therein. The main pin (122) is configured and adapted to engage a torque link to a strut lug of a landing gear strut. A core pin (132) is mounted axially within an interior bore (130) of the main pin (122) and is spaced radially inwardly from the interior bore (130) for relative displacement with respect to the main pin (122). A capacitor (134) is included having an inner capacitor plate (118) mounted to the core pin (132). An outer capacitor plate (114) is mounted to the main pin (122). Relative displacement of the core pin (132) and the main pin (122) due to loads acting on the torque link and strut lug results in relative displacement of the inner and outer capacitor plates (118,114). Signals can thereby be produced indicative of the loads acting on the torque link.