JP6592098B2 - Intelligent window heat control system - Google Patents

Description

(Cross-reference of related applications)
This application is based on U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 622,981, filed February 16, 2015, inventors Yu Jiao, Hars Gyorgy, Ali Rasid and Joseph Medzius, title of the invention AN ELECTRIC CIRCUIT AND SENSOR FORGING ARTECTING ARC. TRANSPARENCY HAVING THE CIRCUIT AND SENSOR (hereinafter also referred to as “USPAP '981”), which is a continuation-in-part of US Patent Application No. 13 / 247,131, filing date September 28, 2011, invention Yu Jiao, Hars Gyology, Ali Rashid and Joseph Medzius, title of invention ELECTRIC CIRCUIT AND SENSOR FOR DET ECTING ARCING AND A TRANSPARENCY HAVING THE CIRCUIT AND SENSOR (published on March 28, 2013 as US Patent Application Publication US 2013 / 0075531A1) (hereinafter also referred to as “USPAP '531”). USPAP '531 and' 981 are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

(1. Field of the Invention)
The present invention relates to intelligent window heat control systems for vehicles, such as, but not limited to, aircraft, and more specifically, aircraft articles, such as, but not limited to, aircraft windshield heatable members. A sensor physically attached to the measurement component or target, among others, to derive performance conclusions or measurement results, and optionally take measures to modify the current to the heatable member based on the measurement results And a control sensor or sensor system for an aircraft, including a sensor evaluation unit that provides intelligent data processing.

  Currently, windows or transparency for vehicles, for example, but not limited to windshields for aircraft, sensors for determining windshield performance and windshield performance is outside acceptable operating limits. And a control system for taking measures to prevent damage to the windshield when operating. A detailed discussion of aircraft windshields with transparency, such as, but not limited to, sensors and control systems is provided in US Pat. Nos. 8,155,816 and 8,383,994 and USPPA '531. Is disclosed. US Pat. Nos. 8,155,816 and 8,383,994 are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

  For purposes of the present invention, an article, for example, but not limited to, a sensor operating on a windshield is considered to include two components or secondary operating systems. For purposes of clarity, one component or secondary motion system of the sensor is referred to as the “sensing portion” of the sensor, and the second component or second secondary motion system is referred to as the “evaluation unit” of the sensor. Is done. The sensing portion is enabled by heating of the windable heatable member to remove changes in the article or component under observation, such as, but not limited to, snow, ice, and fog from the outer surface of the windshield, The sensing part transfers a signal, usually but not limited to an electrical signal, to the evaluation unit. The evaluation unit acts on the signal from the sensing portion to monitor the operating condition of the article or component and forwards a signal representative of the operating condition of the article, usually an electrical signal, to the control system.

  When the article is operating within acceptable limits, the sensing portion and / or evaluation unit is expected to indicate that no action should be taken, however, the article operates outside acceptable limits. In order to prevent damage to the windshield and / or the aircraft when doing so, for example, without limitation, measures are taken by the heater controller to disconnect the heatable member and its power source from each other.

  One of the limitations of currently available systems is that the sensing portion and evaluation unit are mounted on the item being monitored, such as, but not limited to, the windshield. Although this practice is acceptable, there are limitations. More specifically, each windshield has a sensing portion mounted on the article, and the evaluation unit must also be mounted on the article. As can be appreciated here, if the performance measurement portion of the sensor is mounted on an aircraft instead of the windshield, it will reduce the cost of the windshield. In addition, in some cases, it may be possible to monitor the status of an article using a telemetry method without a sensing portion connected to the article. In this way, an evaluation unit mounted on an aircraft can be assigned to check a specific windscreen position, and the sensing portion of the windscreen mounted at a specific windscreen position can be assigned to a specific windscreen. Connected to the performance measurement part assigned to check the position. With the above arrangement, the need to provide an evaluation unit for each windshield is eliminated.

  The present invention relates to a system for monitoring the performance of a vehicle article or component of an article, the system including a sensor including a sensing contact and a sensing performance evaluation unit. The sensing contact is in physical contact with the article or component of the article and generates a signal representative of the performance of the article or component of the article, and the evaluation unit determines the performance of the article or component of the article, Acts on the signal. The sensing performance evaluation unit is spaced from and outside the physical contacts with the article and electrical connector.

  The invention further relates to an improved aircraft windshield of the type having a sensor. The sensor includes a sensing contact acting on the windshield component and an evaluation unit, the sensing contact being in physical contact with the windshield component and generating a signal representative of the performance of the windshield component. . The signal is acted upon by a spacer evaluation unit to evaluate the performance of the windshield components, which is in physical contact with the windshield and in electrical contact with the sensing contacts. Improvements include, but are not limited to, an evaluation unit spaced from the physical contact with the windshield and outside and in electrical contact with the electrical connector and the sensing contact of the sensor.

The invention also further includes, inter alia, an electrically heatable film, a pair of spaced busbars on the heatable film, and a wire connecting the busbar to the switch and power, when the selected switch is in the closed position. A transparent material for a vehicle, including heatable members, in particular, when the current travels through the bus bar to heat the film and when a selected one of the switches is in the open position, no current travels through the bus bar About. An electrical wire is connected to the circuit to provide external electrical access to the circuit, extends outside the transparent material, a sensor is electrically connected to the end of the wire, and the sensor has a certain electrical level. If more arcing is detected, the selected one of the switches is moved to the open position, and if no arcing is detected, the selected switch is set to the closed position.
For example, the present application provides the following items.
(Item 1)
A system for monitoring the performance of a vehicle article or component of an article, comprising:
A sensor comprising a sensing portion and an evaluation unit, wherein the sensing portion is in physical contact with the article or a component of the article and is capable of measuring one or more parameters of interest therefrom. And generating a signal representative of the performance of the article or a component of the article, wherein the evaluation unit acts on the signal from the sensing portion to determine the performance of the article or a component of the article; Sensor
With
The system wherein the evaluation unit is spaced from and outside of physical contact with the article.
(Item 2)
The evaluation unit comprises an electrical circuit for acting on a signal from a sensing portion of the sensor to determine the performance of the article or a component of the article resulting from operation and / or storage of the vehicle; The evaluation unit provides a second signal representative of the performance of the article or a component of the article, and an electrical circuit of the sensor evaluation unit receives and acts on the signal, the article or the article The system of claim 1, wherein the system is positioned to be spaced from and outside of the contact with the article to determine the operational performance of the component.
(Item 3)
The system of item 2, wherein the sensor is selected from the group of an impact sensor, a break sensor, a humidity sensor, a conductive coating temperature sensor, an arc sensor, a stress sensor, and a precipitation static sensor.
(Item 4)
The vehicle article is a windshield, and a surface of the windshield, designated to face the interior of the vehicle, passes the windshield from the sensing contact to the sensor evaluation unit. A system according to item 2, comprising an electrical connector interconnecting a sensing part which is an integral part of the sensor and an evaluation unit of the sensor.
(Item 5)
The vehicle is an aircraft, the article is a windshield of the aircraft, and the components of the windshield to be monitored are glass sheets, plastic sheets, moisture-proof layers, structural members, electrical wiring, heatable members, And a signal is transferred to an electronic storage device and an alarm system, wherein the signal is operating outside of an acceptable limit of the article or component of the article. Item 5. The system according to item 4, wherein the system is activated when the event is indicated.
(Item 6)
The vehicle article is an aircraft windshield, and the windshield is
A heatable member for removing fog, ice, and / or snow from an outer surface of the windshield as mounted in a body of the aircraft;
An electrical connector mounted on the surface of the windshield facing the outer surface of the windshield;
A sensing portion of a sensor operatively connected to the heatable member to generate a signal and transfer the signal to the electrical connector;
An evaluation unit positioned in a separate electronic device spaced from the windshield and electrically connected to the electrical connector to receive the signal and determine the operational performance of the heatable member;
The system according to item 2, comprising:
(Item 7)
The sensor is selected from the group of sensors including an impact sensor, a break sensor, a humidity sensor, a temperature sensor, an arc sensor, and combinations thereof, the impact sensor evaluation unit, the break sensor evaluation unit, the humidity sensor The system according to item 6, wherein the evaluation unit, the evaluation unit of the conductive coating temperature sensor, and the evaluation unit of the arc sensor are parts of an electronic device that is mounted separately from the windshield in the aircraft.
(Item 8)
The sensor is an arc sensor, the sensing portion is electrically connected to a pair of bus bars spaced apart from each other, a conductive coating is connected to it between the bus bars, and the evaluation unit of the arc sensor comprises: Comprising a switch between a power supply and one of the bus bars, and the signal of the evaluation unit indicates that the evaluation unit of the arc sensor indicates that the heatable member is operating outside an acceptable range 8. The system of item 7, wherein the switch is operated to disconnect the conductive coating from electrical power.
(Item 9)
The vehicle is an aircraft, and the article including a windscreen has a heatable member for removing snow, cloudiness, and / or ice from an outer surface of the windscreen, the heatable member being spaced apart A pair of busbars and a conductive member in electrical contact with the spaced busbars, wherein the busbar flows current through the busbar and through the conductive member to heat the conductive member. Connected to a power source for heating the outer surface of the windshield and an electrical system for monitoring and / or controlling the performance of the heatable member, the electrical system comprising:
A temperature sensor for sensing the temperature of the heatable member;
A first switch electrically connecting the power source to one of the busbars of the heatable member, wherein the first switch in the closed position is from the power source, through the first switch, Providing a continuous electrical path to the heatable member, wherein the first switch in an open position electrically isolates the power source from the heatable member to deactivate the heatable member; And the switch
An arc monitoring and detection system for monitoring the voltage of the electrical system at a location between the power source and the heatable member;
A thermal controller electrically connected to the temperature sensor and acting on the first switch to open the first switch when a temperature of the temperature sensor exceeds a predetermined temperature;
A second switch electrically connecting the temperature sensor to the thermal controller, wherein the second switch in a closed position electrically interconnects the temperature sensor and the thermal controller in an open position; Disconnecting the thermal controller and the temperature sensor, wherein the second switch indicates that the voltage and / or current measured by the arc monitoring and detection system exceeds a predetermined level; A second switch moved from the closed position to the open position by a second signal from a detection system;
And using a first switch and a second switch in the closed position, a first electrical path is provided to the power source from the power source, through the first switch, through the heatable member A second conductive path is provided from the temperature sensor through the second switch to the thermal controller;
The thermal controller opens the first switch when the temperature of the heatable member measured by the temperature sensor is equal to and / or exceeds a predetermined temperature;
The arc sensor transmits a signal to open the second switch when a voltage and / or current measured by the arc sensor exceeds a predetermined level, and the second switch is opened. The thermal controller responsive to opening the first switch;
The sensor is a conductive coating temperature sensor and an arc sensor, and the sensing contact of the arc sensor comprises a heatable member for removing snow, cloudiness and / or ice from the outer surface of the windshield, the heating sensor A possible member comprises a pair of spaced bus bars and a conductive member in electrical contact therewith between the spaced bus bars, the bus bar passing through one of the bus bars, through the conductive member, and the The current sensor flows through the other bus bar, heats the conductive member, and heats the outer surface of the windshield, connected to a power source, and the sensing performance evaluation unit of the arc sensor determines the performance of the heatable member. An electrical system for monitoring and / or control, the electrical system comprising: the first switch; Comprising: a controller, said second switch, and said arc monitoring and detection system,
The sensing contact of the conductive temperature coating includes a temperature sensor for sensing the temperature of the heatable member, and the sensing performance evaluation unit of the conductive coating unit includes the first switch and the second switch. And the thermal controller,
The system according to item 1.
(Item 10)
The sensor is an arc sensor and further includes a temperature sensor, and the evaluation unit of the arc sensor is electrically connected to a bus bar of the heatable member, and the evaluation unit of the temperature sensor is used for coating the heatable member. Electrically connected to a connected thermistor, the evaluation unit of the arc sensor and the evaluation unit of the conductive temperature coating sensor are connected to a switch located between a power supply and a switch, the switch being connected to the heating The system of item 1, wherein a possible member is opened when functioning outside an acceptable limit set by the coating sensor and the arc sensor.
(Item 11)
The evaluation unit of the arc sensor and the evaluation unit of the conductive temperature coating sensor activate an alarm system when the heatable member is functioning outside the tolerance limits set by the coating sensor and the arc sensor. The system according to item 10.
(Item 12)
The evaluation unit of the arc sensor, the evaluation unit of the conductive temperature coating sensor, in order to stop the electrical energy from moving through the heatable member when the heatable member is functioning outside acceptable limits. 12. The system of item 11, wherein the system is connected to a window heat controller and the conductive temperature coating sensor and the evaluation unit of the arc sensor are connected to an electronic storage device to provide a performance history of the heatable member .
(Item 13)
13. The system of item 12, wherein the sensor is selected from the group of sensors including an impact sensor, a break sensor, a humidity sensor, a temperature sensor, an arc sensor, and combinations thereof.
(Item 14)
The vehicle article is a windshield mounted in an aircraft, the windshield having a sensing portion of the sensor, and the sensing portion of the sensor and the evaluation unit of the sensor are each a signal transmitter, A sensor receiver, the sensor evaluation unit is located outside the aircraft in the selected geographical area, and the communication between the sensing part of the sensor and the evaluation unit transmits signals to each other. The system according to item 1, wherein the system is made by:
(Item 15)
In a type of aircraft windshield having a sensor, the sensor comprises a sensing part for monitoring the windshield component and an evaluation unit, the sensing part being in physical contact with the windshield component. Generating a signal representative of the performance of the windshield component, the signal being acted on by the sensor evaluation unit to determine the performance of the windshield component, the evaluation unit In physical contact with the glass and in electrical contact with the sensing contact,
An aircraft windshield comprising an evaluation unit spaced from and in physical contact with the windshield and in electrical contact with a sensing portion of the sensor.
(Item 16)
A transparent material for a vehicle, comprising: an electrically heatable film; a pair of spaced busbars on the heatable film; and a wire connecting the busbar to a switch and power; A heatable member, when in a closed position, current flows through the bus bar to heat the film, and no current moves through the bus bar when a selected one of the switches is in the open position; ,
An electrical wire connected to the circuit and extending outside the transparent material to provide external electrical access to the circuit;
A sensor electrically connected to an end of the wire, the sensor moving a selected one of the switches to the open position when an arc discharge above a certain electrical level is detected; A sensor that sets the selected switch to the closed position if no arcing is detected;
A transparent material.
(Item 17)
The transparent material according to item 16, wherein the sensor comprises a sensing portion and an evaluation unit, and the wire is connected to the evaluation unit of the sensor.
(Item 18)
Item 17. The transparent material of item 16, wherein one of the selected switches is a heater controller and the wire connects the sensor and the heater controller together.
(Item 19)
Item 19. The transparent material according to Item 18, wherein the transparent material is an aircraft windshield.

