Using sensors is a great way to know if equipment in the field needs attention. But when anomalies occur on the readings, it can be tough to discern whether the problem is with the equipment or the sensor itself. That’s why Honeywell (News - Alert) has introduced a new family of self-diagnosing sensors.
The Integral Health Monitoring sensor series is for use in aircraft. These sensors can be designed into aircraft doors, cargo loading systems, evacuation slide locks, flight controls, landing gear, thrust reverser actuation systems, and other gear.
"With our health monitoring capabilities, proximity sensors can notify engineers or operators of potential issues with a system before or after the component fails," said Graham Robinson, president of Honeywell's sensing and Internet of Things business. "The sensor fault-detection provides mechanics on the ground with the information they need to perform inspections and repairs without a long and costly troubleshooting process."
These sensors can, for example, help technicians and pilots determine when a thrust reverser is not fully closed. And that kind of thing can help reduce aircraft downtime and maintenance costs.
Honeywell also has come out with new positioning monitoring sensors. These products are part of the Linear Variable Differential Transformers family.
These ruggedized sensors can be deployed in engine mechanisms, nose-wheel steering applications, and pilot controls to provide aircraft with continuous position monitoring. Honeywell is employing them in its own aircraft systems. They also can be used in components and systems from other manufacturers.
Honeywell offers design engineering support and a standard design platform for the two new sensor families. The platform allows for easy and fast customization.
While the term the Internet of Things is new, Honeywell’s use of this kind of technology is not. The company has been supplying sensors and switches to the aircraft industry for more than three decades. In fact, Honeywell sells more than 50,000 sensing products for an array of industries. The oil and gas and medical industry verticals are among the others.