Aircraft Landing Gear Obstacle Detector Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for preventing aircraft collisions with obstacles during ground operations are limited by human error, visibility constraints, and the inability to detect obstacles rearward and below the aircraft, especially during backing maneuvers, which can lead to accidents and reduce airport operability.
Innovation Solution
Equipping the aircraft with a landing gear that incorporates obstacle detectors, such as infrared, microwave, ultrasonic, or camera sensors, mounted on the landing gear to provide a 360° detection field, allowing for automatic and independent obstacle detection regardless of visibility conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If human personnel are used to escort and guide the aircraft during ground operations, then the aircraft can be monitored for obstacles, but the detection is limited by human error, visibility constraints, and inability to detect obstacles rearward and below the aircraft
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical human visual inspection system with automated optical detection systems (cameras) and sensing systems (infrared, ultrasonic, microwave sensors). These electronic systems are mounted on the landing gear to detect obstacles automatically, eliminating human limitations in visibility and reliability while providing continuous 360-degree monitoring coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extends detection coverage to previously inaccessible dimensions by mounting sensors on the landing gear structure, particularly on components that expose detectors to rearward and below-the-aircraft areas. This positional dimensionality change enables detection in blind spots that human escorts cannot observe.
2Reliability
If automated obstacle detection systems are implemented, then detection reliability and coverage are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple detection functions into a single unified system mounted on the landing gear. The same structural components (casing, brace-strut) serve both their original mechanical support function and as mounting structures for detection systems. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity by consolidating rather than adding separate systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple types of detectors (optical cameras, infrared sensors, ultrasonic sensors, microwave sensors) into an integrated detection system. By merging these different sensing modalities into a single coordinated system on the landing gear, the patent achieves comprehensive obstacle detection while managing system complexity through integration rather than separate independent systems.
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
Enhances safety by reducing the risk of collisions through automatic and effective obstacle detection, improving visibility and reducing the workload on ground personnel, while ensuring operation under various meteorological conditions.
Implementation Method 1
infrared proximity detector
Implementation Method 2
microwave proximity detector
Implementation Method 3
ultrasonic proximity detector
Implementation Method 4
one or more infrared or visible cameras
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a landing gear (1) of an aircraft (5), comprising: a strut assembly (10) including a first end (10a) designed to be mounted on the aircraft (5) and a second end (10b) opposite the first end (10a); a rod (14) slidably mounted on the second end (10b) of the strut assembly (10), said rod (14) being translationally movable in relation to the strut assembly (10); and at least one obstacle detector (2) secured to the landing gear (1), the landing gear (1) being characterized in that the obstacle detector (2) is secured in a zone adjacent to the second end (10b) of the strut assembly (10).