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Aerospace Switches

Altitude Switches

Kearflex incorporates our diaphragms and capsule assemblies into altitude switches.  In the altitude switch, the sensing element has a permanent vacuum trapped inside to allow the switch to respond to atmospheric pressure.

The pressure port and housing can be configured to meet the customer needs.

 

Airspeed Switches

Kearflex integrates our diaphragms and capsule assemblies into airspeed switches.  In the airspeed switch, the sensing element applies pressure to both sides allowing measurement of the pitot and static pressure signal.

The pressure port and housing can be configured to meet the customer needs.

Process Monitoring Switches

Absolute Pressure

Kearflex designs our diaphragms and capsule assemblies into absolute pressure (Psia) switches. In the absolute switch, the sensing element has a permanent vacuum trapped inside that provides a reference for the measurement.

These are configured the same way as the altitude switches, but can be calibrated as required for Psia switch points.

Applications include vacuum systems and monitoring sealed tanks such as fuel, water or waste.

Differential Pressure

Kearflex incorporates our diaphragms and capsule assemblies into differential pressure (Psid) switches.  In the differential switch, the sensing element applies pressure to both sides allowing measurement of closed systems.

These are configured the same way as the airspeed switches, but can be calibrated as required for differential pressure switch points.

Applications include cabin pressure systems, air filter pressure drop monitoring and closed tank level monitoring.

Gauge Pressure

Kearflex integrates our diaphragms and capsule assemblies into gauge pressure (Psig) switches.  In the gauge switch, the sensing element applies pressure to one side, and the other side is open to ambient.

These are configured the same way as the differential switches, but can be calibrated as required for gauge pressure switch points with only one connection required.

Applications include air pump output, bleed air systems and instrument supply air.

Temperature Switches

Kearflex designs our diaphragms and capsule assemblies into temperature switches.  In the temperature switch, a trapped fluid applies pressure to one side, and the other side is open to ambient. The fill fluid has known vapor pressures with respect to temperature.

Applications include lubricating oil, bleed air and de-icing system temperatures.

 

High Pressure Switches

Kearflex utilizes a unique capsule assembly in our high pressure switches.  These switches can be calibrated in ranges from 500 Psi to 5,000 Psi and are compatible with hydraulic fluid.

Applications include lubricating oil, brake and other hydraulic systems and high pressure systems.

Customization

Reverse Engineering

These complex assemblies can be provided on a build to specification basis, but it is usually more practical to reverse engineer the product and adapt the design to known and active Kearflex practices and processes.  This is applicable to end of life situations where internal or external vendors have ceased to exist, or abandoned products.

It is very common for there to be references to unavailable or inapplicable documents such as proprietary process instructions, obsolete engineering specifications and vendor specific test equipment procedures.

The design can be converted to use existing Kearflex processes for welding, brazing, soldering and external processes such as plating, and anodizing.  A good portion of the designs can be qualified by similarity, as these adaptations are based upon flight qualified practices that are in active and continuous use with similar products.

It is worth noting that the legacy products of this type were all designed around the same time and used similar practices that differed with the particular manufacturer.  The conversion to Kearflex practices represents a low design risk and a great deal of similarity to the original products.

Product Certification

Kearflex products are manufactured in an AS9100 registered facility and this supports a high level of product certification.

 

Materials

Raw materials are traceable from receipt to shipment.

Services

External processes are performed at qualified vendors, and certifications are maintained.  Where required, customer approved external services are used.

Special Processes

Special processes are qualified and validated on a regular basis.

Manufacturing Processes

Process control travelers, inspection and test procedures, packaging and preservation, and so on are customer and product specific to ensure requirements are met.

Statutory

Compliance with controlled substances, country of origin, ROHS, mineral rights, export control and more are maintained as required by our customer orders.

Product Qualification

Kearflex also provided internal and third party testing for the qualification of new assembly part numbers.  These usually include pressure limit exposure and cycle life testing.  Also available are shock, vibration and thermal response tests.