Aircraft Towing Direction Control via Dual Sling Linkage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aircraft towing systems pose risks to operators due to the need for manual control of aircraft direction during towing, as they are exposed to potential failures of towing equipment like cables or shackles.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising two towing slings connected to opposite main landing gears and a direction control device connected to the front landing gear, where the slings automatically control the direction, eliminating the need for an operator in the hazardous zone by creating a mechanical link between the towing efforts and the direction control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an operator manually controls the direction of the aircraft during towing, then the direction control is flexible and adaptable, but the operator is exposed to safety risks in the hazardous zone between the slings
Solution Approach 1:
The direction control device automatically controls the orientation of the front landing gear based on the towing direction applied by the towing vehicle through the slings, eliminating the need for manual operator intervention in the hazardous zone while maintaining adaptive direction control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical control system with an automatic mechanical linkage system where the direction control device is mechanically connected to both the front landing gear and the towing slings, allowing automatic translation of towing direction into gear orientation
2Ease of operation
If a direction control device is placed between the towing slings for manual operation, then the operator can control aircraft direction, but the operator is exposed to risks from potential equipment failure
Solution Approach 1:
The direction control device operates autonomously by automatically responding to towing forces through mechanical linkage, eliminating the need for operator presence in the hazardous zone and thus removing exposure to equipment failure risks
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an automatic direction control device as an intermediary between the towing slings and the front landing gear, which mechanically translates towing direction into gear orientation without requiring direct operator intervention in the danger zone
3Reliability
If the direction control device is automatically controlled by the towing slings, then operator safety is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a purely mechanical linkage system connecting the towing slings to the direction control device and front landing gear, avoiding complex electronic or hydraulic systems while achieving automatic control through mechanical force transmission
Solution Approach 2:
The direction control device serves multiple functions: it controls the orientation of the front landing gear, responds to towing forces from the slings, and automatically adjusts to maintain proper alignment during towing operations, all through a single integrated mechanical mechanism
Data Source
AI summary
To avoid the intervention of an operator on a direction control device with which an aircraft towing system is equipped, this system comprises a first towing sling comprising a front end connected to a towing vehicle, and a rear end connected to a first main landing gear, a second towing sling comprising a front end connected to the vehicle, and a rear end connected to a second main landing gear. The direction control device is connected to a front landing gear, and arranged between the first and second slings. The direction control device comprising a lateral direction control member having a first lateral end mounted on the first sling, and a second lateral end mounted on the second sling.