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an aircraft having a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an aircraft transparency incorporating features of the present invention. FIG. 3 is an isometric view of the aircraft transparable heatable member of FIG. 2 showing, in the block diagram, the electrical system used in the practice of the present invention to determine arcing of the heating arrangement. FIG. 4 is a plan view of a non-limiting side view of a sensing portion of an impact sensor or detector positioned on a conductive member of a heating arrangement in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a non-limiting example of an impact sensor evaluation unit or performance measurement portion electrical system for measuring the performance of a shock sensor sensing portion according to the teachings of the present invention, where the shock sensor sensing portion is shown in FIG. It is a special aspect. FIG. 6 is a schematic view of a non-limiting aspect of a break sensor or detector of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a view observed along line 7-7 in FIG. FIG. 8 is a schematic view of another non-limiting aspect of the sensing portion of a break sensor or detector used in the practice of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a top view of a non-limiting side view of a sensing portion of a humidity sensor or detector positioned over a conductive member of a heating arrangement in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a view observed along line 10-10 in FIG. FIG. 11 is a non-limiting aspect of the electrical system of the present invention for monitoring and acting on the output signal of the sensing portion of the humidity sensor shown in FIG. 9, in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. FIG. 12 is a non-limiting aspect of the electrical system of the performance measurement portion of the humidity sensor shown in FIG. 9, in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a block diagram of a non-limiting aspect of the intelligent power controller and monitoring system of the present invention that connects an aircraft power supply to a heating arrangement of the type shown in FIG. FIG. 14 is a block diagram of a non-limiting embodiment of the arc monitoring system of the present invention showing the sensing portion and evaluation unit of the arc sensor. FIG. 15 is a diagram of a heating arrangement showing the impact sensor, break sensor, humidity sensor, temperature sensor, and sensing portion and evaluation unit of the arc sensor. FIG. 16 illustrates a windshield for connecting power and electrical equipment discussed herein to an impact sensor, break sensor, humidity sensor, temperature sensor, and arc sensor to monitor some aspects of the heating arrangement. 1 is an isometric view of a prior art windshield showing the connector on the inner surface of FIG. FIG. 17 illustrates the impact sensor, break sensor, humidity sensor, temperature sensor, and arc sensor sensing connected to the impact sensor, break sensor, humidity sensor, temperature sensor, and arc sensor evaluation unit in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. FIG. 17 is a view similar to the view of FIG. FIG. 18 is an elevational front view of a housing having a health monitoring system for an aircraft, in accordance with the teachings of the present invention, which includes, among other things, an impact sensor, a break sensor, a humidity sensor, and a temperature sensor. And, by monitoring the evaluation unit of the arc sensor, incorporates the features of the present invention for monitoring the performance of selected components of, among other things, but not limited to transparent materials, such as, but not limited to, aircraft windshields.

  As used herein, space or direction such as “inside”, “outside”, “left”, “right”, “top”, “bottom”, “horizontal”, “vertical”, and the like The terminology relates to the present specification as shown in the drawings on the figure. However, it is to be understood that the invention can take a variety of alternative orientations, and thus such terms are not to be considered as limiting. Further, all numbers representing dimensions, physical properties, etc. used in the specification and claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about”. Thus, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical values set forth in the following specification and claims may vary depending on the properties desired and / or sought to be obtained by the present invention. Each numerical parameter is interpreted at least in light of the reported significant figures and by applying normal rounding techniques, rather than at least as an attempt to limit the application of equivalents to the scope of the claims. Should. Further, the full range disclosed herein is to be understood to encompass any and all subranges covered therein. For example, a range described as “1-10” is from any and all subranges between a minimum value of 1 and a maximum value of 10 (including these values), ie, a value of 1 or above the minimum value Should be considered to include the entire subrange starting and ending with a maximum value of 10 or less, eg 1-6.7, or 3.2-8.1, or 5.5-10 . Also, as used herein, the term “positioned over” or “mounted over” means positioned over, or mounted over, although not necessarily No surface contact. For example, an article or article component that is “mounted over” or “positioned over” another article or article component excludes the presence of material between articles or material between articles components, respectively. do not do.

  Before discussing non-limiting embodiments of the present invention, the present invention is not limited to the specific non-limiting implementations shown and discussed herein, as the invention is capable of other embodiments. It should be understood that the invention is not limited to the details of the form. Furthermore, the terminology used herein to discuss the present invention is for purposes of illustration and not limitation. Still further, unless otherwise indicated, in the following discussion, like numbers refer to like elements.

  Non-limiting embodiments of the present invention provide information regarding the performance of an aircraft, such as, but not limited to, the aircraft 10 shown in FIG. 1 and aircraft transparency, such as, but not limited to, transparency. In order to take appropriate measures to avoid damage to the aircraft and aircraft components, it will be directed to the aircraft windshield 14 with the sensors discussed in detail below. However, the invention is not limited to any particular type of sensor, aircraft, and / or aircraft transparency, and the invention uses any design of sensors to measure the performance of transparency, It can be practiced on any type of aircraft and / or aircraft transparency. Further, the present invention provides commercial and residential windows, such as, but not limited to, the types disclosed in US Pat. No. 5,675,944, windows for any type of land vehicle, any type of Canopies for aircraft and space vehicles, cabin windows and windshields, windows for any water or underwater ship, and any type of container, such as, but not limited to, refrigerators, cupboards, and / or Or it can be practiced on the viewing side of the oven door or on the window for the door.

