Landing Gear Electrical Charge Discharge Surface Detection

Solution Overview

Problem

Current systems fail to reliably detect contact between aircraft landing gear and various surfaces during landing operations, particularly for fly-by-wire and autonomous aircraft, as they lack effective methods to differentiate between different types of surfaces and accurately determine contact force.

Innovation Solution

An electrical charge is applied to the landing gear, and the discharge rate is measured to determine contact with a surface, with a processor comparing the discharge rate to a free-air rate to indicate contact and potentially identify the surface type, using a charging circuit, sampling circuit, and digital signal processor to provide an indication signal for adjusting landing parameters.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional contact detection systems are used, then the system is simple, but the reliability of contact detection is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces conventional mechanical contact detection systems with an electrical field-based detection system. A charging circuit applies electrical charge to the landing gear, and a sampling circuit measures the discharge rate through an amplifier and analog-to-digital converter. This electrical substitution provides more reliable contact detection while maintaining reasonable system complexity through integrated circuitry.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an electrical field as an intermediary between the landing gear and the detection system. The charging circuit creates an electrical field around the landing gear, and the sampling circuit detects changes in this field when contact occurs. This intermediary electrical field enables reliable contact detection without direct mechanical interaction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If conventional surface differentiation methods are used, then the system is simple, but the ability to differentiate surface types is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes changes in electrical discharge rate as a parameter to differentiate surface types. When the landing gear contacts different surfaces (conductive vs. insulating), the discharge rate changes accordingly. The processor analyzes these discharge rate variations to identify surface types, providing adaptability without requiring complex mechanical sensors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex mechanical surface sensing systems with electrical field-based detection. By measuring how different surfaces affect the electrical discharge rate from the landing gear, the system can differentiate surface types using simple electrical measurements processed by a microprocessor.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If electrical charge measurement is used, then contact detection reliability is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs periodic charging and discharging cycles rather than continuous electrical field application. The charging circuit applies charge in discrete intervals, and the sampling circuit measures discharge rates during these periodic cycles. This approach maintains reliable contact detection while significantly reducing overall energy consumption compared to continuous operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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

This method allows for reliable detection of contact and surface type, enabling precise control of landing operations by distinguishing between different surfaces and providing real-time feedback for safe landing procedures.

Implementation Method 1

measuring a discharge rate of the electrical charge from the landing gear; and determining contact of the landing gear with a surface from the discharge rate

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical discharge: Electrostatic Discharge

Implementation Method 2

a charging circuit configured to apply a charge to the landing gear; a sampling circuit configured to measure a discharge rate of the electrical charge from the landing gear

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentUS11279496B2System for reliable landing gear contact with identification of the surface

Publication Date: 2022.03.22

AI summary

A landing assembly and method of landing an aircraft. The landing assembly includes a landing gear, a charging circuit, a sampling circuit and a processor. The charging circuit applies a charge to the landing gear and the sampling circuit measures a discharge rate of the electrical charge from the landing gear. The processor determines a contact between the landing gear and a surface from the discharge rate.