Automated Landing Gear Controller Using Position Sensor Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current aircraft landing gear systems require manual pilot intervention for retraction and extension, leading to delays and increased drag and noise, which can impact climb rate, noise pollution, and risk of damage during take-off and landing.
Innovation Solution
An automated landing gear controller system that uses position sensors to control the movement of landing gear and bay door systems, allowing for simultaneous movement of the landing gear and bay door, initiated before the bay door reaches full open or closed positions, to reduce retraction and extension times.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual pilot control is used for landing gear retraction and extension, then pilot control authority is maintained, but retraction and extension times are delayed, increasing drag and noise
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by initiating bay door movement before the landing gear reaches full retraction position, and starting gear retraction before the bay door is fully open. This overlapping of operations reduces total cycle time while maintaining safety through continuous monitoring of component positions
2Duration of action of moving object
If sequential movement of bay door and landing gear is used, then system simplicity is maintained, but total movement time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the sequence and timing of bay door and landing gear movements based on real-time position feedback from sensors. The controller monitors positions and automatically coordinates movements to optimize performance, allowing flexible adaptation to different operational conditions without requiring complex mechanical linkages
3Object-generated harmful factors
If faster movement of landing gear and bay door is implemented, then drag and noise are reduced, but risk of collision between components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors the positions of both the bay door and landing gear using sensors, providing real-time feedback to the controller. This feedback mechanism enables the controller to detect potential collisions and adjust movement timing or speed to prevent harmful interactions between components
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies beforehand cushioning by initiating movements in a coordinated sequence that anticipates potential conflicts. The controller calculates optimal timing based on component positions and speeds, creating a safety buffer that prevents collision before it can occur, rather than reacting after a conflict is detected
Data Source
AI summary
A method of operating a landing gear controller for an aircraft, including: the landing gear controller receiving one or more signals from at least one position sensor. The one or more signals indicate a position of one of a landing gear bay door and a landing gear when the landing gear bay door or the landing gear, respectively, is part way through a range of travel between two limits of travel. The method may also include the landing gear controller controlling movement of the other of the landing gear bay door and the landing gear on the basis of the one or more signals.