  The windshield 14 is preferably a laminated windshield having sensors as discussed in detail below and discussed in US Pat. No. 8,383,994. Shown in FIG. 2 is a non-limiting embodiment of a cross section of an aircraft windshield 14 that can be used in the practice of the present invention. The front glass 14 is fixed to the second glass intermediate layer 28 by the first glass sheet 22 fixed to the second glass sheet 24 by the first vinyl intermediate layer 26 and the first urethane intermediate layer 30. It includes a second sheet 24 and a second vinyl intermediate layer 28 secured to a heatable member or heating arrangement 32 by a second urethane intermediate layer 34.

  Edge members or moisture barriers 36 of the type used in the art, such as, but not limited to, silicone rubber or other flexible durable moisture resistant material are: (1) the peripheral edge 38 of the windshield 14, ie, First and second glass sheets 22, 24, first and second vinyl intermediate layers 26, 28, first and second urethane intermediate layers 30, 34, and a peripheral edge 38 of heatable member 32; 2) A stump or stump edge 40 of the inner surface 42 of the windshield 14, that is, a stump 40 of the outer surface 42 of the first glass sheet 22 of the windshield 14, and (3) a stump of the outer surface 46 of the front glass 14. Or it is fixed to the stump edge 44, that is, the stump of the outer surface 46 of the heatable member 32.

  As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the first and second glass sheets 22, 24, the first and second vinyl intermediate layers 26, 28, and the first urethane intermediate are not intended to limit the invention. Layer 30 forms a structural portion, or the inner compartment of windshield 14 and the outer surface 42 of windshield 14 face the interior of aircraft 10 (see FIG. 1). The second urethane layer 34 and the heatable member 32 form an unstructured portion, or the outer compartment of the windshield 14 and the outer surface 46 of the windshield 14 face the exterior of the aircraft 10. The heatable member 32 provides heat in the manner discussed below, removes haze from the outer surface 46 of the windshield 14 and / or melts ice thereon.

  As can be appreciated, the present invention is not limited to the structure of the windshield 14, and any of the aircraft transparency structures used in the art can be used in the practice of the present invention. For example, but not limiting the present invention, the windshield 14 omits the second vinyl intermediate layer 28 and the first urethane intermediate layer 30 and / or the glass sheets 22 and 24 are plastic sheets. Structure can be included.

  Generally, the glass sheets 22 and 24 of the windshield 14 are clear chemically reinforced glass sheets; however, the present invention is not so limited and the glass sheets 22 and 24 may be thermally reinforced or thermally reinforced. It can be a glass sheet. Furthermore, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the present invention is not limited to the number of glass sheets 22 and 24, vinyl intermediate layers 26 and 28, or urethane intermediate layers 30 and 34 that comprise the windshield 14, The glass 14 can have any number of sheets and / or interlayers.

  The present invention is not limited to the design and / or structure of the heatable member 32, but it heats the surface of the sheet, and includes, for example, but not limited to, fog, snow, And / or any conductive heatable member used in the art to prevent ice formation, melt snow and ice thereon, and / or remove cloudy snow and ice therefrom, It can be used in the practice of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 3, in one non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, the heatable member 32 includes a glass sheet 60 (a third sheet) having a conductive coating 62 applied to a surface 64 of the third glass sheet 60. And a pair of spaced bus bars 66, 68 in electrical contact with the conductive coating 62. More specifically, the conductive coating 62 is in electrical contact with it between the bus bars 66, 68. The present invention is not limited to the composition of conductive coating 62, and any conductive coating known in the art can be used in the practice of the present invention. For example, without limiting the present invention, the conductive coating 62 can be made from any suitable transparent conductive material. Non-limiting embodiments of the transparent conductive coating 62 that can be used in the practice of the present invention include, but are not limited to, PPG Industries, Inc. under the registered trade name NESA. Pyrolytically deposited fluorine-doped tin oxide film of the type sold by PPG Industries, Inc. under the registered trademark NESATRON. Magnetron sputtering deposited tin-doped indium oxide film of the type sold by, including, but not limited to, a coating composed of one or more magnetron sputtering deposited films, including, but not limited to, metal films, for example, intermetallic oxide silver Films, such as zinc oxide and / or zinc stannate, each of which includes, for example, without limitation, U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,610,771, 4,806,220, and 5,821, As disclosed in 001, it can be applied continuously by magnetron sputtering. The disclosures of US Pat. Nos. 4,610,771, 4,806,220, and 5,821,001 are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

  The present invention is not limited to the use of the conductive coating 62 to heat the third glass sheet 60, and the present invention is not limited to any type of member that can be electrically heated, such as, but not limited to, Assume the use of conductive wire. Wires, such as wire 69 shown in phantom in FIGS. 2 and 3, are embedded in a plastic intermediate layer between bus bars 66 and 68, such as, but not limited to, a sheet of second urethane intermediate layer 34. , Can be electrically connected to bus bars 66 and 68. Such heating arrangements are available from PPG Industries Ohio, Inc. Is known in the art under the trade name of AIRCON and is disclosed in US Pat. No. 4,078,107, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

  The present invention is not limited to the design and / or construction of bus bars 66 and 68, and any type of bus bar used in the art can be used in the practice of the present invention. Examples of busbars that may be used in the practice of the present invention include, but are not limited to, U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,762,902, 4,623,389, and 4,902,875 (the patents are , Which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety).

  With continuing reference to FIG. 3, in one non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, each of the bus bars 66 and 68 are respectively connected to an intelligent power controller and monitoring system 72 (discussed in more detail below) by wires 70 and 71, respectively. The controller and monitoring system 72 is connected to the aircraft power supply 74 by wires or electrical cables 76 and 77. Without limiting the invention, the end 79 of the bus bar 66 and the end 80 of the bus bar 68 are spaced from the adjacent sides 82-85 of the glass sheet 60 and the side 86 of the coating 62 is Spaced from sides 82-85, prevents arcing of bus bars 66 and 68 and coating 62 and metal body cover 87 of aircraft 10 (see FIG. 1).

  In a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, the windshield 14 is provided with one or more sensors to monitor the performance of selected components and / or characteristics of the windshield 14. In this aspect of the invention, the sensors include, but are not limited to, impact sensors, break sensors, humidity sensors, conductive coating temperature sensors, and arc sensors.

  As discussed above and repeated here for purposes of understanding the present invention, an article or component, for example, but not limited to, a sensor operating on the heatable member 32 of the windshield 14, has two It is considered to include a secondary operating system. For purposes of clarity, one component or secondary motion system of the sensor is referred to as the “sensing portion” of the sensor, and the second component or second secondary motion system is referred to as the “evaluation unit” of the sensor. Is done. The sensing portion is used as feedback to the evaluation unit and triggers a control action on an aircraft component or article, such as, but not limited to, the windable member 32 of the windshield 14 and, among other things, supplied to the heatable member 32 Through the applied current, the heat of the heatable member 32 is increased or decreased. For example, a windshield temperature sensor (discussed in detail below) may detect changes in the article or component under observation, such as, but not limited to, snow, ice, and / or haze from the outer surface 36 of the windshield 14. Used to monitor the heatable member 32 enabled by heating of the heatable member 32 of the windshield 14 for removal, the sensing portion sends a signal, usually but not limited to an electrical signal to the evaluation unit. Transfer and trigger control measures on the amount of heat (current) applied to the windable heatable member.

  The evaluation unit may be used as an indication of actual performance and / or potential windshield failure with respect to windshield articles or components, such as, but not limited to, windshield heatable members, and / or for preventive maintenance related thereto. As an indication of the performance of the article, such as, but not limited to, the signal from the sensing portion to measure the temperature of the heatable member. In one aspect of the invention, the signal from the evaluation unit is transferred to an electronic storage device (electronic storage device 266 of FIG. 14 discussed in more detail below) and monitored, for example, but not limited to, Compile the history of aircraft windshield performance.

  In another non-limiting aspect of the invention, the sensor is considered to be an “activation sensor” or “deactivation sensor”. An “activation sensor” is an evaluation unit when an article or component, such as, but not limited to, a windable heatable member transmits a signal indicating that the heatable member is operating outside acceptable limits. Is a sensor that is triggered to take action. Measures include, but are not limited to, the evaluation unit acting on the article or component to separate the article or component from the power supply and / or changing the operational performance of the article or component being monitored. Modifying the power input to the article or component to do so. By way of example and not limitation, the arc sensor monitors the performance of the heatable member 32. If the evaluation unit determines that arcing is occurring, a signal is forwarded to the electronic storage device (electronic storage device 266 of FIG. 14 discussed in more detail below) and the power supply switch (198 of FIG. 13). The heatable member and the current supply source are electrically separated, and heating of the outer surface of the windshield is stopped. “Deactivation sensor” means that the sensing portion transfers and participates in a signal, eg, but not limited to an electrical signal, to an electronic storage device and display (housing 400 in FIG. 18 discussed in more detail below). A sensor that advises personnel that the component being monitored is operating within or outside of acceptable limits. By way of illustration and not limitation, a humidity sensor monitors the humidity moving between the interlayer layers of the laminated windshield. When the signal from the humidity sensor evaluation unit indicates an undesirable level of humidity, no action is taken. Instead, the personnel involved are advised to take action, and the action taken can include, but is not limited to, scheduling windshield replacement and / or repair. In another non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, an impact sensor monitors the impact on the windshield. When the signal from the impact sensor evaluation unit indicates an undesirable level or number of impacts, the windshield is verified to determine whether the windshield is structurally usable after the aircraft has landed. The

  More specifically, the signal from the evaluation unit acts to notify a person who needs to know, for example, but not limited to, an aircraft operator that the component is operating outside acceptable limits. However, when it does not act to shut down or limit the operation of the component, the sensor is acting as a deactivation sensor. A signal from the evaluation unit shuts down or limits the operation of the component and optionally, to a person who needs to know, for example, but not limited to, an aircraft operator, the component is operating outside acceptable limits When acting to notify that, the sensor is acting as an activation sensor.

