Aircraft Nose Landing Gear Integrated Steering and Lifting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional nose gear systems for aircraft have equipment positioned low on the landing gear, leading to aerodynamic noise and drag due to exposure to wind, and require multiple components that increase volume and mass, which is undesirable for reducing noise and drag.
Innovation Solution
Positioning the lifting fulcrum on the rotating tube and integrating lifting and steering means to share a single support point, allowing for reduced volume and mass, and positioning these components higher within the fuselage to minimize aerodynamic noise and drag.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If equipment is positioned low on the landing gear, then it is easier to access and maintain, but it generates aerodynamic noise and drag due to exposure to wind
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the lifting fulcrum and steering means into a single integrated support point on the rotating tube. This merging reduces the number of separate equipment components that would otherwise be exposed to wind, thereby reducing aerodynamic noise and drag while maintaining all necessary functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The support point on the rotating tube serves multiple functions: it acts as both the lifting fulcrum for raising the barrel and the steering pivot for directing the front axle. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate equipment positioned low on the gear, reducing aerodynamic exposure.
2Reliability
If multiple separate components are used for lifting and steering, then each component can be optimized for its specific function, but the total volume and mass of equipment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting fulcrum and steering means are merged into a single support point structure on the rotating tube. This integration eliminates redundant components and reduces overall equipment mass while maintaining the ability to perform both lifting and steering functions effectively.
3Weight of stationary object
If lifting and steering means are integrated to share a single support point, then volume and mass are reduced, but the complexity of the support point structure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support point is designed as a universal structure that handles both lifting and steering operations. By creating a multi-functional support point rather than multiple separate components, the patent reduces overall equipment mass while the complexity is localized to a single integrated structure that is simpler than multiple separate mechanisms.
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
This configuration reduces the number and mass of equipment needed for nose gear control, positioning them inside the fuselage to avoid unwanted aerodynamic noise and drag, enhancing overall aircraft efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
Thanks to the shock absorber implanted in the rotating tube, the sliding rod 7 is able to absorb the shocks which are exerted on the wheels, by moving vertically.
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to the landing gear of an aircraft, comprising a strut (1) having two arms forming a rotational axis (2) for retracting the gear, a rotating tube (6) mounted in a mobile manner in such a way that it rotates inside the strut about a pivoting axis, and a sliding rod (7) that is mobile in a translatory manner in said rotating tube (6) along the pivoting axis, and carries the wheel(s) of the gear at one of its ends, said gear also having at least one bearing point (11a, 11b) that is located on one of the elements of said gear at a distance from the retraction axis (2) and can bear the necessary efforts for the retraction, characterised in that said bearing point is located on the rotating tube (6).