Aircraft Landing Gear Steering Without Torque Links or Gears
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional aircraft landing gear steering mechanisms are limited by torque links, which restrict wheel direction within a predetermined angle, require manual intervention to avoid damage, are prone to foreign substance entrapment, and have complex power transmission systems that can fail during motor breakdown.
Innovation Solution
A simplified landing gear design with an electric motor integrated into the shock strut, eliminating torque links and gears, allowing the wheel direction to be freely adjusted by a stepper motor directly connected to the piston, which rotates relative to the cylinder, and includes a sensor and controller for precise direction control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a torque link is used in the steering mechanism, then the structure provides mechanical linkage between collar and rod, but the wheel direction is limited within a predetermined angle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the torque link from the steering mechanism, extracting the component that limits wheel direction. This allows the wheel to rotate freely beyond predetermined angles while maintaining reliable mechanical linkage through alternative means (collar-rod direct connection or other linkage mechanisms without angular constraints).
2Reliability
If multiple gears are used in the power transmission mechanism, then the electric motor can be coupled to the collar, but foreign substances can be caught in the gear causing the mechanism to stick
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the gear-based mechanical power transmission system with a direct-drive or simplified linkage system. This substitution eliminates gear teeth where foreign substances could be trapped, while still achieving reliable power transmission from the electric motor to the collar through direct coupling or alternative mechanisms.
3Reliability
If the electric motor and collar are constantly coupled via gears, then power transmission is maintained, but the wheel cannot change direction upon motor breakdown
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic coupling system where the connection between the electric motor and collar can be engaged or disengaged as needed. This allows the wheel to change direction manually or through alternative means when the motor breaks down, while maintaining reliable power transmission during normal operation through the same flexible coupling mechanism.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a clutch mechanism is added to release the electric motor and collar, then the wheel can change direction during motor breakdown, but the structure becomes more complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the clutch mechanism functionality with existing components in the steering system, such as integrating the release mechanism into the collar or rod structure. This combination approach provides the necessary steering capability during motor failure without adding a separate, complex clutch assembly, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
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 simplified design reduces mass, eliminates wheel direction limitations, prevents foreign substance entrapment, and enhances maintainability by simplifying power transmission, ensuring smooth wheel direction changes without manual intervention.
Implementation Method 1
an electric motor, and a rotor of the electric motor. When a rotor of an electric motor rotates, a piston integrally rotates about a strut axis
Data Source
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AI summary
A landing gear (1) includes a shock strut (2) having a cylinder (3) and a piston (4), and a wheel (5) supported on the piston. The shock strut has a steering mechanism (21) that turns the wheel about the strut axis (Z) together with the piston. A power source for the steering mechanism is an electric motor (6) having a rotor (61) and a stator (62), and the rotor and the stator are coaxial with the strut axis.