The discussion now includes (1) a sensing portion and evaluation unit, (2) the use of the sensor as a “deactivation sensor” and / or “activation sensor”, and (3) other than a component having a sensing portion. For a deeper recognition and understanding of the positioning of the evaluation unit at the location, it is usually directed to the operation of selected sensors found on the aircraft windshield. Sensors discussed below include, but are not limited to, impact sensors, break sensors, humidity sensors, arc sensors, and conductive coating temperature sensors. A discussion of sensors is presented in the non-limiting aspects of the invention discussed below, and a detailed discussion is provided in US Pat. Nos. 8,155,816 and 8,383,994 and USPAP '531 and Found in '981. As can be appreciated, the invention is not limited to the sensors discussed below, and the invention is not limited to any type of sensor, such as, but not limited to, stress sensors, pre-static static sensors (p-static sensor).
Shock sensor

  As can be appreciated, the present invention is not limited to the design or construction of an impact sensor, and any impact sensor used in the art can be used in the practice of the present invention. In one non-limiting aspect of the present invention, the heatable member 32 of the windshield 14 as shown in FIG. 4 is provided with four impact sensors or detectors 89a-89d. Each of the four impact sensors 89a-89d includes a sensing portion 91a-91d (see FIG. 4) and an evaluation unit 93a-93d (see FIG. 5). The sensing portions 91a-91d of the impact sensors 89a-89d are mounted on the sheet of the windshield 14, respectively. In FIG. 4, the sensing portions 91a-91d of the sensors 89a-89d are on or across the surface 64 of the sheet 60 of the heatable member 32, more specifically, but not limited to the present invention. Mounted on 32 conductive coatings 62. Sensors 89a-89d indicate that one or more foreign objects have collided with the windshield 14 and the outer surface of the heatable member 32 (see FIG. 3), and optionally, sensors 89a-89d are subject to a collision or impact. The relative energy of the impact on the outer surface 46 and the outer surface 46 of the windshield 20 is reported.

  Each sensing portion 91a-91d of the impact sensor 89a-89d includes a piezoelectric crystal. When the piezoelectric crystal is exposed to vibrations, for example, vibrations of the glass sheet 60 (see FIGS. 1 and 2) caused by stones impinging on the outer surface 46 of the glass sheet 60, the piezoelectric crystals are subjected to compression or strain, and as a result. Producing an electric field, which can be used to activate or activate an alarm to be activated and / or a recorder and to notify and / or record a collision or shock.

  With continued reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, the sensing portions 91a-91d of the impact sensors 89a-89d are in electrical contact with one of the piezoelectric crystals through connections 95a-95d. Each of the impact sensors 89a to 89d is electrically connected to the data processing device 99 and the power supply source 74 using the wires 102a to 102d, respectively (see FIG. 5). Thus, the power to the impact sensors 89a-89d varies in the respective electric field of the impact sensors 89a-89d provided by the power supply 74 and measured or monitored by the data processing device 99. As can be appreciated, the invention is not limited to the manner in which power is provided to the impact sensors 89a-89d, and any circuit arrangement can be used in the practice of the invention. As can be appreciated, the power input to the impact sensor can be a power input to the sensor's evaluation unit and the power supply can be alternating current or direct current.

  In one non-limiting aspect of the present invention, the data processing device 99 determines the location of the impact by triangulation of signals from selected or all of the sensors 89a-89d, for example, depending on the magnitude of the electric field. Software that analyzes the signals transferred along the wires 97a-97d and 102a-102d and stores the information to determine the magnitude. Electronic circuits for use in impact detectors, such as piezoelectric crystals, are well known in the art, for example, US Pat. No. 6,535,126, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. And no further discussion is deemed necessary).

  As can be appreciated, the present invention can be practiced with more or less than four impact sensors 89a-89d. More specifically, increasing the number of impact sensors, for example, using 5, 6, 7, 10, or 20 impact sensors impacted the location of the impact area and the windshield. Increasing the accuracy of the force and using less than four, eg 1, 2, 3 sensors, reduces the accuracy of the impact area locating and the force impacting the windshield.

  The sensing portions 91a-91d of the impact sensors 89a-89d, discussed above, each include a piezoelectric crystal (identified by the numbers 91a-91d in FIG. 4), and the evaluation units 93a-93d of the impact sensors 89a-89d. Includes data processing equipment 99 and electrical connectors, such as, but not limited to, wires that connect electrical components of sensing portions 93a-93d of impact sensors 89a-89d.

As can be appreciated, the piezoelectric crystal is not powered by current, however, it is noted that power is required to operate the evaluation unit. The power source for the evaluation units of the impact sensors 89a-89d shown in FIG. 5 is a power source 74 for powering the aircraft 10, however, as can be appreciated, the impact sensor evaluation unit or Each performance measurement portion can be powered by a dedicated power source.
Break sensor

  In the following discussion, the fracture or crack detector or sensor aspect disclosed in US Pat. No. 8,383,994 is used in the practice of the present invention, however, as will be understood, the present invention is Without limitation, any crack sensor or detector known in the art can be used in the practice of the present invention. A non-limiting aspect of a break sensor of the type disclosed in US Pat. No. 8,383,994 is shown in FIGS. 6-8 and designated by numbers 110 (FIG. 6) and 111 (FIG. 8). The break sensor 110 (FIG. 6) is substantially entirely outside the main surface 64 (see FIG. 6) of the sheet 60 of the heatable member 62 of the windshield 14 and / or one of the sheets 22, 24 (see FIG. 8). A conductive strip 112 is included that extends along or around the perimeter 38 (see FIGS. 2, 6, and 8). 6 and 7, the conductive strip 112 is shown to be mounted over or in surface contact with the conductive coating 62 and over or in surface contact with the surface 64 of the glass sheet 60, and the bus bar 66 and Surrounds 68 and is electrically isolated from the conductive coating 62 and bus bars 66 and 68 by an electrically insulating layer 114, eg, a urethane layer or a non-conductive coating layer (see FIG. 7).

  The conductive strip 112 is mounted across the conductive coating 62 spaced from the sides 82-85 of the sheet 60, as shown in FIG. The conductive strip 112 has a first end surface 116 and a second end surface 118. The distance or gap between the first termination surface 116 and the second termination surface 118 is sufficient to prevent any descriptive electric field communication between the termination surfaces 116 and 118. As can be appreciated, the conductive strip 112 can reduce visibility through that portion of the glass sheet on which it is deposited, and thus the maximum width of the conductive strip 112 is required or defined through the windshield 14. Depends on the operator viewing area.

  As can be appreciated, the conductive strip 112 can be applied to any one or all any surface of the sheet of laminated windshield 14. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 8, the conductive strip 112 is a surface 119 of the sheet 22 and / or 24 that is spaced from the outer periphery 38 of the sheet 22 and / or 24 as shown in FIG. And are secured to end surfaces 116 and 118 that are spaced apart from each other.

  Break sensor 110 further includes a power source. The power source may be a main power source 74 that is dedicated to providing power to associated equipment and electronic devices of the aircraft 10 or powers an electrical component, such as, but not limited to, the conductive strip 112. It can be a dedicated power source identified by the number 120 (see FIG. 6). The dedicated power source 120 can be any conventional power source such as, but not limited to, a battery, a generator, and the like. In addition, the break sensor 110 includes an electrical measurement mechanism 122 such as an ohmmeter that communicates with the conductive strip 112 to measure the electrical condition of the conductive strip 112. A control mechanism 124 such as software and a computer is used to control and communicate with both the power source 74 and / or 120 and the electrical measurement mechanism 122. This control mechanism 124 can be used to instruct the power supplies 74 and / or 120 to provide a predetermined or specifically set current to the conductive strip 112, after application, The control mechanism 124 can collect and / or calculate the electrical potential of the conductive strip 112 via the electrical measurement mechanism 124.

  In an alternative implementation, the power sources 74 and / or 120 apply a set voltage to the conductive strip 112 as set or defined by the control mechanism 124. This set voltage allows current to flow through the conductive strip 112. The electrical measurement mechanism 122 is connected to the conductive strip 112 through a first conductor 126 and a second conductor 128. The first conductor 126 is connected to the first termination surface 116, and the second conductor 128 is connected to the second termination surface 118. This connection allows the conductive strip 112 to act as an electrical circuit when the power source 74 and / or 120 applies an electrical potential.

  The electrical measurement mechanism 122 reads or measures the current flowing through the conductive strip. The power source 74 or 120 applies a set voltage along the conductor 130 to the conductive strip 112 and the electrical measurement mechanism 122 reads or measures the current flowing through the conductive strip 112, so The mechanism 122 (or the control mechanism 124) can calculate the resistance value of the conductive strip 112.

  As breaks or cracks occur and propagate in the glass sheets 22, 24, and / or 60, this will eventually reach the conductive strip 112. As the crack moves through a section of conductive strip 112 and begins to break it, the resistance value calculated by either electrical measurement mechanism 122 or control mechanism 124 begins to increase. This increase in resistance indicates a break or crack in the glass sheet and conductive strip 112, such as, but not limited to, the glass sheets 22, 24, and / or 60. When the crack completely traverses the conductive strip 112 and breaks it, the resistance value reaches infinity, indicating a severe break condition.

  The conductive strip 112 can be a conductive coding material formed from any suitable conductive material, such as a metal, metal oxide, metalloid, alloy, or other composite material. The conductive strip 112 can also be opaque or transparent. Further, the conductive strip 112 can be a conductive coding material formed from ceramic paint or conductive ink. The conductive material is preferably a material that, when cracked in the glass sheet, will crack or separate, or otherwise change its electrical properties in a manner that allows detection of electrical changes. is there. The conductive strip 112 can be applied to one of the glass sheets 22, 24, and 60 through conventional thin film deposition methods or conventional thick film deposition methods, conventional adhesive manufacturing methods, screening, or other similar processes, or More than that can be deposited on the surface. In one embodiment, the conductive strip 112 is a conductive indium tin oxide coating.

