Aircraft Weight Validation via Landing Gear Strut Pressure

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current airline operations rely on computed aircraft weights based on assumptions, which can lead to significant errors and safety risks due to the lack of accurate measurement of actual aircraft weight and center of gravity, potentially causing flight delays and safety hazards.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus to validate computed aircraft weight by measuring the pressure in the main landing gear struts, using a look-up table to compare current pressures to previously recorded values, thereby determining if the computed weight is within a reasonable range, allowing for the validation of the total aircraft weight without physical measurement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If computed weight based on assumptions is used, then operational speed is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational speedVSAvoidweight measurement precision

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical weighing system (scales) with a pneumatic measurement system. Pressure transducers measure the air pressure in the landing gear struts, which correlates to the aircraft weight through the compressibility of the gas in the struts. This substitution maintains operational speed while improving weight measurement precision by eliminating the need for physical weighing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary measurement approach by using the landing gear strut pressure as an intermediate parameter to determine aircraft weight. Instead of directly measuring weight with scales, the system measures strut pressure and uses this intermediate value to infer the total aircraft weight, thereby achieving both speed and precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If physical weighing of aircraft is performed, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveweight measurement precisionVSAvoiddeparture delay

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The aircraft's existing landing gear struts serve a dual purpose: they continue to provide their primary function of supporting the aircraft while simultaneously serving as measurement devices for weight determination. The struts' own pneumatic system is utilized to measure weight without requiring external weighing infrastructure, thus eliminating time loss while maintaining precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The landing gear struts are made multi-functional by using them both for their traditional support function and as weight measurement devices. This universal application eliminates the need for separate weighing operations, thereby preventing departure delays while achieving accurate weight measurement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Device complexity

If computed weight with weight assumptions is used, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem complexityVSAvoidweight validation reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the measured strut pressure is compared against expected pressure values for the computed weight. This feedback loop validates the accuracy of the weight computation, ensuring reliability while maintaining relatively simple system architecture by using existing computational weight data as a reference.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of implementing a complete new weight measurement system, the patent applies partial action by validating only the weight computation through strut pressure measurement. This selective validation approach improves reliability without requiring a complete system overhaul, thus maintaining acceptable device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

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

This approach enhances operational safety by verifying the accuracy of computed aircraft weights, reducing the risk of flight delays and ensuring compliance with regulatory weight limitations, thereby maintaining a superior level of safety compared to traditional methods.

Implementation Method 1

determining the pressure within the main landing gear struts

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure measurement:

Data Source

PatentUS10295397B2Method for validation aircraft take-off weight independent of measuring the aircraft weight

Publication Date: 2019.05.21 NANCE C KIRK

AI summary

A method for validating or invalidating the computed weight of an aircraft, where the computed weight of the aircraft is determined by compiling various weight assumptions added to a known empty weight of the aircraft. The method measures the aircraft center of gravity, determines the percentage of computed weight supported by the combined main landing gear struts, and using a database such as a look-up table to validate if the percentage of computed weight is determined within a reasonable range to the measured load on the combined main landing gear struts. Sensors are attached to the landing gear struts, so to measure and monitor aircraft loads and center of gravity without measuring the aircraft weight.