Aircraft Dolly Winch Loading for Flat Tires and Wheel Fairings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aircraft transport dollies are cumbersome, require multiple operators, and are not suitable for quickly and safely moving aircraft with flat tires or in tight spaces, especially those with wheel fairings.
Innovation Solution
A dolly with a frame and winch system that allows for easy coupling under aircraft wheels, including those with fairings, and can be used by a single operator, with optional towbar attachment for manual or motorized transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional aircraft transport dollies are used, then aircraft can be moved, but the dollies are cumbersome and require multiple operators
Solution Approach 1:
The dolly is divided into separate modular components including a frame assembly, caster assembly, and winch assembly that can be independently handled and assembled. This segmentation allows a single operator to manage and position each component separately, reducing the complexity burden and making the overall system easier to operate despite its functional capabilities.
2Speed
If existing dolly devices are used to move aircraft with flat tires, then transport can occur, but the aircraft must be moved slowly and carefully
Solution Approach 1:
The winch system is pre-configured and positioned on the dolly frame, ready to immediately engage with the aircraft tire. This preliminary preparation allows the operator to quickly apply the winch mechanism without needing to set up additional equipment, enabling faster transport initiation while maintaining safety through the controlled winding action that prevents sudden movements.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If dollies are designed for aircraft with fairings, then fairings are protected, but the dolly structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The frame assembly includes localized protective features such as padded contact points and contoured surfaces at specific locations where the dolly interacts with the aircraft fairing. Rather than making the entire dolly structure complex, only the local interaction zones are designed with protective qualities, maintaining overall structural simplicity while preventing fairing damage at critical contact areas.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables quick and safe transportation of aircraft with flat tires or in tight spaces, without damaging fairings, and can be used with or without a towbar, reducing operational complexity and requiring minimal personnel.
Implementation Method 1
The strap is attachable to an aircraft or an aircraft tire for translation of the tire onto the channel of the dolly by actuation of the winch
Implementation Method 2
The dolly includes casters so that, once applied, the aircraft can be transported on the casters
Data Source
AI summary
A dolly for placement beneath a landing gear of an aircraft that enables transport of the aircraft without rolling the tire of the aircraft. The dolly includes a platform for a tire to rest on and a channel for positioning the tire. The dolly includes a winch for translating the dolly and aircraft tire relative to each other such that the landing gear is brought to rest on the platform, and one or more stops for securing the aircraft landing gear with respect to the dolly. Once positioned, the dolly can be used while transporting the aircraft, either by hand pushing, a hand towbar, a motorized tug with a towbar, or other mode. The dolly is useful for moving aircraft with a damaged landing gear or flat tires.