Aircraft Landing Gear Strut Fluid Level Servicing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Servicing aircraft landing gear struts is challenging due to the need for accurate determination of fluid levels, which is time-consuming, hazardous, and difficult, especially for large aircraft, as the levels of gas and hydraulic fluid are not externally visible, requiring elaborate and time-consuming servicing procedures.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for measuring and adjusting the damping fluid level in landing gear struts using sensors, such as ultrasonic transducers, to determine the required fluid levels based on strut closure, temperature, and pressure, allowing for automatic servicing while supporting an aircraft.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional servicing procedures are used to determine fluid levels, then accurate determination can be achieved, but the process becomes time-consuming and hazardous
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical sensing methods with ultrasonic transducers that use acoustic waves to measure fluid levels. This substitution enables non-contact, automated measurement of damping fluid and gas spring levels, eliminating the need for manual inspection and reducing servicing time while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables the strut to service itself by automatically detecting fluid levels and comparing them against stored reference data. The control system can trigger alerts or automated refilling procedures when levels deviate from specifications, reducing the need for manual intervention and hazardous human proximity to pressurized components.
2Measurement precision
If traditional servicing procedures are used to determine fluid levels, then accurate determination can be achieved, but the procedure becomes complex and difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical measurement procedures with electronic ultrasonic sensing and automated data processing. The control system automatically compares measured levels against reference data stored in memory, eliminating the need for manual configuration and complex procedural steps while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a control system with memory storage as an intermediary between the ultrasonic sensors and the servicing decision-making process. This intermediary stores reference data for different strut configurations and automatically processes measurements, simplifying the overall procedure while maintaining accuracy.
3Measurement precision
If sensors are introduced to measure fluid levels, then measurement accuracy improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ultrasonic transducers serve multiple functions: they measure both damping fluid levels and gas spring levels, and can also detect the position of internal components. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate sensing systems, minimizing the increase in device complexity while maximizing measurement capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system with memory storage acts as an intermediary that manages the complexity of multiple sensors and measurements. By storing reference data and automatically processing measurements, the system simplifies the interface between the complex sensing array and the user, making the added complexity manageable and beneficial.
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
Enables efficient and safe servicing of landing gear struts by accurately determining and adjusting fluid levels, ensuring correct performance and reducing the time and hazards associated with traditional servicing methods.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor may comprise an ultrasonic transducer. The sensor may comprise an ultrasonic transducer array. The ultrasonic array may be driven in a pulse-echo mode.
Implementation Method 2
damping is provided by hydraulic fluid
Data Source
AI summary
A method for servicing a landing gear strut in service supporting an aircraft including: determining a current amount of damping fluid in the landing gear strut; determining a required amount of the damping fluid for correct servicing of the landing gear strut; and adjusting the current amount of damping fluid in the landing gear strut so that the current amount of damping fluid complies with the required amount of damping fluid.