Hard Landing Indicator Torque Link Visual Mark
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for visually detecting hard landings in aircraft are unreliable and time-consuming, often requiring analysis of Flight Data Recorders, which can lead to significant financial losses and judgment errors.
Innovation Solution
A hard landing indicator system integrated into the aircraft's landing gear, featuring a torque link assembly with a hard landing indicator that leaves a visible mark upon impact during a hard landing, allowing for easy visual detection by pilots and maintenance crews.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If visual inspection is performed during pre-flight walk-around, then detection time is reduced, but detection reliability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The indicator utilizes a visible mark or color change on the torque link to indicate hard landing conditions. The mark appears as a visual change (such as a scratch, dent, or painted indicator) that can be easily detected during pre-flight inspection, transforming an invisible mechanical impact into a visible signal.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary indicator component (the visible mark on the torque link) that mediates between the hard landing event and the detection process. This intermediary element translates the mechanical impact of a hard landing into a visual signal that maintenance personnel can detect without requiring complex analysis equipment.
2Reliability
If Flight Data Recorder analysis is performed, then detection reliability is improved, but loss of time and financial cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the hard landing detection function from the complex Flight Data Recorder system and places it directly on the torque link structure itself. By taking out the detection capability and embedding it in the physical component, the system eliminates the need for extensive data analysis while maintaining reliable detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The indicator uses a simple, inexpensive visual mark on the torque link that can be easily replaced if damaged. Rather than relying on expensive Flight Data Recorder systems requiring thorough analysis, the patent employs a simple visual indicator that provides reliable detection at minimal cost and time investment.
3Ease of operation
If simple visual inspection is used, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The visible mark on the torque link provides a clear, unambiguous visual indicator of hard landing conditions. The mark (such as a scratch, dent, or painted indicator) creates a distinct visual change that maintenance personnel can easily detect and interpret, combining ease of inspection with precise detection capability.
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
Facilitates quick and accurate visual detection of hard landings, reducing the need for extensive Flight Data Recorder analysis and minimizing financial losses and judgment errors.
Implementation Method 1
the other torque link impacting the part upon the other torque link being displaced toward the hard landing indicator by a hard landing of the aircraft, an impact of the other torque link with the part leaving a visual mark thereon
Data Source
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AI summary
A hard landing indicator mountable to a landing gear of an aircraft is provided. The landing gear has components displaceable toward each other upon the aircraft experiencing a landing. The hard landing indicator includes a first portion securable to one of these components and a second portion that projects outwardly from the first portion and oriented toward another component of the landing gear to be positioned within a path of displacement of the second component toward the first component. The second portion is impacted by this component upon this component being displaced during a hard landing of the aircraft. The impact leaves a visual mark on the second portion of the hard landing indicator to indicate that a hard landing has occurred. A landing gear equipped with and a method of installing such indicator are also provided.