Cable-Linked Aircraft Brake Pedal Synchronization Layout
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional airplane braking and control systems lack efficient synchronization between pilot and co-pilot pedals, which can lead to inconsistent braking and control responses during flight operations.
Innovation Solution
A cable-linked brake pedal assembly that connects pilot-side and co-pilot-side brake pedals through a system of cable assemblies, bell crank assemblies, and connecting rods, allowing for synchronized depression of both pedals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional mechanical linkages with bell cranks and connecting rods are used to link pilot and co-pilot brake pedals, then the pedals can be mechanically connected, but the system becomes complex and extends under the floor of the flight deck
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional mechanical linkage system (bell cranks and connecting rods extending under the floor) with a cable-based mechanical transmission system. The cable assemblies run through guide structures and pulleys, eliminating the need for complex bell crank mechanisms while achieving the same synchronization function between pilot and co-pilot pedals.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent repositions the mechanical linkage from a horizontal arrangement (extending under the floor laterally) to a vertical arrangement (cables running through guide structures above and below the floor). This dimensional change allows the linkage to pass through the floor rather than extend alongside it, reducing lateral complexity.
2Device complexity
If cable assemblies are used to connect the pedals, then the linkage can be simplified and routed differently, but the connection configuration must ensure synchronized depression of both pedals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces guide structures and pulley systems as intermediary elements that mediate the cable transmission between pilot and co-pilot pedals. These intermediaries ensure that cable movement at one pedal is faithfully transmitted to the other pedal, maintaining synchronized operation while allowing the cables to follow optimized routing paths.
3Reliability
If the linkage extends under the floor of the flight deck, then the pedals can be connected, but the space requirement under the floor increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions the linkage routing from a lateral horizontal path (extending under the floor alongside the pedals) to a vertical path (passing through the floor via guide structures). This allows the mechanical connection to occupy vertical space rather than lateral space, significantly reducing the area required under the flight deck floor.
Data Source
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AI summary
A cable-linked brake pedal (106) assembly (100) for an airplane. The assembly (100) includes a first cable assembly (200) with a first end attached to a pilot-side brake pedal (106) and a second end attached to a first bell crank assembly (300), and a second cable assembly (200) with a first end attached to a copilot-side brake pedal (106) and a second end attached to a second bell crank assembly (300). A first connecting rod (112) with a first rod end is attached to the first bell crank assembly (300) and a second rod end is attached to the second bell crank assembly (300). The connection between the first and second cable assemblies, first and second bell crank assemblies (130, 134), and first connecting rod (112) is configured such that depressing the pilot-side brake pedal (106) moves the first cable assembly (200), first connecting rod (112), and second cable assembly (200) in such a way as to cause a corresponding depression of the copilot-side brake pedal (106).