Powered Landing Gear With Automatic High-Low Gear Shifting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Semitrailer landing gear systems lack efficient automatic shifting between high and low gear settings, and existing solutions do not effectively manage load conditions during extension and retraction, leading to inefficient operation and potential damage.
Innovation Solution
A powered landing gear system with an internal gear assembly that automatically shifts between high and low speed settings, featuring a drive motor, gear system, and limit switches to control operation, allowing for both automatic and manual operation, and includes a planetary gear assembly for gear reduction during loaded conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single-speed gear system is used for landing gear extension and retraction, then the device complexity is reduced, but the productivity and operational efficiency deteriorate due to inability to adapt to different load conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dual-speed gear system where the gear ratio dynamically changes based on load conditions. A sensor detects whether the landing gear is under load (extended position) or unloaded (retracted position), and automatically switches between a first gear ratio for loaded conditions and a second gear ratio for unloaded conditions. This dynamic adaptation optimizes operational efficiency without requiring manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs automatic gear ratio selection based on detected load conditions, eliminating the need for manual gear shifting by the operator. The control system autonomously monitors the landing gear state and adjusts the gear ratio accordingly, allowing the system to serve itself rather than requiring external control for optimal performance.
2Force
If high gear ratio is used during loaded extension, then the force output is increased, but the speed of operation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the gear ratio based on real-time detection of load conditions. When the landing gear is detected to be in the extended position (under load), the control system selects a first gear ratio that provides higher output force. When retracted (unloaded), it switches to a second gear ratio that enables faster operation. This dynamic switching resolves the trade-off between force and speed.
3Ease of operation
If manual operation mode is always used, then the device complexity is minimized, but the ease of operation and operator effort deteriorate under loaded conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects load conditions and selects appropriate gear ratios without requiring operator intervention. The control system monitors the landing gear state through sensors and autonomously adjusts operational parameters, making the system self-sufficient and significantly easing the operator's burden during both loaded and unloaded operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors that continuously monitor the landing gear's extended/retracted position and load conditions. This feedback information is used by the control system to automatically adjust the gear ratio selection, ensuring optimal performance adapts to current operating conditions without manual input from the operator.
Data Source
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Figure 3A~3B
Figure 4A~4B
AI summary
A powered landing gear (30) includes a housing member (32) and a telescoping leg member (34) connected with the housing member, an internal gear assembly (42) located within the housing member is configured to extend and retract the leg member. A shaft (72) extends into the housing member and is connected with the internal gear assembly, where the internal gear assembly includes a ring gear (46) arranged to rotate about an axis that is transverse to the telescopic orientation of the leg member with the internal gear assembly configured to operate in high and low speed settings, and with the internal gear assembly automatically shifting from the high speed setting to the low speed setting. A drive system (600) is attached to the housing member and includes a drive motor (602) and a drive gear (608), with the drive motor configured to operatively drive the shaft via the drive gear.