The present invention envisions a system in which the evaluation unit 134 is located separately from the item being monitored. The sensing portion 132 of the break sensors 110 and 111 includes a conductive strip 112, and the evaluation unit 134 of the break sensors 110 and 111 includes an electrical measurement mechanism 122 and a control mechanism 124. The sensing portion applies the conductive strip 112 on more than one sheet, for example, but not limited to the present invention, the conductive strip 112 is applied on the surface of the glass sheets 22, 24, and 60. Can be implemented. As will be appreciated, once the conductive strips 112 are placed on more than one sheet, the conductive strips 112 are controlled to control the voltage to each of the conductive strips 112 in the manner discussed above. Each one of them has its own power supply 120, or one power supply 74 is provided and electrically connected to two or more of the conductive strips 112, variable resistors Are provided for each conductive strip 112. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the sensing part of the break sensor may be an optical measurement system mounted separately from the windshield being monitored and the evaluation unit is mounted separately from the windshield, Electrically connected to the sensing part.
Humidity sensor

  As discussed above and shown in FIG. 2, the windshield or transparency 14 has an off-board moisture-proof seal or moisture-proof layer 36, and moisture is contained in the glass sheets 22, 24, and 60 of the windshield 14 and the plastic intermediate. Prevent entry between layers or sheets 26, 28, 30 and 34. More specifically, if the moisture-proof seal or layer 36 breaks down, for example, cracks or peels due to erosion caused by wind and rain, moisture enters the sheet and / or interlayer of the windshield 14. To do. As moisture moves between the sheets and / or intermediate layers, the windshield 14 may delaminate and / or the heatable member 32 may be damaged and fail, ending the operational life of the windshield. When delamination of the windshield 14 occurs, the proportion and amount of moisture that enters between the sheet and / or the interlayer increases and accelerates the degradation of the windshield 14.

  Referring optionally to FIG. 9, the heatable member 32 has humidity sensors 150-153, each positioned on the adjacent side 82-85 of the conductive coating 62 of the sheet 60. As clearly shown in FIG. 10, in one non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, each of the sensors 150-153 includes a layer 155 (hereinafter “humidity sensitive layer”) of moisture sensitive material deposited on the conductive coating 62. And a conductive layer 156 deposited on or over the humidity sensitive layer 155. Each of the conductive layers 156 of the sensors 150-153 as shown in FIG. 11 is individually connected to the anode 157 of the power source 158 using wires 160a-160d, respectively. Optionally, wires 160a-160d are individually connected to anode 157 of power supply 158 through variable resistors or variable transformer 161 to regulate the power input to each of conductive layers 156 of sensors 150-153.

  The present invention is not limited to the material of the humidity sensitive layer 155, but any humidity sensitive material such as, but not limited to, titanium dioxide and / or US Pat. Nos. 4,621,249 and 4,793,175. The materials disclosed in (the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety) can be used in the practice of the present invention. Further, the present invention is not limited to the material of the conductive layer 156 on or over the humidity sensitive layer 155, and any conductive material such as, but not limited to, aluminum, copper, gold, and silver may be used. Can be done. In one non-limiting aspect of the present invention, the humidity sensitive layer 155 includes a sputtered titanium dioxide film and the conductive layer 156 includes sputtered gold.

  As the humidity sensitive layer 155 absorbs moisture, the impedance of the humidity sensitive layer 155 changes. As can be appreciated, the impedance of the humidity sensitive layer 155 can be measured and / or monitored in any conventional manner. In one non-limiting aspect of the present invention, wires 162a-162d interconnect the cathode (-) 159 of power supply 158 and the end of conductive layer 156 of sensors 150-153, respectively. The voltage difference between each pair of wires 160a and 162a, 160b and 162b, 160c and 162c, and 160d and 162d is measured and / or monitored by a comparator 170 (see FIG. 12). With reference to FIGS. 11 and 12, each wire 160 a-160 d of sensor 150-153 is connected to a comparator 170. The comparator 170 monitors the impedance of each one humidity sensitive layer 155 of the humidity sensors 150-153. If the impedance change exceeds a predetermined amount, a signal is transferred along the wire 172 to the alarm and / or monitoring device discussed below.

  In a non-limiting aspect of the invention shown in FIGS. 9-12, the anode (+) 157 (see FIG. 11) of the power source 158 is connected to the respective conductive layer 156 of the humidity sensor 150-153 by wires 160a-160d, respectively. And the cathode (-) 159 of the power source 158 is connected to the respective conductive layers 156 of the sensors 150-153 by wires 162a-162d (see FIG. 9).

  In the arrangement discussed above, the sensing portion of the humidity sensor 150-153 includes a humidity sensitive layer 155 and a conductive layer 156, and the evaluation unit of the humidity sensor 150-153 is a transformer 161 (see FIG. 11). And a comparator 170 (FIG. 12). The output of the comparator 170 along the wire 172 provides information regarding the performance of the moisture barrier layer 36 of the windshield 14. In another non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, the evaluation unit can consist of a frequency-based impedance sensor and software that monitors the impedance of the sensor. Again, the present invention is a system in which when the sensing part of the humidity sensor is included in the windshield, the evaluation unit can be arranged separately from the windshield and electrically monitor the status of the humidity sensor. In another non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, the sensing portion of the humidity sensor can be a remote non-contact device (such as one that uses infrared transmission), which is also physically mounted separately from the windshield. However, it can still be electrically connected to an evaluation unit separate from the windshield.

As can be understood herein, the impact sensor, break sensor, and humidity sensor discussed above measure the performance of an article to determine whether the article is within acceptable limits, and the article Is designed to operate as a deactivation sensor (discussed above) because it does not automatically take steps to alter the performance of the article when it is operating outside acceptable limits.
Arc sensor and conductive coating temperature sensor

  The present discussion is now directed to an arc sensor and a conductive coating temperature sensor for monitoring the performance of the heatable member 32 and taking corrective action if the heatable member operates outside acceptable limits. More specifically, the arc sensor 72 monitors the performance of the heatable member 32 to determine if there are major and minor arcing associated with the operation of the heatable member 32. The conductive coating temperature sensor 190 monitors the temperature of the heatable member and when the temperature of the heatable member 32 exceeds a given temperature, the switch is activated to disconnect the heatable member from its power source. . Since the electrical circuit for the arc sensor and the electrical circuit for the coating temperature sensor typically operate in conjunction with each other, as described below, the arc sensor 72 and the temperature sensor 190 are both considered. However, as can be appreciated, the present invention contemplates an arc sensor and a conductive coating temperature sensor having electrical circuits that are independent of each other.

  In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the arc detection system is separate from the windshield and is contained in a separate avionics unit (such as a heater controller). In this case, both the sensing part and the evaluation unit are included in the heater controller. In another non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the evaluation unit is included in the heater controller, but the sensing portion is in the windshield itself or along an electrical connection between the windshield and the heater controller. It is included separately at any location and is still electrically connected to the evaluation unit.

  Referring to FIGS. 3 and 13 as needed, the temperature sensor 190 includes a thermistor 188 mounted on the conductive coating 62 to sense the temperature of the conductive coating 62 of the heatable member 32, which is , Connected to the intelligent power controller and monitoring system or arc sensor 72 by wires or electrical cables 192 in the manner discussed below. The present invention is not limited to temperature sensor 188 and any of the types used in the art can be used in the practice of the present invention. Further, the present invention is not limited to the number of temperature sensors 188 mounted on the coating 62, and any number of sensors, eg, 1, 2, or 3 sensors, may be mounted on the coating 62 and the coating 62 Temperature of different areas can be sensed.

  FIG. 3 shows wires 192 for three temperature sensors 188, while in FIG. 13, three temperature sensors and three wires 192 are shown for purposes of clarity and ease of following the path of wire 192. Note that they are summarized and shown as one sensor 188 and one wire 192.

  Referring to FIG. 13, in one non-limiting aspect of the present invention, aircraft power source 74 provides alternating current along wires 76 and 77 to intelligent power controller and monitoring system or window heat controller 197 of arc sensor 72. Supply. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the present invention is not limited to the power supply 74, which is known in the art as shown in FIG. It can be a direct current source. The wire 76 of the power supply 74 is connected to one pole of the switch 198 of the window heat controller 197, and the other pole of the switch 198 is connected by a wire or electrical cable 202 to the arc monitoring and detection system 200 of the present invention. Connected to a flow 199. The switch 198 is normally in the closed position and is moved from the closed position to the open position by a signal transferred along the wire or electrical cable 204 from the control logic for the thermal controller 206 of the window heat controller 197 and vice versa. The same is true. The current transformer 199 is connected to the bus bar 66 of the heatable member 32 by a wire 70. The bus bar 68 of the heatable member 32 is connected to the power supply 74 by wires 71 and 77.

  In one non-limiting aspect of the invention, the components of the intelligent power controller and monitoring system or arc sensor 72 are mounted in a Faraday box 209, which is connected by a wire or cable 211 (see FIG. 13), Connected to ground, for example, the body 87 (see FIG. 1) of the aircraft 10 to block external electrostatic fields.

  With continued reference to FIG. 13, the temperature sensor 188 is connected to one connector of the electronic switch 210 by a wire 192, and the second connector of the switch 210 is connected to the control logic 206 of the window heat controller 197 by a wire 212. Connected to. The switch 210 is normally in the closed position, and the signal transferred from the signal filtering and correction system 216 of the arc monitoring and detection system 200 along the wire or electrical cable 214 to the switch 210 causes the switch 210 to open and open. Moved from position to closed position.

