Landing Gear Drive Augmenter for High Breakaway Torque
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous drive systems for aircraft require high 'breakaway' torque to initiate movement from a stop or overcome obstacles, leading to heavy and power-hungry systems, especially in E-taxi systems.
Innovation Solution
A drive augmenter system that provides supplemental torque using a piston-cylinder mechanism with a crankshaft and overrunning clutch, activated by a controller to assist the primary drive system during initial movement or when resistive torque is sensed, allowing for efficient energy use and reduced weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If the motor is sized to provide high breakaway torque, then the aircraft can be moved from stop or overcome obstacles, but the system becomes very heavy and consumes high power
Solution Approach 1:
The drive system is segmented into two functional components: a primary motor for normal operation and a supplemental drive augmenter for breakaway operations. The augmenter includes a piston-cylinder mechanism with a crank that converts linear piston motion into rotational torque, providing additional force only when needed to initiate movement or overcome obstacles, thereby avoiding the need to continuously carry the weight of a large motor sized for peak torque requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The drive system dynamically transitions between two states: normal operation using only the primary motor, and breakaway operation where the drive augmenter is activated to provide supplemental torque. The system includes sensors and control logic that detect when breakaway torque is needed and automatically engage the piston-cylinder-crank mechanism, allowing the system to adapt its torque output to actual operational needs rather than maintaining constant high torque capability
2Force
If the motor is sized to provide high breakaway torque, then the aircraft can be moved from stop or overcome obstacles, but the system consumes high power during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The drive system is segmented into two functional components: a primary motor for normal operation and a supplemental drive augmenter for breakaway operations. The augmenter includes a piston-cylinder mechanism with a crank that converts linear piston motion into rotational torque, providing additional force only when needed to initiate movement or overcome obstacles, thereby avoiding the need to continuously carry the weight of a large motor sized for peak torque requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The drive augmenter operates periodically or intermittently rather than continuously. The piston-cylinder mechanism is activated only during brief periods when breakaway torque is required, such as when starting from stop or overcoming obstacles. After the breakaway event, the augmenter disengages and the system returns to normal motor-only operation, significantly reducing overall power consumption compared to continuously operating a large motor
3Force
If a drive augmenter is added to provide supplemental torque, then breakaway torque is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The drive augmenter is designed as a self-contained module that can be integrated with various motor types and aircraft landing gear systems. The piston-cylinder-crank mechanism serves multiple functions: it provides torque multiplication, acts as a clutch mechanism through the overrunning clutch, and includes its own control system. This modular universal design allows the same augmenter architecture to be applied across different applications, managing complexity through standardization
Solution Approach 2:
The drive augmenter acts as an intermediary device between the primary motor and the wheel. Rather than modifying the motor itself or creating a complex direct-drive system, the augmenter mediates the torque transmission by inserting a mechanical advantage mechanism (piston-cylinder-crank) that provides breakaway torque multiplication while allowing the primary motor to continue operating in its optimal range. The overrunning clutch serves as a mediator that automatically engages and disengages the augmenter based on operational conditions
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
Enables efficient initial movement with reduced system weight and power consumption by providing high breakaway torque only when needed, then reverting to normal operation, thus optimizing fuel efficiency and maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
selective pressurization of the cylinder drives reciprocating translation of the piston within the cylinder
Implementation Method 2
The crank is configured to convert translation of the piston into rotation of the crankshaft
Implementation Method 3
a clutch configured to selectively transfer rotation of the crankshaft to the drive shaft
Data Source
AI summary
A drive augmenter provide supplemental drive power to the wheel of a landing gear with a drive system. The landing gear has a wheel rotatably mounted to an axle, and the drive system selectively provides a driving force to rotate the wheel. The drive augmenter includes a piston slidably disposed with a cylinder, and selective pressurization of the cylinder drives reciprocating translation of the piston within the cylinder. A crank is coupled to the piston by a rod and is also coupled to a crankshaft. The crank is configured to convert translation of the piston into rotation of the crankshaft. The drive augmenter further includes a drive shaft coupled to the wheel and a clutch configured to selectively transfer rotation of the crankshaft to the drive shaft.