Monolithic Gear Beam Fitting With Breakaway Actuator Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current aircraft landing gear systems face challenges in assembly complexity due to tolerance variances between fittings, and the risk of fuel tank penetration during impact events due to high load requirements for actuator release from the wing rear spar.
Innovation Solution
A breakaway support system featuring a ball joint and knuckles that allow the actuator to pivot and release from the fitting at specific positions, reducing the load required for release and preventing fuel tank penetration, comprising a monolithic fitting that connects the landing gear beam to the wing rear spar.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If two separate fittings (mini cant fitting and bridge fitting) are used to connect the actuator to the wing rear spar, then the connection functionality is achieved, but the assembly complexity increases due to tolerance variances and the need for precise wing skin contour machining
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate fittings (mini cant fitting and bridge fitting) into a single monolithic outboard gear beam support fitting. This integrated structure eliminates the need for assembling multiple components, thereby reducing assembly complexity and eliminating tolerance accumulation issues that arise from joining separate parts. The monolithic design ensures precise geometric relationships between connection points without requiring complex machining of the wing skin contour.
2Reliability
If a horizontally oriented fuse pin is used to release the actuator from the wing rear spar, then the actuator can be released upon high load impact, but the load required for release is excessively high and may penetrate the fuel tank
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the critical parameter of release load by replacing the horizontally oriented fuse pin with a vertically oriented fuse pin arrangement. This parameter change allows the actuator to be released at lower load levels through the knuckle mechanism, preventing the excessively high forces that would otherwise be required and potentially penetrate the fuel tank located within the wing rear spar.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a knuckle mechanism as an intermediary component between the actuator and the monolithic fitting. This knuckle acts as a mechanical intermediary that facilitates controlled release of the actuator at lower loads through the vertical fuse pin arrangement, rather than requiring direct high-load shearing of a horizontal fuse pin. The knuckle mechanism mediates the force transmission and enables safer release characteristics.
3Strength
If the actuator is rigidly connected to the fitting, then structural strength is maximized, but the ability to release at lower loads during impact events is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a static rigid connection to a dynamic connection system that can adapt its behavior based on loading conditions. The monolithic fitting with integrated knuckle and vertical fuse pin creates a mechanism that maintains strong rigid connection during normal operation but enables controlled release under impact loads. This dynamic behavior allows the system to exhibit both strength and release capability depending on the operational state.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the connection system into distinct functional elements: the monolithic fitting structure, the knuckle mechanism, and the vertical fuse pin. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function - the monolithic fitting provides structural strength, the knuckle enables motion control, and the fuse pin provides controlled failure mode. The segmented design maintains overall strength while enabling the release functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
A breakaway support configured to selectively release an actuator from a fitting and a method of providing the breakaway support. The breakaway support includes a race positioned between the actuator and the fitting. The second end of the actuator is connected to the fitting via a ball joint is positioned within the race. The ball joint permits the actuator to pivot about the ball joint in a vertical plane between a first position and a second position. The breakaway support includes a first knuckle that causes the actuator to release from the fitting when the actuator moves in a first direction beyond the first position. A portion of the fitting or a second knuckle may cause the actuator to release from the fitting when the actuator moves in a second direction beyond the second position. A portion of the actuator may break to release the actuator from the fitting.