Aircraft Landing Gear Locking Device RFID Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ground locking devices for aircraft landing gear are often difficult to detect reliably, especially due to damaged or missing visual recognition signs, leading to frequent instances of forgotten locking devices during pre-flight inspections, resulting in costly and environmentally harmful returns to the departure airport.
Innovation Solution
Integration of RFID electronic tags with omnidirectional antennas covered by elastomeric layers into locking devices, along with a detection system using RFID reading devices connected to an avionics communication network for automatic identification and signaling of locking device presence or absence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If visual recognition signs (flags or flames) are used on locking devices, then ease of detection is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to damage, detachment, or wind interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical visual recognition signs (flags, flames painted on the device) with an electronic detection system consisting of RFID tags attached to locking devices and corresponding readers installed in the aircraft. This substitution eliminates the reliability issues of mechanical signs that can detach or become damaged, while maintaining ease of detection through automated electronic identification.
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If locking devices are painted in bright color for visibility, then ease of detection is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to chemical attack from hydraulic fluids
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the painted surface indication system with an electronic RFID tag system. The RFID tags are chemically resistant and not subject to degradation from hydraulic fluid exposure, thereby maintaining reliable detection capability without the chemical vulnerability of painted surfaces.
3Device complexity
If manual inspection of locking devices is performed, then device complexity is minimized, but productivity deteriorates due to human error and time consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic detection where the aircraft's RFID readers autonomously identify locking devices without requiring manual inspection by ground personnel. The system self-verifies the presence and status of locking devices, eliminating human error and significantly improving pre-flight inspection efficiency while maintaining acceptable complexity through standardized RFID technology.
4Reliability
If locking devices are equipped with electronic tags and detection systems, then reliability of detection is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The RFID tag is integrated within the existing locking device structure, with the tag embedded or attached to the body of the locking device. This nesting approach incorporates the electronic identification system within the existing mechanical components, minimizing additional complexity while achieving reliable automated detection.
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
Enhances the reliability and ease of detection of locking devices, reducing the likelihood of missed pre-flight inspections and associated costs and environmental impacts by providing an automatic and accurate means to verify the presence of locking devices before takeoff.
Implementation Method 1
comprising an electronic tag adapted to receive an interrogation signal and to return an identification signal of said device
Implementation Method 2
the spindle comprises a cylindrical part having an annular groove in which an omni-directional antenna is mounted
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2~3
AI summary
The present invention concerns a device (100) for locking a movable component of the landing gear of an aircraft. The device comprises an electronic label (RFID) for receiving an interrogation signal and returning an identification signal. The present invention also concerns an embedded system (370) for detecting such locking devices (100).