Aircraft Spring Assembly Integral Damping Member
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft spring assemblies, particularly helical coil springs, face reduced lifespan due to mechanical waves induced by loads, leading to spring fatigue when used in aircraft landing gear assemblies.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an integral damping member within the load path between the load bearing surface and the spring, which can be made of resilient materials like elastomers or softer plastics, to reduce the amplitude of mechanical waves, thereby increasing the spring's lifespan.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If loads are applied to the load bearing surface of the coupling formation, then the spring assembly can transmit forces to the aircraft anchor point, but mechanical waves are induced in the spring causing spring fatigue and reduced lifespan
Solution Approach 1:
An integral damping member is introduced as an intermediary element within the load path between the load bearing surface and the spring end region. This damping member absorbs and dissipates mechanical wave energy, preventing direct transmission of high-amplitude vibrations to the spring coils, thereby reducing spring fatigue while maintaining load transmission capability
Solution Approach 2:
The damping member converts the harmful mechanical wave energy into beneficial damping effects. By strategically placing the damping member in the load path, the previously harmful vibrations and mechanical waves are transformed into controlled energy dissipation, protecting the spring from fatigue damage
2Strength
If the spring assembly is made more robust to handle loads, then load transmission is improved, but the spring becomes more susceptible to mechanical wave-induced fatigue
Solution Approach 1:
The integral damping member serves as a mediator that decouples the relationship between robust load transmission and fatigue susceptibility. It allows the spring assembly to maintain structural integrity for load bearing while simultaneously protecting the spring from the harmful effects of mechanical waves
Solution Approach 2:
The spring assembly combines different material properties within a single integrated structure. The damping member portion is designed with materials or structures optimized for energy dissipation, while the coupling formation maintains strength for load transmission, creating a composite structure that addresses both requirements
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
The integral damping member effectively reduces spring excitation by lowering the energy transmitted through the spring, leading to a longer lifespan and increased robustness of the spring assembly.
Implementation Method 1
an integral damping member provided within the load path between the load bearing surface of the coupling formation and the end region of the spring in order to decrease the amplitude of mechanical waves induced in the spring
Implementation Method 2
The integral damping member can be formed from a resilient material such as an elastomer or a softer plastic
Data Source
AI summary
An aircraft spring assembly having a spring, an end fitting including a spring engagement formation arranged to be mechanically coupled to an end region of the spring and a coupling formation for coupling the spring assembly to an aircraft anchor point. The coupling formation includes a load bearing surface via which loads from the anchor point can be transmitted into the spring assembly. The assembly further includes an integral damping member provided within the load path between the load bearing surface of the coupling formation and the end region of the spring.