Proximity sensor with automatic gap control

摘要

A sensor (20) is mounted on a fixed torque box (8) carried by a fixed portion of an engine nacelle (6). A target plate (40) is resiliently mounted on a thrust reverser translating cowl (10). A cylindrical sleeve (32) is attached to the sensor (20) and surrounds its outer sensing end (22). The outer radial surface (34) of the sleeve (32) is spaced beyond the sensing end (22) a predetermined distance (100). The surface (34) contacts the target plate (40) when the cowl (10) is in its closed position. The resilient mounting of the plate (40) compensates for inaccuracies in the installation of the plate (40) and allows relative movement between the cowl (10) and the plate (40) when the cowl (10) is in its closed position to maintain a fixed gap (100) between the plate (40) and the sensor (20).