  The evaluation unit 216 of the arc sensor 72 determines if any of the following conditions are detected: (a) the temperature of the heatable member 32 exceeds a pre-determined temperature, or (b) a main arc discharge is detected. A signal is provided to switch 210 to electrically disconnect heating arrangement 32 and power supply 74 from each other.

  Here, it is considered that the temperature of the condition (a) heatable member 32 exceeds the predetermined temperature. Referring to FIG. 13, the switches 198 and 210 of the thermal controller 197 each heat the heatable member 32 to remove fog, snow, and / or snow from the outer surface 46 (see FIG. 2) of the windshield 14. In the closed position. The temperature of the heatable member 32 is sensed by the temperature sensor 188 and the signal of the temperature sensor 188 is monitored by the evaluation unit 206 of the window heat controller 197. For example, but not limiting the discussion, the thermal controller 206 opens the switch 198 when the temperature of the heatable member 32 exceeds a given temperature due to arcing or increased resistance of the coating 62. A signal is transferred along the cable 204 to the switch 198 to electrically disconnect the power source and the heatable member 32 from each other. The present invention is not limited to the cause of heatable member 32 exceeding a predetermined temperature, and any type of defect in heatable member 32 that causes a predetermined temperature to be exceeded is included in the practice of the present invention. It is.

  The present discussion is now directed to non-limiting aspects of the arc sensor 72 signal monitoring and detection system 200. The arc monitoring and detection system 200 is designed to detect and act on arc discharge, ie, condition (b). Condition (b) is referred to as “main arc discharge” and is defined as the measured voltage / current exceeding the first pre-determined level of voltage / current. The value of the first pre-determined level is not a limitation of the present invention, and the value is selected such that the arc discharge is visible to the naked eye and / or previous experience that can damage the window 14. based on. In one non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, the first pre-determined level voltage / current heats the window and removes fog, snow, and ice on the outer surface 43 of the window 14. And the current required to prevent cloudiness, snow, and ice formation thereon.

  Now consider the case where the main arc discharge is present without a temperature exceeding the pre-determined temperature. Arc monitoring and detection system 200 detects the primary arc discharge and forwards the signal to signal modification system 216. Signal modification system 216 forwards the signal along wire 214 to open switch 210. Control logic for the thermal controller 206 determines that the switch 210 is in the open position, sends a signal along the cable 204, opens the switch 198, and connects the power supply 74 and the heatable member 32 to each other. Disconnect electrically. As can be appreciated by those skilled in the art, switch 210 and / or switch 198 are opened when a primary arc discharge is present and the temperature of heatable member 32 exceeds a predetermined temperature.

  Another type of arc discharge is known in the art as "micro arc discharge" and is discussed in USPAP '531 and 981.

  This discussion is now directed to non-limiting aspects of the arc monitoring and detection system 200. The arc monitoring and detection system 200 is designed to detect, among other things, primary arcing and take steps to prevent or limit damage to the heatable member 32 and / or the window 14. The switches 198 and 210 (see FIG. 13) are of a type that opens and closes in response to a signal transferred to the switch. In the practice of the present invention, switch 198 is an electronic solid state switch. The control logic for the thermal controller 206 of the window thermal controller 197 is, for example, a type of comparator that compares the electrical signal in mV from the temperature sensor 188 to a set voltage range, and when the signal is out of range, The control logic of controller 206 transfers the signal and opens switch 198, and when the signal is within range, the control logic for thermal controller 206 sends the signal along wire 204 and closes switch 198. To.

  Referring to FIG. 14, the discussion now detects major arc discharge, and optionally micro arc discharge, to prevent damage to the heatable member 32 and / or window 14 (see FIGS. 2 and 3). It is directed to an arc detection and monitoring system or arc sensor 200 for taking steps to minimize. Optionally, as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, current transformer 199 is connected to wires 202 and 70 and the output of current transformer 199 is passed over filter 248 by wire 250. The present invention is not limited to the type of current transformer 199 used in the practice of the present invention. In the preferred practice of the present invention, current transformer 199 was of the type that reduces the current to a lower level in order to facilitate the filtering of the current traveling along wires 202 and 70. More specifically, current transformer 199 produces a reduced current that is exactly proportional to the current passing through wire 202/70 to heatable member 32. For example, in one non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, the current passing through the heatable member 32 was 18.5 amps and the output of the current transformer 199 was 1.85 amps.

  Continuing to refer to FIG. 14, the signal filter 248 of the signal filtering and correction system 216 is a high pass filter for effectively eliminating electrical and magnetic noise from signals passing along the wire 250. The filter level of the signal filter 248 is based on a noise spectrum analysis of the current passing through the electrical system, ie, the power supply 74 to the heatable member 32. Filter 248 also reduces the magnitude of the line signal by two levels due to the elimination of high frequency components, for example, but not limited to the present invention.

  The signal from signal filter 248 is passed over a two-stage filter 254. First stage filter 254A includes a comparator for filtering a signal having a first pre-determined level, eg, a voltage / current level above 150 mV indicative of main arcing. When the signal of the first stage filter 254A exceeds the first pre-determined level, the time that the signal exceeds its first pre-determined level is counted by 254B. Once the time counted at 254B exceeds a predetermined amount, a signal that a major arc discharge has been detected is sent along wire 256 to signal switch 257, which sends the signal to wire 214. Along with the switch 210 open, which causes the control logic for the thermal controller 206 to open the switch 198 (see FIG. 13), as discussed above, and the current is supplied to the power source 74. From being moved to the heatable member 32.

  Continuing to refer to FIG. 14, each of the signal filter 248 and the double filter 254 is connected to the microcomputer 264 by wires 258 and 260, respectively. Optionally, the microcomputer 264 is connected to the aircraft electronic storage 266 by wires or cables 268. Microcomputer 264 sets the level, eg, a second pre-determined level for filter 248 to filter noise from the signal from current transformer 199, and the level, eg, filter 254A, removes the main arc. Set a first pre-determined level for identification. The electronic storage device 266 maintains a history of activity of the filter 248 and the two-stage filter 254, and a second predetermined level indicative of microarc discharge, a second indicative of noise level in the signal from the current transformer 199. Data is provided for setting the pre-determined level, as well as the microarc count and time period to potential problems indicated due to microarcing.

In the arrangement discussed above, the sensing portion of the coating temperature sensor 190 is a thermistor 270; however, the present invention is not limited to the type of temperature sensing technology and may be infrared monitoring, thermocouples, and the like. As can be appreciated, the present invention can be practiced with more or less than four temperature sensor sensing portions 190. More specifically, increasing the number of temperature sensor sensing portions, eg, using 5, 6, 7, 10, or 20 temperature sensor sensing portions, is the accuracy of monitoring the distribution temperature. Using less than four, for example 1, 2, 3 sensors, reduces the accuracy of monitoring the distribution temperature. For the sake of brevity, the sensing portion of the coating temperature sensor 190 is identified by the number 267. The evaluation unit of the coating temperature sensor 190 is a thermal controller 197 and a switch 210. For the sake of brevity, the evaluation unit of the coating temperature sensor 190 is identified by the number 270.

  The sensing part of the arc sensor 72 is a current transducer 199. The evaluation unit of the arc sensor 72 is a circuit designated by the number 200 in FIG.

  From the above discussion and arrangement of coating temperature sensor and arc sensor, the coating temperature sensor 190 and arc sensor are generally activation sensors (discussed above) because they are sensors that monitor performance and take action. Please understand that it is considered. More specifically, when the conductive coating 62 of the heatable member 32 exceeds a desired temperature, the switch 210 automatically switches to arrange power, for example, a disconnection between the power source 74 and the heatable member 32. When the arc monitoring and detection system 200 determines that there is excessive arcing, the arc monitoring and detection system arranges power, eg, a disconnection between the power source 74 and the heatable member 32. It acts on the window heat controller 197 as follows.

As can be appreciated herein, the present invention is not limited to the impact sensors, break sensors, humidity sensors, arc sensors, and conductive coating temperature sensors discussed above, but covers any type of sensor, for example And including, but not limited to, static sensors, vibration sensors, and transmission sensors. Further, but not limiting of the present invention, the sensor evaluation unit is an electronic device that is classified and monitored as a part of the sensor that acts on the signal from the sensing part of the sensor, such as a limitation. However, the operating performance of the windshield 14 can be determined. The sensing portion is a component, for example, but not limited to, the portion of the sensor that measures the properties of the windshield 14 and is monitored by the sensor's evaluation unit to make changes to the sensing portion. Still further, the present invention contemplates an active computer memory, such as, but not limited to, the electronic storage device 266 shown in FIG. 14, for storing information from the window sensor system both in real time and history. As can be appreciated by those skilled in the electronic storage arts, the electronic storage device 266 is known based on a mathematical model framework, an electronic circuit structure that can support multiple input and multiple output sensor systems, without limitation. Embedded microcomputers that can be programmed to implement a general solution, and / or communication capabilities for electronically transmitting window status / conditions to the aircraft central diagnostic computer system.
This practice for mounting the sensor on the windshield

  The focus of this discussion is the present practice for positioning the sensing part of the sensor and the evaluation unit on the aircraft window. In the discussion below, the sensor is monitoring the aircraft windshield. However, the invention is not so limited, and the invention can be practiced on any type of vehicle window.

  The power supply for operating the sensor is generally not mounted on the windshield, but mounted on the aircraft and connected to the sensor mounted on the windshield in any convenient manner. As can be appreciated, power in the form of a small battery, eg, a D-type, C-type, double-A-type, triple-A-type, and / or disk-type battery, can be mounted on the windshield. In the following discussion of a non-limiting aspect of the present invention, the power supply is provided by a power source 74, for example onboard an aircraft and connected to the windshield in any convenient manner.

