Electromechanical Landing Gear Lock System

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current landing gear lock systems for aircraft rely on heavy hydraulic actuators, which increase weight, generate noise, and are prone to fluid leakage, lacking efficient and reliable mechanisms for locking and unlocking the landing gear in the 'up' position during flight.

Innovation Solution

An electrically operated landing gear lock system featuring a rotating hook with angled surfaces, an electromechanical actuator, and a manual release assembly, utilizing proximity sensors and a controller to manage the lock pin's position and a backup battery for power redundancy, reducing weight and noise while enhancing reliability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If hydraulic actuators are used in the lock system, then the locking force and reliability are improved, but the weight of the system increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocking reliabilityVSAvoidlock system weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the hydraulic actuator system with an electromechanical actuator that uses an electric motor to drive a screw mechanism. This substitution eliminates the need for hydraulic fluid, hoses, and associated components, thereby reducing overall system weight while maintaining reliable locking capability through the mechanical advantage of the screw mechanism combined with spring assistance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The locking force is segmented between two independent sources: the electromechanical actuator provides controlled locking force, while a spring provides continuous biasing force to maintain the locked state. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high reliability through redundant force sources without requiring a heavy-duty hydraulic system, thus reducing weight while maintaining locking reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Force

If hydraulic actuators are used in the lock system, then the locking force is sufficient, but noise generation increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocking forceVSAvoidnoise

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the hydraulic actuator system with an electromechanical actuator that uses an electric motor to drive a screw mechanism. This substitution eliminates the noise associated with hydraulic pump operation, fluid flow through valves, and hose vibration, thereby reducing overall system noise while maintaining sufficient locking force through the mechanical advantage of the screw mechanism combined with spring assistance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If hydraulic actuators are used in the lock system, then the actuation capability is adequate, but susceptibility to fluid leakage increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveactuation capabilityVSAvoidfluid leakage susceptibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the hydraulic actuator system with an electromechanical actuator that uses an electric motor to drive a screw mechanism. This substitution eliminates the sealed hydraulic system with its vulnerable seals, hoses, and connections that are prone to leakage. The electromechanical system uses a closed-loop drive train with solid mechanical components that are inherently leak-free, while maintaining adequate actuation capability through the screw mechanism's mechanical advantage and the spring's biasing force.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Weight of moving object

If an electromechanical actuator is used instead of hydraulic, then weight is reduced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelock system weightVSAvoidactuator complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Weight of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the actuation function and the locking function into a single integrated electromechanical actuator assembly. The electric motor, screw mechanism, and lock pin are combined into one compact unit that performs both actuation and locking. This merging reduces the number of separate components and connections, thereby reducing overall system weight while managing complexity through functional integration rather than multiplication of separate systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 system effectively secures the landing gear in the 'up' position with reduced weight and noise, minimizing hydraulic fluid leaks, and provides a reliable locking mechanism with enhanced pilot control over the gear's state through sensors and a manual release for redundancy.

Implementation Method 1

a spring configured to bias the hook toward the engaged position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

An electrically operated landing gear lock system featuring a rotating hook with angled surfaces, an electromechanical actuator

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromechanical conversion: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3805097B1Electrically operated landing gear lock system

Publication Date: 2023.04.12 GOODRICH CORP

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Figure 2B

AI summary

A lock system (100) for a landing gear assembly comprises a housing (130) and a hook (102) configured to rotate relative to the housing. A lock pin (126) is configured to translate into a rotational path of the hook. An electromechanical actuator is configured to translate the lock pin.