Embedded Wiring Diagnostic Technology for Aircraft

Innovative Dynamics Inc. proposes to develop a Wire Health Management System (WHMS) that provides prognostic and diagnostic tools for detecting, identifying, and locating wire faults. The expected result for the Navy is substantially reduced maintenance costs and down time of aging aircraft. The proposed WHMS incorporates multiple sensors into "smart" clamps to monitor wire chafing and arcing events that account for more than 50% of wire fault incidents. The sensors can also be used to detect loose connections, temperature increases indicative of fire or other wire anomalies, fluid contamination, and connector cross-mating to cover 80 - 90% of all wire incidents. Smart components also provide the capability to mitigate unwanted wiring vibration through active noise cancellation techniques, and thus extending life of key wiring components. All can be configured to be non-intrusive fault indicators such that nothing needs to be disconnected or dismantled to conduct the inspection. The system operates continuously in-flight so that mystifying intermittent conditions can be spotted as they happen. The system can also be used for ground inspections as well. IDI proposes to develop a comprehensive implementation plan on new and legacy aircraft covering installation through end use.