  Shown in FIG. 15 are only glass sheet 60, conductive coating 62, busbars 66 and 68 (see FIG. 2), and sensing contacts for impact sensor, break sensor, humidity sensor, arc sensor, and conductive coating temperature sensor. FIG. 2 is a plan view of a part of a currently available windshield showing the FIG. 16 shows an impact sensor, a break sensor, a humidity sensor, an arc sensor, mounted on the surface 42 of the glass sheet 22 (see FIG. 2) of the windshield 14 facing the interior of the aircraft 10 (see FIG. 1). FIG. 16 is a view of the windshield of FIG. 15 showing the evaluation unit of the conductive coating temperature sensor. With continued reference to FIG. 15, piezoelectric crystals 91a-91d of impact sensors 89a-89d (see FIGS. 4 and 5) connected to wires or electrical conductors 95a-95d are shown. As discussed above, the electrical conductor strip 112 (see FIGS. 6 and 8) of the break sensor 110 has conductors or electrical conductors 126 and 128 connected to the first and second end faces 116 and 118, respectively. And lead 130 provides contact to power system 74 or 120 (see FIG. 6). As discussed above, the conductive layer 156 of the humidity sensor 150-153 has wires or electrical conductors 160a-160d to one end of each of the four conductive layers 156, and the wires or electrical conductors 162a-162d are connected to opposite ends of four conductive layers 156 (see FIGS. 9-11). As shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, three conductive coating temperature sensors 188 are mounted on the conductive coating 62 (see also FIGS. 13 and 14) and measure the temperature of the conductive coating 62.

  With reference to FIG. 16, electrical connectors 280 and 282 are mounted securely, preferably mounted on the inner surface 42 of the windshield 14 as mounted on the aircraft body 87 (see FIG. 1). Yes, providing external electrical access to selected sensors and / or providing a power input for operating the evaluation unit and / or sensing portion. Connector 280 includes impact sensor 89a-89d evaluation unit, designated by number 284, break sensor 110 and / or 111 evaluation unit, designated by number 286, and humidity sensor 150-, designated by number 288. It has 153 evaluation units integrated circuit or electronic chip. As can be appreciated, the present invention is not limited to the number or type of sensors described above.

  Electronic chips 284, 286, and 288 are connected to connection area 290 of connector 280. The connection area 290 of the connector 280 serves as a connection to a power supply source, such as, but not limited to, the current supply source 74 and the wire 203 interconnecting the shock, break, and humidity sensors, and the shock, break, and humidity. Supply power to the sensor evaluation unit. Wire 304 is a connection for passing electrical signals to modify the settings of the shocked, broken, and sensing part of the humidity sensor and / or the evaluation unit under discussion, and the path, for example, but not limited to, wire As a path to electronic storage unit 266 (see FIGS. 14 and 16) along 304, a connection to collect and store data provided by shock, break, and humidity sensors in electronic storage unit 266.

  Continuing to refer to FIG. 16, the connector 282 securely mounted on the inner surface 42 of the windshield 14 includes a chip 292 of the evaluation unit 270 of the coating temperature sensor 190, a chip 294 of the evaluation unit of the arc sensor 72, A connection area 296. In another non-limiting embodiment of the invention, all sensing portions are monitored and evaluated by a single evaluation unit. Wire 312 connects connector 282 to a power supply, eg, current supply 74, connects arc sensor 72 and coating temperature sensor 190 to the current supply, and connects to evaluation unit 274 and coating temperature sensor 190 of arc sensor 72. Supply power. The wire 304 of the connector 282 is a connection for passing electrical signals to modify the settings of the sensing portion 272 of the arc sensor and coating temperature sensor and / or the evaluation unit, and the path, for example, but not limited to, wire As a path to electronic storage unit 266 (see FIGS. 14 and 16) along 304, a connection for collecting and storing data generated by arc sensors and coating temperature sensors.

  The present invention is not limited to chips or integrated circuits, any of the chip and integrated circuit technology known in the art can provide evaluation units for impact sensors, break sensors, humidity sensors, arc sensors, and coating temperature sensors as electronic chips. Or it can be used to provide an integrated circuit. Furthermore, converting impact sensor, break sensor, humidity sensor, arc sensor, and temperature sensor evaluation units to electronic chips is well known in the art and no further discussion is deemed necessary.

  A cable 192 (shown collectively in FIG. 13) of the temperature sensor 188 is connected to the electronic chip 292. The electronic chip 292 includes a switch 210 (see FIG. 13) and an electronic circuit that measures the temperature of the coating 62 and acts on the switch 210 as discussed above. Chip 294 includes an arc sensor evaluation unit and is connected to switch 210 to open and close switch 210 as discussed above.

  Electronic chips 292 and 294 are connected to connection area 296 of connector 282. Connection area 296 provides a connection to a power supply, for example, but not limited to, the wire 312 interconnects the current supply 74 and the temperature and arc sensors, and the temperature and arc sensors. Power the evaluation unit and sensing part of

As can be seen here, it is the practice to mount the sensing part of the sensor and the evaluation unit on the same window, for example on the same windshield.
Non-limiting aspects of the invention

  In a non-limiting aspect of the present invention, a sensor is provided having a sensing portion and an evaluation unit, respectively (see discussion above). The sensing part of the sensor is mounted during the construction of a vehicle window, for example an aircraft windshield as discussed above, and the sensor evaluation unit is not mounted on the aircraft windshield together with the sensing part of the sensor, Location, for example, but not limited to, in a cabinet mounted in an aircraft for storage of electrical circuit boards and / or on the aircraft body and / or in a geographical area outside the aircraft Mounted on. The present invention further envisages mounting an evaluation unit for the arc sensor outside the aircraft and having wireless communication between the sensing portion of the sensor and the evaluation unit. By way of illustration and not limitation, the invention is disclosed, for example, in US Pat. No. 8,383,994, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. The evaluation unit of the arc sensor can be maintained in a central control area within a defined geographical area, and the communication with the sensing part of the arc sensor can be by wireless communication. Wireless communication is well known in the art and no further discussion is deemed necessary.

  Shown in FIG. 17 is a non-limiting aspect of the windshield of the present invention identified by the numeral 320. The windshield 320 includes an impact sensor 89a-89d evaluation unit 93a-93d, a break sensor 110 (FIG. 6) and / or 111 (FIG. 8) evaluation unit 122, a humidity sensor 150-153 evaluation unit 170, and a coating, respectively. The evaluation unit 270 of the temperature sensor 190 and the evaluation unit 274 of the arc sensor 72 are not mounted on the windshield, except that they are mounted in a cabinet 330 as shown in FIG. , Similar to the windshield 14 shown in FIG. While not limiting the present invention, in one non-limiting aspect of the present invention, the evaluation unit is mounted within the cabinet 330 along with the window heat controller 197 and the electronic storage device 266. The power supply 74 is connected by wires 76 and 77 to the evaluation units 93a-93d, 122, 170, 270, and 2274, the thermal controller 197, and the electronic storage device 266 in the cabinet 330 in the manner discussed above. Is done. In another non-limiting aspect of the invention, the evaluation unit and electronic storage device are mounted within the window heater controller itself.

  In another non-limiting aspect of the invention, the electrical circuitry for the arc sensor evaluation unit and the coating sensor evaluation unit may share electrical components, as shown in FIGS. Furthermore, the electrical circuit for the arc sensor evaluation unit, the coating sensor evaluation unit, and the thermal controller 197 can share electrical components, as shown in FIGS.

  Referring to FIG. 16, connectors 280 and 282 shown in FIG. 16 as having an evaluation unit are replaced in FIG. 17 by one or more connection areas that do not have a sensor evaluation unit. More specifically, in one non-limiting aspect of the present invention, the evaluation units 93a-93d of the impact sensors 89a-89d are connected to the wire 350, the evaluation unit 170 of the break sensor 122 is connected to the wire 352, The evaluation unit 170 of the humidity sensor 150-153 is connected to the wire 354, the wires 350, 352, and 354 are grouped (identified by the number 356), and the grouped wire 356 is the connection area 360 of the connector 362. Is electrically connected. The evaluation unit 270 of the coating temperature sensor 190 is connected to the wire 362, the evaluation unit 274 of the arc sensor 72 is connected to the wire 364, and the wires 362 and 364 are combined (identified by the number 366) and combined. The wire 366 is electrically connected to the connection area 370 of the connector 372.

  The electronic storage device 266 is electrically connected to the evaluation unit in the cabinet 330. Wires 376 and 378 are connected to power supply 74 in cabinet 330 using wires 76 and 77 and are connected to a connection area 370 of connector 372 at opposite ends. Winder 320 internal wires (not shown) connect wires 376 and 378 in connection area 370 to wires 79 and 80 which are connected to bus bars 66 and 68. As can be appreciated, the present invention is not limited to the manner in which the wires are connected to the connection areas 360 and 370 of the connectors 362 and 372, respectively, and any type of connection can be used to ensure the connection. For example, but not limiting the present invention, the connection can be a connection having a hole and a bayonet insert.

  As can be appreciated, the evaluation unit is moved from the windshield 14 to a cabinet 330 having a window heat controller 197 and an electronic storage device 266 in one aspect of the invention. The present invention also positions the evaluation units of one or more sensors, for example evaluation units 93a-93d, 122, and 170 in a connector mounted on the inner surface of the windshield as shown in FIG. Assume that the evaluation units 270 and 274 in the cabinet 330 are positioned.

  Referring to FIG. 18, in another non-limiting aspect of the present invention, the evaluation unit is mounted in a housing 400 that is mounted inside the aircraft. Also, what is mounted in the housing 400 is a computer 402 having a soundness monitoring system for the aircraft 10. The housing 400 may further include a speaker and / or alarm 408 to provide audible information regarding the performance of the aircraft component being monitored.

  In another non-limiting aspect of the present invention, both the sensing portion of the sensor and the evaluation unit can be mounted within the housing 400 when the sensing portion does not require a measurement element. As a non-limiting example, a current transducer 199 (FIG. 14) is connected to a windshield power line at a location within the windshield heater controller 197, such as, but not limited to, a bus bar 66 or a bus bar 68, respectively. , 76 or 71, 77 can be mounted anywhere. In this case, the windshield does not have any measurement elements or embedded sensor sensing parts, but still obtains an active sensor response through the use of an arc sensor sensing part and an evaluation unit in the heater controller. be able to.

