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Innovators at NASA’s Dryden Flight Research Center have patented a precise, lightweight device that can be used on aircraft for real-time, in-flight cable tension measurements. The precise measurements and instant feedback provided by this cable tensiometer enable the aircraft to make very sensitive adjustments safely and effectively. Most commercially available tensiometers cannot accommodate fixed-end cable systems found aboard aircraft, and those that can are either too heavy or their measurements are too imprecise to provide optimal performance. This new technology offers a lightweight, precise, repeatable device well-suited for use on commercial or non-commercial aircraft.

Benefits

• Precise: Definitive measurements of cable tension loads increase the effectiveness of cables, improving overall flight safety.
• Real time: Instant feedback on cable tension allows pilots to make sensitive, in-flight adjustments to the aircraft.
• Lightweight: This tensiometer’s low weight penalty (less than 1 pound) is perfectly suited for in-situ use on aircraft.

Applications

• Commercial aircraft
• Non-commercial aircraft

Patent

Dryden has one patent issued (U.S. Patent No: 7,424,832→ ) for this technology.

Commercial Opportunity

This technology is part of NASA’s technology transfer program. The program seeks to stimulate development of commercial uses of NASA-developed technologies. NASA is flexible in its agreements, and opportunities exist for licensing and joint development. Dryden is interested in a partnership to commercialize this technology.

Contact Information

If you would like more information about this technology or about NASA’s technology transfer program, please contact:

Julie Holland
PO Box 273, M/S 1100
NASA’s Dryden Flight Research Center
Edwards, CA 93523-0273
Phone: (661) 276-2515
E-mail: julie.a.holland@nasa.gov