Aircraft Tow Point Forward of Landing Gear
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional aircraft tow vehicles are heavy and difficult to maneuver due to their size and weight, making them inefficient for towing aircraft effectively.
Innovation Solution
An aircraft with a tow point positioned forward of the main landing gear, connected to the airframe to distribute forces, and an aircraft tow vehicle equipped with an active vertical loading system to apply a load through the tow point, providing traction while maintaining steering authority.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If conventional aircraft tow vehicles are made heavy to provide traction, then牵引力 is improved, but maneuverability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional heavy mechanical tow vehicle with a lighter vehicle that uses an active vertical loading system. This system uses a winch to apply vertical force to the tow point on the aircraft, creating horizontal traction through friction without requiring the vehicle itself to be heavy. The mechanical system is substituted with a controlled loading mechanism that generates traction on-demand.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of traction generation from relying on vehicle weight to relying on controllable vertical loading force. The active vertical loading system can dynamically adjust the vertical force applied to the aircraft, thereby controlling the horizontal traction force. This allows traction to be varied independently of vehicle mass, improving maneuverability while maintaining sufficient牵引力 when needed.
2Power
If aircraft tow vehicles are made large to provide sufficient towing capacity, then towing capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the conventional approach of using a large, heavy vehicle to provide towing capacity with a lighter vehicle equipped with an active vertical loading system. The towing capability is generated through controlled vertical force application rather than through vehicle mass and size, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining or improving towing capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamics into the towing system through the active vertical loading system. Instead of relying on static vehicle weight, the system dynamically adjusts vertical loading forces to match towing requirements. This allows a smaller, less complex vehicle to provide sufficient towing capacity by adapting forces in real-time based on operational needs.
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 solution enables the use of a smaller and more nimble aircraft tow vehicle that can provide sufficient traction and maneuverability, reducing the weight and size of the towing equipment while maintaining effective steering and braking capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
The load provides traction to the movement system
Data Source
AI summary
An aircraft is presented. The aircraft comprises a tow point positioned on a body of the aircraft and forward of main landing gear of the aircraft, wherein the tow point is connected to an airframe of the aircraft to accept and distribute forces forward, aft, and normal to the aircraft.