Patent ID: 8528400
Filing Date: 2013-09-10
Classification: B64C,G01F,G01M

Abstract:
1. A method of monitoring a liquid level in an aircraft shock strut of a landing gear system, the method comprising: detecting a liquid level with a plurality of probes that extend into the shock strut, the plurality of probes having at least a first probe extending by a first distance and a second probe extending by a different distance into the shock strut, each probe having a probe tip with a respective liquid level sensitivity range; transmitting signals from the probes to a processor, the signals indicative of a present level of the liquid; determining whether the liquid level is within the sensitivity range of the first probe tip; when the liquid level is within the sensitivity range of the first probe tip, monitoring an amount of time required for the liquid level to transition from one probe tip to about the other probe tip; based on the amount of time, estimating a liquid loss rate per flight; and predicting an approximate number of flights remaining, based on the estimated liquid loss rate, before the liquid level reaches a lowermost threshold level.