The Boeing Company
Methods and systems for indicating and detecting alignment between coupled components

Abstract:

In an example, a system for indicating alignment between two components that are mechanically coupled to each other is disclosed. The system includes a first component, a second component, a connector configured to mechanically couple the first component to the second component by moving the connector from a first position to a second position, a first circuit affixed to the first component, and a second circuit affixed to the connector. The first circuit and the second circuit are positioned on the first component and the connector, respectively, such that an electrical connection between the first circuit and the second circuit occurs when the connector is in the second position and the first component and the second component are aligned. The first circuit or the second circuit comprises an antenna, and the electrical connection enables the antenna to transmit a signal.