Probabilistic Shock Absorber Dimension Sizing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining the service requirement of aircraft landing gear shock absorbers rely on deterministic calculations, which may lead to unnecessary grounding due to conservative minimum dimension values, and do not account for varying operating conditions effectively.
Innovation Solution
A method using a computer-implemented model to generate a range of shock absorber dimension values based on probability distributions of operating characteristics such as aircraft mass, center of gravity, temperature, and gas absorption factors, allowing for the setting of more accurate minimum dimension parameters through Monte Carlo simulations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If deterministic calculations are used to determine minimum shock absorber dimension values, then the calculation process is simple and straightforward, but the minimum dimension values become overly conservative leading to unnecessary grounding of aircraft
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the deterministic minimum dimension value into a probabilistic distribution of dimension values. By considering multiple operating characteristics (aircraft mass, center of gravity position, temperature, gas absorption factor) with their respective probability distributions, the system generates a distribution of possible shock absorber dimension values rather than a single conservative estimate. This allows maintenance decisions to be based on statistically informed minimum values that reflect actual operating conditions, reducing unnecessary aircraft grounding while maintaining safety.
2Adaptability or versatility
If deterministic calculations are used to set minimum dimension values, then the methodology is simple to implement, but it does not account for varying operating conditions effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic adaptability by making the minimum dimension value dependent on multiple varying operating characteristics. Each characteristic (aircraft mass, center of gravity position, temperature, gas absorption factor) has its own probability distribution that reflects real-world variability. The system dynamically adjusts the minimum dimension value based on the specific combination of operating conditions present, allowing the maintenance criteria to adapt to actual service conditions rather than relying on fixed conservative values.
Solution Approach 2:
The methodology transitions from a static deterministic parameter to a dynamic probabilistic model. By incorporating probability distributions for each operating characteristic and using Monte Carlo simulation to generate dimension values, the system captures the inherent variability in operating conditions. This results in minimum dimension values that are tailored to specific operating scenarios, improving adaptability while the computational framework manages the complexity through standardized probabilistic methods.
3Reliability
If conservative minimum dimension values are used for shock absorber inspection, then safety is ensured, but unnecessary grounding of aircraft occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the single conservative minimum dimension value with a probabilistic distribution of dimension values derived from multiple operating characteristics. By calculating the minimum dimension value based on the joint probability distribution of aircraft mass, center of gravity position, temperature, and gas absorption factor, the system identifies statistically informed minimum values that maintain safety while reflecting actual operating conditions. This reduces the occurrence of unnecessary aircraft grounding while preserving landing gear safety through rigorously derived minimum values.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for setting a dimension parameter relating to a value of a shock absorber dimension of an extension of a shock absorber of an aircraft landing gear. The apparatus includes a processor configured to identify a respective range of values relating to each of a plurality of operating characteristics under which the shock absorber may operate, and identify a respective probability distribution of values for each of the operating characteristics within the identified ranges. The processor is also configured to perform a generation process for generating a plurality of values of the shock absorber dimension by repeatedly selecting, as input into a computer-implemented model for determining a value of the shock absorber dimension, a value of each of the operating characteristics based on the respective probability distributions, and determining a given value of the shock absorber dimension using the selected values and the computer-implemented model.