Capacitive sensors for monitoring loads

A sensor for monitoring loads in a landing gear torque linkage comprising:

• a) a main pin having an axial interior bore defined therein and having a length defined from a first end to an opposed second end thereof, wherein the main pin is configured and adapted to engage a torque link to a strut lug of a landing gear strut;
• b) a core pin mounted axially aligned within the interior bore of the main pin and being spaced radially inwardly with a radial clearance from the interior bore for relative displacement with respect to the main pin;
• and
• c) a capacitor having an inner capacitor plate mounted to the core pin, and a first outer capacitor plate mounted to the main pin, such that relative displacement of the core pin and the main pin due to external loading on the main pin results in relative displacement of the inner and first outer capacitor plates, wherein the capacitor is configured to be connected to an electrical circuit to produce a signal indicative of the loads acting on the torque link and strut lug based on changes in capacitance due to relative displacement of the inner and first outer capacitor plates;
• d) a second outer capacitor plate mounted to the main pin,
• wherein the first outer capacitor plate and the second outer capacitor plate are semi-cylindrical and are aligned circumferentially and axially,
• wherein the second outer capacitor plate is configured to be connected to the electrical circuit to produce a signal indicative of an external loading on the main pin based on the relative displacement of the core pin and the main pin, and
• wherein the electrical circuit is configured to constructively combine the signal from the inner capacitor plate and the first outer capacitor plate and the signal from the inner capacitor plate and second outer capacitor plate.