FIELD OF INVENTION:
The invention generally relates to a Proximity Sensor Testing device. The
invention is particular relates to a proximity sensor testing device for Super
Rapid Gun Mount (SRGM) operation.
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION;
A plurality of proximity sensors provides interlocking to ensure safe operation
of SRGM and also by provides instantaneous feedback to the operator about
the current SRGM status and any faulty condition which may occur.
Proximity sensors are non-contact type sensors which gives a high output to its
connector terminal (Pin C) when any metal actuating lever comes within close
to its proximity face. The actuating distance of the sensor is generally 8mm. If
the actuating lever distance is less than 8mm the output of sensor is high and
shows presence of lever. If the actuating lever distance is more than 8mm the
output of sensor is low and shows absence of lever.
In the existing art, each proximity sensor is tested by using hand held
battery/ 115V, 60Hz, power supply operated Proximity Test Bench. In case of
any proximity sensor failure or if its operation is under suspicion then either
the sensor is removed from its location and tested with the bench provided in
the tool box available with SRGM on board or the test bench is brought in the
gun and test the sensor in its static mode.
A proximity sensor detects the presence of any nearby object without physical
contact. The test bench is provided with chargeable battery bank, which needs
to be kept in charging regularly.
The hand held Proximity Test Bench is operated by power 115V, 60Hz or with
chargeable cells. During testing of any proximity switch in the gun the bench is
powered generally by either of the following methods:
1. 115V 60Hz supply for which long extension connection lead is required
due to non-availability of any type of power supply outlet in SRGM
barbette as per Defence policy for safety of personnel due to high
Explosive ammunition present in the barbette.

2. Operated on storage cell power, then it needs to be kept in charged
condition.
In case of any proximity sensor fails during operation, it cannot be checked
or tested in the operating condition, as in the test bench first the proximity
sensor is to be removed from the circuit and then only it can be tested. Once
it is removed from the circuit, the whole chain of the proximity sensors
become open and actuates the interlock of Training (Gun barrel angular
movement in horizontal plane) and Elevation (Gun barrel movement in
vertical plane) synchro for operation. This actuation of interlock circuit
inhibits the operation of Training and Elevation servo systems and gun
cannot be moved. Also, if sensor's actuating gap is to be adjusted then it is
difficult to stimulate the condition with present Test Bench.
OBJECT OF INVENTION;
Accordingly, the present invention provided alleviates the drawbacks of the
prior art.
An object of the invention is to provide a proximity sensor testing device for
a SRGM that can test the sensor during its operation mode.
Another object of the invention is to provide a proximity sensor testing
device which keeps the interlock chain of the sensor intact to allow normal
operation.
Another object of the invention is to provide a proximity sensor testing
device which does not interrupt normal operation of the proximity sensor.
Yet another object of the invention is to provide a proximity sensor testing
device which is less expensive.
Yet another object of the invention is to provide a proximity sensor testing
device which is compact and portable.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ACCOMPANIED DRAWINGS;
Figure 1 shows the proximity sensor testing device in accordance to the
invention

Figure 2 shows method of connection in accordance to the invention.
Figure 3 shows method Proximity sensor removal from cable assembly in
accordance to the invention.
Figure 4 shows Placement of Portable Tool in accordance to the invention.
Figure 5 shows Status of PSTD's LEDs during Operation in accordance to
the invention.
Figure 6 PSTD for continuous Monitoring of SRGM Proximity Sensor.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION;
The present invention provides a portable proximity sensor testing device for
continuous monitoring of proximity sensor signal with LED display
comprising of:


Fig 1 shows the assembly of the proximity sensor testing device (PSTD) in
accordance to the invention.
Pins A, B and C of an input signal connector (4) are crimped with
connecting wires of at least 100mm length (19) using a crimping tool. A
housing (6) is mounted above the connector assembly by fastening means
(1) which is generally a screw including a Spring washer (2), plane washer
(3) and gasket (5) in between connector assembly and housing (6). An
output signal cable assembly in drawn by using pins A, B and C crimped to
the cable (14) which may be 200mm (approx). An adapter sleeve (17) is
placed between the crimped wires which is combination with the pins are
inserted in the connector. The adapter (16) is heat shrinked over the
connector body using a hot air blower which follows a cable identification
marker (15).
Output signal cable gland (9) is fitted on the housing. Cable gland consists
of elements (9,10,11,12 and 13) that are positioned as shown in Fig. 1.
Output cable assembly is inserted through the cable gland till it reaches
opening of housing for making connections with PCB (7). The fastener (13) is
then tightened to fix the cable movement.
The connection of input and output connecting wires are made on the PCB.
The PCB is then mounted using a soft packing insulated material keeping
LEDs in an upward direction.
A LED cover (8) is properly aligned and firmly fixed over the LED to protect
the LED from external damage.
Figure 2 shows the method of connection and the principle of the operation
of the sensor and the proximity sensor testing device (PSTD).
The proximity sensor is disconnected from its cable connector. The PSTD is
connected to cable connector with its cable end and proximity sensor is
connected to other end of the tester as shown in Fig 3.
A Red LED glows instantaneously to the availability of 12V D.C. power and
a Green/ Blue LED shows ON or OFF condition depending upon the sensor
position.

The Green/ Blue LED does not glow if sensor is actuated OFF i.e. any metal
actuator is way from actuating distance (may be more than 8mm from
sensor face) as shown in Fig 4.
The Green/Blue LED glows when the sensor is actuated QN i.e metal
actuator is within actuating distance (less than 8mm from sensor face) as
shown in Fig 5.
When any metal comes in the range of the proximity sensor, voltage is
induced and output pin of the sensor becomes high. This output is passed
to the cable assembly connected to SRGM control panel for signal
processing along with Testing apparatus with LED indicator to display
ON/OFF condition of the signal.

WE CLAIM:
1. A proximity sensor testing device for a proximity sensor of a Super Rapid
Gum Mount (SRGM) operation comprising:
- an input signal connector (4) crimped to pins A, B and C by
connecting means (19);
- a housing (6) mounted on the connector assembly;
- an output signal cable gland (9) attached the said housing (6)
positioned to receive an output signal cable assembly;
- wherein the said output cable assembly is inserted through the said
output signal cable gland (9) extended to tip of the said housing (6) to
connect to a PCB (7);
- said PCB (7) including indicating means;
wherein said indicating means selectable in operation, shows a high
signal in presence of any metal actuator within the predefined
distance from the sensor face; shows a low signal in absence of any
metal actuator within a predefined distance from the sensor face.
2. A proximity sensor testing device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the
testing device is a coupled to cable connector and the proximity sensor at
each ends.
3. A method of monitoring a proximity sensor of a SRGM on a continuous
mode comprising the steps of:
- a first indicating means which shows high signal to show availability
of 12V D.C. power.

- a second indicating means in operation, shows high signal in
presence of any metal actuator within the predefined distance from
the sensor face; shows low signal in absence of any metal actuator
within a predefined distance from the sensor face.
4. A method of monitoring a proximity sensor of a SRGM on a continuous
mode as claimed in claim 3, wherein the predefined distance is generally
8mm.

ABSTRACT

A proximity sensor testing device for a Super Rapid Gum Mount (SRGM)
operation comprising: an input signal connector (4) crimped to pins A, B and C
connecting (19) means; a housing (6) mounted on the connector assembly; an
output signal cable gland (9) attached the said housing (6) positioned to review
an output signal cable assembly; wherein the said output cable assembly is
inserted through the said output signal cable gland (9) extended to tip of the
said housing (6) to connect to a PCB (7). Said PCB (7) including indicating
means.