Aircraft Landing Gear Platform with Tire Chocks
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Mechanics and electricians working on aircraft landing gear face awkward conditions due to free-spinning tires and hydraulic lines, leading to safety concerns and instability while accessing the work area.
Innovation Solution
A landing gear platform with chocks that engage between aircraft tires to prevent spinning and a panel that provides a stable, accessible work surface, allowing workers to safely stand and perform tasks above the tires.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If employees climb over free-spinning tires and hydraulic lines to access the work area, then they can reach the landing gear components, but their stability and safety are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary platform structure that mediates between the free-spinning tires and the worker. The platform includes a base that rests on the tires without preventing their rotation, while providing a stable upper surface for the worker to stand on. This intermediary structure eliminates the need for workers to directly climb on or balance over the hydraulic lines and tires, thereby resolving the contradiction between accessibility and stability.
2Ease of operation
If employees balance on aircraft tires and struts to access the work area, then they can perform maintenance tasks, but safety risks increase due to awkward positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The platform serves as a safe intermediary structure that eliminates the need for workers to directly balance on tires and struts. The base portion can rest on or near the tires without requiring worker contact, while the upper platform provides a stable, elevated work surface at the appropriate height for landing gear maintenance. This intermediary solution maintains operational accessibility while dramatically improving worker safety and positioning stability.
3Ease of operation
If job supplies are placed on the top of free-spinning tires, then they are within reach of workers, but the supplies can easily slide off causing spills
Solution Approach 1:
The platform provides an intermediary stable surface for placing and storing job supplies during landing gear maintenance. The upper platform surface is stable and level, allowing tools, parts, and supplies to be securely placed without the risk of sliding off rotating tires. This intermediary storage surface maintains convenient accessibility for workers while eliminating the instability and spill hazards associated with placing supplies directly on free-spinning tires.
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
The platform offers a stable and safe work environment, reducing the risk of accidents and supply spills by immobilizing tires and providing a flat surface for workers to operate on, thus enhancing safety and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The chock is configured to fit and engage between a rearward tire of an aircraft landing gear and a forward tire of the aircraft landing gear
Data Source
AI summary
A landing gear platform is positionable between rearward and forward tires on one side of an aircraft landing gear and rearward and forward tires on the opposite side of the aircraft landing gear. The platform includes a pair of chocks that engage between the rearward and forward tires on the one side of the aircraft landing gear and the rearward and forward tires on the opposite side of the aircraft landing gear and prevent the tires from rotating. A panel spans over the tops of the pair of chocks. A top surface of the panel can be reached by a worker using a stepstool, enabling the worker to stand on the top surface of the panel when performing work on the landing gear above the rearward and forward tires of the aircraft landing gear.