Nose Landing Gear Adjustment Tool for Torque Link Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for reconnecting the nose landing gear torque link (scissors link) after towing an aircraft are difficult and can damage components, as they require manual torque application, which is inefficient and risks uniform damage due to close contact with the nose landing gear tires.

Innovation Solution

A nose landing gear adjustment tool with a handle and axle-engaging portion that fits into the axle, allowing for torque application to rotate the nose landing gear into alignment with the scissors link, preventing damage and facilitating single-person operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual torque is applied directly to the nose landing gear tires or components, then the nose landing gear can be rotated into alignment, but the components may be damaged and the operator's uniform may be soiled

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to rotate nose landing gearVSAvoiddamage to components and uniform soiling

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary tool consisting of a torque application device with a handle and a coupling mechanism. This intermediary transfers torque from the operator's hand through the coupling mechanism to the nose landing gear axle, eliminating the need for direct contact with tires or components. The coupling mechanism engages with the axle's opening to provide a safe, indirect torque transmission path that protects both components and the operator's uniform.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If multiple crew members are used to rotate the nose landing gear, then the alignment can be achieved, but the operation becomes more complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to rotate nose landing gearVSAvoidnumber of crew members required

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the torque application function into distinct components: a handle for single-handed gripping, a coupling mechanism for engaging the axle, and a torque transmission shaft. This segmentation allows one operator to perform the entire rotation task independently, eliminating the need for multiple crew members to manually push or pull the landing gear.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If the scissors link remains coupled to the nose landing gear during towing, then the steering connection is maintained, but the scissors link may be damaged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesteering connection integrityVSAvoiddamage to scissors link

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables preliminary alignment adjustment of the nose landing gear before the scissors link is reconnected. By providing a tool that allows safe, component-free rotation of the landing gear, the system enables operators to pre-position the gear in the correct alignment orientation, ensuring that when the scissors link is subsequently coupled, no misalignment stress or damage occurs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS20230159157A1Nose landing gear adjustment tool

Publication Date: 2023.05.25 GULFSTREAM AEROSPACE CORP

AI summary

A tool for adjusting an orientation of a nose landing gear of an aircraft is disclosed herein. The nose landing gear has an axle to which a wheel is mounted. The axle has an opening extending therethrough. The opening is defined by an inner surface of the axle. The tool includes, but is not limited to, a unitary member having a handle portion at a first end of the unitary member and an axle-engaging portion at a second end of the unitary member. The handle portion is configured for engagement with a hand of an operator. The axle-engaging portion is configured to be inserted into the opening and to engage with the inner surface.