Landing Gear Strut Latch Mechanism for Retraction Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Telescopic aircraft landing gear often experiences unintended extension due to loss of hydraulic pressure, leading to safety and operational issues during stowage within the aircraft wheel well.
Innovation Solution
A landing gear strut assembly with a latch mechanism comprising a first and second latching member, coupled to mounting brackets on the outer and inner cylinders, which can pivot between latching and released positions to retain the inner cylinder in a retracted state during stowage and allow extension when deployed, utilizing a biasing member and actuation rod for controlled movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hydraulic pressure is used to maintain the landing gear in a retracted configuration, then the landing gear can be stored within the wheel well, but loss of hydraulic pressure may result in unwanted extension of the landing gear
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism is configured to automatically engage and lock the inner cylinder in the retracted position before hydraulic pressure loss occurs. This preliminary locking action prevents the harmful effect of unwanted extension by creating a mechanical barrier that counteracts any force that might cause extension, even when hydraulic pressure is lost.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch mechanism acts as an intermediary between the inner and outer cylinders, providing a mechanical connection that maintains the retracted position independently of hydraulic pressure. This intermediary component transfers and maintains the positional relationship between the cylinders without relying on continuous hydraulic pressure.
2Reliability
If a latch mechanism is added to prevent unwanted extension, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism is merged with the existing mounting brackets that are already part of the landing gear strut assembly. By integrating the latch function into the structural components rather than adding completely separate elements, the patent reduces overall device complexity while still achieving the reliability improvement of preventing unwanted extension.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting brackets serve dual functions: providing structural support for the landing gear and serving as attachment points for the latch mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated components, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A landing gear strut assembly including an outer cylinder, an inner cylinder, and a latch mechanism including a first mounting bracket coupled to the outer cylinder, a second mounting bracket coupled to the inner cylinder, a first latching member pivotally coupled to the first mounting bracket, the first latching member having a latching position and a released position, and a second latching member coupled to the second mounting bracket, wherein in the latching position the first latching member is positioned relative to the second latching member so as to couple with the second latching member and retain the inner cylinder in a retracted position, and wherein in the released position the first latching member is uncoupled from the second latching member so that the inner cylinder is free to move relative to the outer cylinder in the direction of extension of the inner cylinder.