Gas strut force active monitor system
AssigneeGM Global Technology Operations LLC
InventorsJacob Duvall, Himanshu H. Mehta, Jason L. Hepner, Jason Miller
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A gas strut monitoring system includes a gas strut. The monitoring system further includes a knuckle assembly connected to a base end of the gas strut. The knuckle assembly includes at least one strain gauge and a deformable knuckle. The system also includes a controller in communication with the at least one strain gauge, which is configured to measure a deformation of the deformable knuckle via the strain gauge. The system evaluates, based on the measured deformation, an operative performance of the gas strut. The system then outputs signal to an output device that indicates a maintenance recommendation based on the operative performance of the gas strut.
Claims17
A gas strut monitoring system comprising:
- a gas strut;
- a knuckle assembly connected to a base end of the gas strut, wherein the knuckle assembly comprises at least one strain gauge and a deformable knuckle;
- and
- a controller in communication with the at least one strain gauge, configured to:
- measure a deformation of the deformable knuckle via the strain gauge;
- evaluate, based on the measured deformation, an operative performance of the gas strut;
- and
- output an output signal to an output device indicative of a maintenance recommendation based on the operative performance of the gas strut.
A knuckle assembly for active measurement of a gas strut comprising:
- a knuckle comprising an upper knuckle portion that is removably connectable to a gas strut assembly;
- a lower knuckle portion that is removably connectable to a strut end;
- and
- at least one connecting member in communication with and between the upper knuckle portion and the lower knuckle portion;
- and
- at least one strain gauge in communication with the at least one connecting member, wherein the at least one strain gauge is permanently affixed to a surface of the at least one connecting member.
A method for active monitoring a performance of a gas strut comprising:
- measuring, via a processor, a deformation of a deformable knuckle in communication with a gas strut via a strain gauge attached to the deformable knuckle;
- evaluating, via the processor, based on the measured deformation of the deformable knuckle, an operative performance of the gas strut;
- and
- outputting, via the processor, an output signal to an output device indicative of a maintenance recommendation based on the operative performance of the gas strut.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.