Aircraft moveable structure obstruction detection sensor panel

A method of detecting obstructions, the method comprising:

• moving a moveable structure between a stowed configuration and an operational configuration;
• receiving an indication that a protective panel attached to the moveable structure is displaced towards a leading surface of the moveable structure, wherein the leading surface is facing a direction of movement when the moveable structure is moving to the stowed configuration or the operational configuration, and wherein the protective panel comprises an inner surface facing the leading surface of the moveable structure, an outer surface opposite the inner surface, and an outer edge around a perimeter of the outer surface and the inner surface;
• and
• halting the movement of the moveable structure between the stowed configuration and the operational configuration upon receiving the indication.

An obstruction detection system, comprising:

• an aircraft stowage closet configured to move between a stowed configuration and a loading configuration, the aircraft stowage closet having a leading surface, the leading surface facing a direction of movement when the aircraft stowage closet is moving between a stowed configuration and an operational configuration;
• a protective panel attached to the aircraft stowage closet, the protective panel having an inner surface spaced apart from the leading surface of the aircraft stowage closet by an over-travel gap, an outer surface opposite the inner surface, and an outer edge around a perimeter of the outer surface and the inner surface;
• at least one proximity sensor configured to detect a displacement of the protective panel towards the leading surface of the aircraft stowage closet;
• and
• a motion controller configured to move the aircraft stowage closet between the stowed configuration and the operational configuration as long as the at least one proximity sensor does not detect a displacement of the protective panel towards the leading surface of the aircraft stowage closet.