Landing Gear Leg Cavity for Integrated Emergency Power Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Integrating batteries into the limited space of aircraft cargo holds is complicated due to size and regulatory constraints, and existing backup systems for hydraulic failures are bulky and require physical separation, complicating landing gear design.
Innovation Solution
Aircraft landing gear legs with integrated cavities housing electrochemical batteries or hydraulic accumulators, designed to absorb landing forces and protect the accumulators, providing an emergency power source for deploying landing gear and braking systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If batteries are integrated into cargo holds, then emergency power storage is achieved, but space limitations and regulatory compliance become problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the energy accumulator directly into the landing gear leg structure, nesting the accumulator within the structural framework of the leg. This eliminates the need for separate cargo hold installation and utilizes otherwise unused structural space, resolving the space limitation issue while maintaining regulatory compliance through proper structural integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The landing gear leg is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides structural support for landing, absorbs landing forces, and houses the energy accumulator for emergency power storage. This multi-functionality allows the same structural component to fulfill both mechanical and energy storage roles, eliminating the need for additional dedicated space in the cargo hold.
2Volume of moving object
If fixed hydraulic accumulators are installed in landing gear legs, then space efficiency is improved, but accessibility for replacement and maintenance becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The energy accumulator is designed as a separable, modular component that can be independently removed from the landing gear leg. This segmentation allows the accumulator to be replaced without disassembling the entire landing gear leg structure, significantly improving maintenance accessibility while maintaining compact integration during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The landing gear leg structure incorporates dynamic access features that allow the accumulator to be easily removed and installed. The design transitions from a fixed, permanent installation to a dynamically accessible configuration during maintenance operations, enabling quick replacement while maintaining space efficiency during flight operations.
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 solution allows for efficient use of limited space, meets regulatory requirements, and provides a reliable emergency power source for landing gear deployment and braking, enhancing safety and reducing maintenance needs.
Implementation Method 1
a box arranged to absorb landing forces
Implementation Method 2
an energy accumulator in the form of a cartridge insertable into this cavity... the accumulator is an electrochemical battery
Implementation Method 3
the accumulator is hydraulic
Data Source
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AI summary
Strut for aircraft landing gear, comprising a casing arranged to take up landing forces and provided with a cavity in which an energy accumulator is housed. Aircraft landing gear comprising such a strut. Aircraft comprising at least one such landing gear. Method for emergency deployment of such a landing gear, using the accumulator integrated in the strut of the landing gear.