Gear Engagement Control With Speed Difference and Position Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing systems for engaging aircraft wheel gear elements, such as toothed crown rings and roller pinions, face significant load issues during coupling, leading to potential degradation and increased weight and cost due to overdimensioning to prevent damage.
Innovation Solution
A method involving an actuator-controlled gear engagement process that maintains a non-zero rotation speed difference between gear elements, using sensors to detect intermediate and angular positions to precisely control the displacement of the second gear element into meshing position, minimizing contact risk and engagement time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the gear elements are engaged without speed difference control, then the engagement process is simple, but significant occasional loads are transmitted to the driving members and landing gear structure
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the rotational speed parameter of at least one gear element to create a non-zero speed difference during engagement. This parameter modification allows the gear teeth to engage gradually rather than simultaneously, transforming the engagement process from a high-impact event to a controlled progressive meshing, thereby reducing peak loads on driving members and landing gear structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies preliminary action by pre-rotating at least one gear element before engagement to establish the necessary speed difference. This preparatory rotational movement ensures that when the gear elements come into contact, they are already in a state that promotes gradual tooth engagement rather than sudden impact, reducing shock loads on the system.
2Reliability
If the gear elements are engaged with precise position control, then the impact risk is reduced, but the device complexity increases due to additional sensors and control systems
Solution Approach 1:
The invention implements feedback control by using sensors to detect the position and rotational state of gear elements during engagement. The control system continuously monitors these parameters and adjusts the actuator commands in real-time to maintain the desired speed difference and ensure proper meshing phase alignment. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enhances engagement reliability while managing system complexity through intelligent control.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces purely mechanical engagement mechanisms with a hybrid system that incorporates electronic sensors and control algorithms. Instead of relying solely on mechanical timing and alignment, the system uses electronic detection of gear element positions and speeds, combined with automated control signals to the actuator, to achieve precise and safe engagement with reduced impact risk.
3Loss of time
If the gear elements are engaged quickly, then the meshing time is reduced, but the risk of impact and load transmission increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies dynamics by continuously adjusting the rotational speed of gear elements during the engagement process. Rather than maintaining constant speeds, the system dynamically modifies speed parameters to optimize the meshing process, creating a speed difference that enables quick yet controlled engagement. This dynamic speed adjustment reduces meshing time while preventing impact loads through real-time speed modulation.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for engaging a first gear element with a second gear element is provided. The second gear element is mounted to be mobile between a meshing position and a position of disengagement using an actuator. The method includes driving one or more of the first and second gear elements in rotation to form a non-zero rotation speed difference between the first and second gear elements and controlling the actuator to successively displace the second gear element to the meshing position, and when an intermediate position of the second gear element is detected, stop the displacement of the second gear element, and when an angular position of engagement of the first and second gear elements is detected, displace the second gear element to the meshing position.