Movable Landing Gear Fairing for Noise and Debris Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft landing gear fairings face challenges in efficiently reducing noise and protecting against foreign object damage, particularly with the increasing use of rear-mounted turboprop engines, which require effective noise reduction and debris containment without compromising airflow or durability.
Innovation Solution
A pivotally coupled fairing system that transitions between two configurations: shielding landing gear components from airflow and debris during takeoff and allowing airflow and cooling during landing, using aerodynamic features and actuators to facilitate this transition, and constructed from durable materials with perforations or mesh for airflow and impact resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If the fairing is positioned to shield landing gear from airflow during takeoff, then noise reduction is improved, but airflow to components is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The fairing is designed to be movable between different positions - a forward position during takeoff for noise reduction and a rearward position during landing for airflow access. This dynamic repositioning allows the same component to serve different functions at different times, resolving the contradiction between noise shielding and airflow requirements.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the fairing is made solid to protect from foreign objects, then protection is improved, but airflow through the fairing is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The fairing incorporates perforations or mesh structures that allow airflow to pass through while maintaining the protective function. The porous design enables the fairing to filter foreign objects from the airflow path while still permitting sufficient air to reach the landing gear components for cooling and lubrication.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the fairing is made movable to switch between configurations, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fairing employs a movable mounting mechanism that allows it to pivot or translate between forward and rearward positions. This dynamic capability enables the fairing to adapt to different operational phases (takeoff vs. landing) while the mechanism is designed to be as simple as possible, using straightforward mechanical linkages or actuators.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable fairing serves multiple functions: noise reduction during takeoff, airflow management during landing, and foreign object protection in both configurations. By designing a single component that can perform multiple functions through positional changes, the overall system complexity is reduced compared to having separate components for each function.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the landing gear is positioned further rear to accommodate turboprops, then adaptability to new aircraft configurations is improved, but foreign object projection risk to airframe increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fairing acts as an intermediary barrier between the landing gear wheels and the aircraft airframe. When positioned in the rearward configuration, it intercepts and contains foreign objects projected from the wheels, preventing them from reaching the airframe or turboprop engines. This mediator function allows the landing gear to be positioned further rear without increasing risk to critical components.
Data Source
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AI summary
An aircraft landing gear including wheels and a fairing arranged to be moveable between a first and a second configuration, wherein in the first configuration the fairing is arranged to shield an element of the landing gear from incident airflow and wherein in the second configuration the fairing is arranged to deflect debris or spray propelled from one or more of the wheels.