Landing Gear Torque Link Sensor Alignment at Full Compression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Calculating the stroke length of a landing gear shock strut is challenging due to the difficult operational environment and the need for precise measurements, especially as the landing gear compresses, leading to reduced mechanical resolution and accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A shock strut assembly with a rotational position sensor configured to be within a null accuracy band when the strut is compressed, utilizing sensors like rotary variable differential transformers or encoders to measure torque link angles accurately, ensuring increased accuracy even in compressed states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the landing gear compresses, then the stroke length decreases, but the mechanical resolution and measurement accuracy reduce
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter being measured from torque link angle to strut piston position directly. By using a sensor that measures the linear position of the piston within the cylinder, the system achieves consistent measurement accuracy across the full range of motion, eliminating the degradation that occurs with angle-based measurement as the gear compresses.
2Loss of information
If a rotational position sensor measures torque link angle, then the angle can be calculated, but the measurement accuracy degrades as the strut compresses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical angle measurement system with a direct linear position sensing system. Instead of using rotational sensors on torque links to infer piston position through trigonometric calculations, the invention uses a linear sensor to directly measure piston displacement, eliminating the mechanical resolution losses inherent in angular measurement.
3Device complexity
If the torque link rotation is used to calculate stroke, then the system structure is simple, but the measurement resolution reduces as compression increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a direct measurement intermediary (linear position sensor) between the piston and the measurement system. This intermediary provides accurate linear displacement data without requiring complex torque link geometry calculations, maintaining both simplicity and high precision throughout the compression range.
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 enhances the accuracy of angle measurements and stroke length calculations, improving the determination of internal volume and fluid levels within the strut, thereby ensuring proper functioning of the landing gear during aircraft operations.
Implementation Method 1
The rotational position sensor may comprise at least one of a rotary variable differential transformer, a resolver, or an encoder
Implementation Method 2
The rotational position sensor may comprise at least one of a rotary variable differential transformer, a resolver, or an encoder
Implementation Method 3
The rotational position sensor may comprise at least one of a rotary variable differential transformer, a resolver, or an encoder
Data Source
AI summary
A shock strut assembly may comprise a strut cylinder and a strut piston configured to telescope relative to the strut cylinder. A torque link may be pivotally coupled to the strut cylinder. A rotational position sensor may be configured to measure an angle of the torque link relative to a plane parallel to a center axis of the strut piston. The rotational position sensor may be oriented such that the rotational position sensor is within a null accuracy band of the rotational position sensor when the strut piston is in a fully compressed state.