  More specifically, the sensing portion of the arc sensor monitors the current traveling through the power lines 70, 76 or 71, 77 and the bus bars 66 and 68 and forwards the signal to the evaluation unit of the arc sensor, where an arc discharge is present. Determine whether or not. Sensing portions of other sensors, such as break sensors, impact sensors, humidity sensors, and temperature sensors, include the use of one or more measurement elements. For example, without limiting this discussion, the sensing portion of the break sensor has a conductive strip 112 (see FIG. 6) on the heatable member 32. The conductive strip 112 transfers the signal to the evaluation unit of the break sensor and monitors the performance of the windshield. In the above arrangement, the sensing portion of the arc sensor requires only an electrical connection to the power line or bus bar to monitor the performance of the heatable member 32, and thus the electrical connection is made to the electrical circuit of the heatable part. It should be understood that this includes, but is not limited to, an electrical connection to the heater controller 197.

  As can be appreciated, the sensor evaluation unit can be contained in one circuit, for example, but not limited to, one circuit board, or two or more. It can be on a circuit board. By way of example and not limitation, as shown in FIG. 17, the thermal controller 197 (FIG. 13) and the evaluation unit 274 of the arc sensor 72 are on one circuit board (see FIG. 17). In other words, the remaining components of the evaluation unit of the arc sensor may be on a separate circuit board.

Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the aspects of the invention presented and discussed above, which are presented for illustrative purposes only, and the scope of the present invention is directly or indirectly related to the following claims and this application. Limited only by the scope of any additional claims added to the intended use.

Claims (15)

A system for monitoring the performance of a vehicle windshield or components of the windshield, the system comprising:
At least two sensors, each sensor comprising a sensing part and an evaluation unit, said sensing part being in physical contact with said windshield or said windshield component, said windshield or said windshield One or more parameters of interest can be measured from the components of the system, and a signal representing the performance of the windshield or the components of the windshield is generated, and the evaluation unit includes the windshield or the windshield. At least two sensors acting on the signal from the sensing portion to determine the performance of the components of
A heater controller to contact the windshield and electrically, at least two of each of the evaluation unit of the sensor is mounted to the heater controller and a heater controller,
The heater controller, and the evaluation unit of each of the at least two sensors are mounted on the heater in the controller, the being spaced from the windshield, and, on the outside of the physical contact with the windshield There is a system.   The evaluation unit of each of the at least two sensors is responsive to a signal from a sensing portion of the sensor to determine the performance of the windshield or the windshield component resulting from operation and / or storage of the vehicle. An electrical circuit for acting, wherein the evaluation unit provides a second signal representative of the performance of the windshield or a component of the windshield, the electrical circuit of the evaluation unit of the sensor comprising the signal To act on the signal and to determine the operating performance of the windshield or a component of the windshield, and spaced from the contact with the windshield and of the contact with the windshield The system of claim 1, wherein the system is positioned to be on the outside.   The system of claim 2, wherein the at least two sensors are selected from the group of impact sensors, break sensors, humidity sensors, conductive coating temperature sensors, arc sensors, stress sensors, and precipitation static sensors.   The windshield surface designated to face the interior of the vehicle has an electrical connector interconnecting with a sensing portion that is an integral part of the windshield, and the evaluation unit of each of the at least two sensors 3. The system of claim 2, wherein the signal is passed from a sensing contact to the evaluation unit of the respective sensor.   The vehicle is an aircraft, and the monitored components of the windshield are selected from the group of glass sheets, plastic sheets, moisture barriers, structural members, electrical wiring, heatable members, combinations thereof, and the signal is Transferred to an electronic storage device and an alarm system, wherein the alarm system is activated when the signal indicates that the windshield or the windshield component is operating outside acceptable limits, Item 5. The system according to Item 4. The vehicle is an aircraft, and the windshield is
A heatable member for removing fog, ice, and / or snow from an outer surface of the windshield as mounted in a body of the aircraft, wherein the heatable member is a pair of spaced apart A bus bar and a conductive coating covering at least a portion of the windshield, wherein the at least a portion of the windshield extends between the spaced bus bars and the spaced bus bars A heatable member in electrical contact;
An electrical connector mounted on the surface of the windshield facing the outer surface of the windshield;
A sensing portion of a sensor operatively connected to the heatable member to generate a signal and transfer the signal to the electrical connector.   The system of claim 6, wherein the at least two sensors are selected from the group of sensors including an impact sensor, a break sensor, a humidity sensor, a temperature sensor, an arc sensor, and combinations thereof.   At least one of the sensors is an arc sensor, the sensing portion is electrically connected to a pair of bus bars spaced apart from each other, a conductive coating is between the bus bars, and Connected to the bus bar, the evaluation unit of the arc sensor includes a switch between a power supply and one of the bus bars, the signal of the evaluation unit heats the outer surface of the windshield The switch is operated to disconnect the conductive coating from electrical power when the evaluation unit of the arc sensor indicates that a heatable member for operation is outside an acceptable range. The system described. The vehicle is an aircraft, and the windshield includes a heatable member for removing snow, cloudiness, and / or ice from an outer surface of the windshield, and the heatable members are separated from each other. And a conductive member between the spaced bus bars and in electrical contact with the spaced bus bars, wherein the bus bar conducts current through and through the conductive bar. Connected to a power source for heating the outer surface of the windshield by flowing and heating the conductive member and an electrical system for monitoring and / or controlling the performance of the heatable member;
The electrical system
A temperature sensor for sensing the temperature of the heatable member;
A first switch that electrically connects the power source to one of the bus bars of the heatable member, wherein the first switch in a closed position is from the power source, through the first switch, Providing a continuous electrical path to the heatable member, wherein the first switch in an open position electrically isolates the power source from the heatable member to deactivate the heatable member; And the switch
An arc monitoring and detection system for monitoring the voltage of the electrical system at a location between the power source and the heatable member , wherein the heater controller includes control logic of the heater controller, the control logic comprising: the are electrically connected to the temperature sensor, the control logic, when the temperature of the temperature sensor exceeds a predetermined temperature, acting on the first switch to the first switch in the open An arc monitoring and detection system ;
A second switch electrically connecting the temperature sensor to the control logic , wherein the second switch in a closed position electrically interconnects the temperature sensor and the control logic ; A switch disconnects the control logic and the temperature sensor in an open position, and the second switch is moved from the closed position to the open position by a second signal from the arc monitoring and detection system; The second signal indicates that a voltage and / or current measured by the arc monitoring and detection system exceeds a predetermined level;
Including
Using the first switch and the second switch in the closed position, a first electrical path is provided to the power source from the power source, through the first switch, through the heatable member. A second conductive path is provided from the temperature sensor through the second switch to the control logic ;
The control logic opens the first switch when the temperature of the heatable member measured by the temperature sensor is equal to and / or exceeds a predetermined temperature;
The arc sensor transmits a signal to open the second switch when a voltage and / or current measured by the arc sensor exceeds a predetermined level, and the control logic is configured to output the second switch. In response to opening the first switch, opening the first switch;
The sensor is a conductive coating temperature sensor and an arc sensor, and the sensing contact of the arc sensor includes a heatable member for removing snow, cloudiness, and / or ice from the outer surface of the windshield, and the heating The possible member includes a pair of spaced bus bars and a conductive member that is between the spaced bus bars and is in electrical contact with the spaced bus bars. Through one side, through the conductive member and through the other of the busbars, connected to a power source to heat the outer surface of the windshield by heating the conductive member, The sensing performance evaluation unit of the arc sensor is an electric system for monitoring and / or controlling the performance of the heatable member. Includes a beam, the electrical system may include a first switch, said control logic, said second switch, and said arc monitoring and detection system,
The sensing contact of the conductive temperature coating includes a temperature sensor for sensing the temperature of the heatable member, and the sensing performance evaluation unit of the conductive coating unit includes the first switch, the second switch, The system of claim 1, including the control logic .   The at least two sensors include an arc sensor and a temperature sensor, and the evaluation unit of the arc sensor is electrically connected to a bus bar of the heatable member, and the evaluation unit of the temperature sensor Electrically connected to a thermistor connected to a coating of a heatable member for heating the outer surface, the evaluation unit of the arc sensor and the evaluation unit of the conductive temperature coating sensor comprising a power source and a switch; Connected to an intervening switch, the switch being opened when the heatable member is functioning outside an acceptable limit set by the temperature sensor and the arc sensor. The system described in.   The evaluation unit of the arc sensor and the evaluation unit of the temperature sensor activate an alarm system when the heatable member is functioning outside the allowable limits set by the temperature sensor and the arc sensor. Item 11. The system according to Item 10.   The heater controller is configured to stop electrical energy from moving through the heatable member when the heatable member is functioning outside acceptable limits, and the temperature sensor evaluation unit and The system of claim 11, wherein the arc sensor evaluation unit is connected to an electronic storage device to provide a performance history of the heatable member.   The system of claim 12, wherein the at least two sensors are selected from the group of sensors including an impact sensor, a break sensor, a humidity sensor, a temperature sensor, an arc sensor, and combinations thereof.   Each sensing portion of each sensor and each evaluation unit of each sensor includes a signal transmitter and a signal receiver, and communication between the sensing portion of each sensor and each evaluation unit of each sensor transmits signals to each other. The system of claim 1, wherein: In an aircraft windshield monitoring system of the type having at least two sensors, each sensor comprises a sensing part for monitoring the windshield component and an evaluation unit, the sensing part comprising the windshield component and Physically contacting and generating a signal representative of the performance of the windshield component, wherein the signal is acted on by the evaluation unit of the sensor to determine the performance of the windshield component; Is in physical contact with the windshield and in electrical contact with the sensing contact,
The system further includes a heater controller in electrical contact with the windshield, wherein the evaluation unit of each of the at least two sensors is mounted in the heater controller ;
Each of the evaluation units is spaced from the windshield and is outside physical contact with the windshield, wherein each of the evaluation units is in electrical contact with a sensing portion of the sensor. Aircraft windshield monitoring system, including