Aircraft Landing Gear Cable Routing with Articulated Racks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aircraft undercarriage systems face challenges in efficiently routing and guiding flexible elements like power cables, signal cables, and hydraulic pipes to the lower sliding part, particularly with the introduction of wheel drive devices that require substantial electrical and hydraulic supplies, while maintaining compatibility with the aircraft's movements and preventing damage from rigidity constraints.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a dual-rack system with mobile supports, where flexible elements are guided by racks carried by articulated supports, allowing them to flex naturally and adapt to curvature changes due to aircraft movements or aging, preventing contact and damage, and ensuring smooth operation with the wheel drive device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If rigid elements are used for supplying hydraulic fluid and electrical cables, then structural strength is improved, but flexibility and compatibility with undercarriage movements deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the cable routing into multiple independent racks distributed along the undercarriage structure. Each rack independently guides flexible elements from different locations, distributing the mechanical stress and allowing each segment to adapt locally to movements without compromising overall structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple racks act as intermediary structures between the rigid undercarriage framework and the flexible cables. These racks provide structured guidance and support for the flexible elements, mediating the interaction between rigid structural requirements and flexible cable needs
2Adaptability or versatility
If flexible elements are allowed to move freely, then adaptability to movements is improved, but cable routing control and organization deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The racks are designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing them to dynamically adjust their positions and orientations in response to undercarriage movements. This dynamic capability enables the system to maintain organized cable routing while adapting to changing geometric conditions during operation
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces spatial distribution of multiple racks along the undercarriage structure, adding a dimensional aspect to cable routing. Instead of a single linear path, cables are guided through a three-dimensional arrangement of racks, providing both control and adaptability
3Device complexity
If a single rack is used for cable routing, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability and redundancy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The cable routing system is segmented into multiple independent racks rather than using a single rack. This segmentation creates redundant pathways for hydraulic fluid and electrical cables, so that if one rack is damaged or blocked, other racks can continue to function, thereby improving overall system reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The distributed rack system provides functional redundancy that allows the system to discard or bypass damaged racks while recovering functionality through alternative racks. This redundancy ensures continuous operation even when individual components fail
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an aircraft landing gear comprising a box (2) intended to be attached to a structure of the aircraft and comprising a lower part (10) carrying at least one wheel (5) and mounted to slide in the box along a sliding axis (X1), and a plurality of elements such as electrical power cables (30), electrical signal cables (31), hydraulic hoses (38A,38B,39A,39B) ... descending along the box to reach the lower part, all these elements being flexible between a lower end of the box and the lower part of the landing gear.The lander comprises a first movable support (41) having a proximal end articulated on the lower end of the box along an articulation axis (X3) perpendicular to the sliding axis and a distal end carrying a rack (40) having orifices to receive and guide the flexible elements, the lander comprising a second movable support (51) having a proximal end articulated on the lower part of the lander along an articulation axis (X5) perpendicular to the sliding axis and a distal end carrying a rack (50) to receive and guide the flexible elements.