Patent ID: 6382566
Filing Date: 2002-05-07
Classification: B64C,B64D

Abstract:
An apparatus detecting and signaling a misalignment of a retractable auxiliary airfoil, wherein the airfoil is (i) attached to an aircraft wing, and (ii) driven by at least two rotating drive mechanisms, one of which has an inboard position relative to the other, comprising:at least one magnetic target array mounted on each of the inboard and outboard rotating drive mechanisms, such that each array rotates as the rotating drive mechanisms rotate; at least two inductive proximity sensors, each mounted on the wing in a position relative to one of the target arrays to sense and generate an output signal indicative of the degree of rotation of the target array; and means for receiving output signals from the sensors as the rotating drive mechanisms move the airfoil, calculating the difference in the degree of rotation of the rotating drive mechanisms, and generating an output signal when the difference exceeds a predetermined number.