Aircraft Handler Lifting Tool Axial Pin Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional aircraft handlers with clamping jaws require specific shapes for different aircraft, are expensive, and struggle with varying tire shapes due to pressure, temperature, and weather conditions, and often require multiple attempts for correct alignment during lifting and maneuvering.
Innovation Solution
A self-propelled aircraft handler with axially displaceable pins in a cavity for load-bearing surfaces, allowing for flexible engagement with aircraft undercarriages, and a pivoting mechanism with lifting arms and actuators for precise lifting and towing operations, accommodating non-aligned tow points.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If clamping jaws are used to lift aircraft by tires, then lifting capability is achieved, but the handler requires precise alignment and multiple attempts especially when tires are flat or vary in shape
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting tool employs axially displaceable pins that can dynamically adjust their positions to accommodate varying tire shapes and sizes. The pins move axially within the cavity to self-align with the tire contact points, eliminating the need for precise manual alignment and reducing multiple positioning attempts.
Solution Approach 2:
The pin configuration changes adaptively through axial displacement to match different tire parameters (shape, size, pressure conditions). This parameter adaptation allows the same lifting tool to effectively handle various tire conditions without requiring precise pre-alignment.
2Manufacturing precision
If clamping jaws are shaped specifically for particular aircraft tires, then lifting precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases and versatility decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting tool with axially displaceable pins provides universal adaptability to handle different aircraft tire types, sizes, and conditions using a single device configuration. The pins' ability to displace axially allows the same tool to effectively lift various tire configurations without requiring multiple specialized jaw shapes.
Solution Approach 2:
Rather than using multiple fixed-shaped jaws for different tire types, the invention employs a dynamic pin system that adapts its configuration through axial displacement to match different tire geometries, providing versatility without sacrificing lifting precision.
3Force
If clamping jaws are used for lifting, then lifting capability is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting tool divides the lifting function into multiple individual pins rather than using a single complex clamping jaw assembly. This segmentation allows for simpler, more economical manufacturing of individual pin components while collectively providing the required lifting force through distributed contact points.
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 easy alignment and efficient lifting of aircraft undercarriages with reduced manufacturing costs, accommodating varying tire conditions and improving maneuverability by allowing non-aligned load application and precise control.
Implementation Method 1
the pins are resiliently biased outwardly of the pad and have outer end faces which together form a substantially planar surface
Data Source
AI summary
A lifting tool 100 form part of a lifting apparatus associated with an aircraft handler 10 for applying a lifting load to an undercarriage of an aircraft. The lifting apparatus comprise a pair of opposed lifting tools 100 which engage end portions of an undercarriage wheel axle 300 for lifting. Each lifting tool 100 has a body 101 with a cavity 103 therein filled with a plurality of axially displaceable closely packed pins 105 which permit insertion of a portion of the axle or adaptor means into the cavity, and other pins, in use, surrounding said portion provide support and transfer the lift load to the surrounding body 101.