Composite-Metal Landing Gear Joint for Localized Load Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional landing gear assemblies face challenges in accommodating localized loads within composite members, which are difficult to design due to the inherent properties of polymer-matrix fiber-reinforced materials.
Innovation Solution
A composite landing gear arrangement is developed, featuring a metallic liner surrounded by composite layers, where the composite layers are impregnated with resin and a load transfer member connects the composite and metallic components, allowing for effective distribution of loads through a robust joint design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If polymer composite materials are used to reduce weight, then weight reduction is achieved, but accommodation of localized loads within the member becomes particularly challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a hybrid composite structure combining polymer-matrix fiber-reinforced composite materials with metallic components (such as aluminum or titanium liners, inserts, or bonded metal plates). This composite-of-composites approach allows the polymer composite to provide weight reduction while the metallic elements provide localized load-bearing capacity, effectively resolving the contradiction between weight reduction and load accommodation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by placing metallic reinforcement elements specifically at critical localized load zones within the composite member, such as at joint locations or load transfer points. The metallic components are strategically positioned only where high localized stresses occur, allowing the majority of the member to remain lightweight polymer composite while providing enhanced load accommodation exactly where needed
2Strength
If traditional metal components are used, then load transfer capability is ensured, but weight reduction benefits are lost
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of constructing the entire landing gear component from heavy metal, the patent applies metallic reinforcement only at specific localized regions where load transfer occurs, such as at joints or connection points. This allows the majority of the component to be lightweight polymer composite while maintaining adequate load transfer capability at critical locations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a hybrid metal-composite structure where metallic elements (liners, inserts, or bonded plates) are integrated with polymer composite materials. This composite construction provides the load transfer capability of metal while significantly reducing overall weight compared to traditional all-metal components
Data Source
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AI summary
In various embodiments, a landing gear arrangement may comprise a first composite layer (240) having an outer surface, a metallic load transfer member (250) comprising an inner surface having a constant diameter, the metallic load transfer member perimetrically surrounding at least a portion of the first composite layer, wherein the constant diameter and a diameter of the outer surface is substantially equal, and a second composite layer (260) partially perimetrically surrounding at least a portion of the metallic load transfer member.