RFID actuator over-torque indicator
An over torque detection system includes a mechanical torque sensor and a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag. The mechanical torque sensor includes first and second contact elements and a moveable element coupled to the first contact element. In a normal operational state the moveable element is in contact with the second contact element and creates an electrical pathway between the first and second contact elements and when in over torque operational state the movable element moves such that it does not contact the second contact element. The RFID tag is connected to the first contact element and the second contact element such that when the mechanical torque sensor is in the normal operation state the RFID tag does not transmit information, and when the mechanical torque sensor is in the over torque operation state the RFID tag does transmit information.
1. An over torque detection system, the system comprising:
a mechanical torque sensor that includes:
a first contact element;
a moveable element coupled to the first contact element; and
a second contact element;
wherein in a normal operational state the moveable element is in contact with the second contact element and creates an electrical pathway between the first contact element and second contact element and when in over torque operational state the movable element moves such that it does not contact the second contact element and breaks any electrical pathway between the first contact element and the second contact element; and
a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag connected to the first contact element and the second contact element such that when the mechanical torque sensor is in the normal operation state the RFID tag does not transmit information, and when the mechanical torque sensor is in the over torque operation state the RFID tag does transmit information.
2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the antenna has first and second portions, the first portion being connected to the first contact element and the second portion being connected to the second contact element.
3. The system of claim 2 , wherein when the mechanical torque sensor is in the normal operation state, the two portions are electrically connected to one another through the moveable element.
4. The system of claim 3 , wherein the moveable element is a spring.
5. The system of claim 4 , wherein the spring is biased to move away from the second contact element.
6. The system of claim 2 , wherein when the mechanical torque sensor is in the over torque operation state, the two antenna portions are not electrically connected to one another through the moveable element.
7. The system of claim 6 , wherein the moveable element is a spring.
8. The system of claim 7 , wherein the spring is biased to move away from the second contact element.
9. The system of claim 1 , wherein when the mechanical torque sensor is in the over torque state the RFID tag transmits information that identifies the actuator to which it is attached.
10. A method of determining that an aircraft actuator installed on an aircraft has experienced an over torque condition, the actuator including a first contact element, a moveable element coupled to the first contact element; a second contact element, wherein in a normal operational state the moveable element is in contact with second contact element and creates an electrical pathway between the first contact element and the second contact element, and when in over torque operational state the movable element moves such that it does not contact second contact element and breaks any electrical pathway between the first contact element and the second contact element, the method comprising:
coupling an RFID tag to the first contact element and the second contact element such that when the mechanical torque sensor is in the normal operation state the RFID tag does not transmit information and when the mechanical torque sensor is in the over torque operation state the RFID tag does transmit information;
sending an interrogation signal from an RFID reader; and
receiving, at the RFID reader, information back from the RFID tag.
11. The method of claim 10 , wherein the RFID reader sends the interrogation signal during a flight and receives the information back during the flight.
12. The method of claim 11 , wherein the RFID reader is located within the aircraft.
13. The method of claim 10 , wherein the RFID reader sends the interrogation after the conclusion of a flight while the aircraft is on the ground.
14. The method of claim 13 , wherein the RFID reader is located outside of the aircraft.
15. The method of claim 10 , wherein the antenna has first and second portions and coupling further comprises:
connecting the first portion to the first contact element and connecting the second portion to the second contact element.
16. The method of claim 10 , wherein when the mechanical torque sensor is in the normal operation state, the two antenna portions are electrically connected to one another through the moveable element.
17. The method of claim 16 , wherein the moveable element is a spring.