Removable One-Piece Rudder Pedal Module for Easier Aircraft Maintenance
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft rudder pedals are complex due to numerous parts, making them bulky, heavy, costly, and difficult to maintain, with existing solutions not being optimally efficient in terms of size, mass, and cost, and complicating maintenance operations.
Innovation Solution
A one-piece pedal module with integrated adjustment and braking systems, featuring a removable connection to the rudder bar, a position sensor, and an automatic extraction system for components, allowing for easy detachment and replacement, and a hollow supporting structure with a protective bellows for component protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If traditional rudder pedals with multiple separate parts are used, then the system provides complete functionality for steering and braking, but the device becomes complex, bulky, heavy, and difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate components (pedal, adjustment mechanism, braking system, connecting rods, joints, and pivots) into a single integrated pedal module. This monolithic structure eliminates the need for numerous separate parts and their interconnections, directly reducing device complexity and facilitating maintenance by allowing the entire assembly to be replaced as one unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The pedal module is designed as a multi-functional unit that integrates steering control, braking, and adjustment capabilities into a single component. This universal design allows one part to perform multiple functions that previously required separate components, thereby reducing the overall number of parts while maintaining complete operational functionality.
2Device complexity
If numerous connecting parts and joints are used in the rudder pedal system, then complete functionality is achieved, but the mass and size of the system increase
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the pedal, adjustment mechanism, and braking system into a single monolithic module, the patent eliminates multiple connecting parts, joints, and pivots. This integration directly reduces the mass of the moving pedal system while maintaining all necessary functions, as the connections between separate components are replaced by a unified structure.
3Reliability
If traditional integrated rudder pedals are used, then steering and braking functionalities are complete, but the cost of manufacturing and maintenance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integration of multiple functions into a single pedal module simplifies the manufacturing process by reducing the number of separate components that need to be produced, assembled, and quality-checked. This approach lowers manufacturing costs while maintaining complete steering and braking functionalities through the multi-functional design of the module.
Solution Approach 2:
The rudder control system is segmented into independent, interchangeable pedal modules that can be manufactured separately and assembled into the complete system. This modular segmentation allows for standardized production of individual modules, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining functional completeness through the ability to replace entire modules rather than individual components.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate components are used in the rudder pedal system, then adjustable functionality is provided, but the time required for maintenance and replacement increases
Solution Approach 1:
By combining the adjustment mechanism with the pedal and braking system into a single integrated module, the patent enables maintenance personnel to replace the entire adjustable assembly as one unit. This eliminates the time-consuming process of disassembling and adjusting multiple separate components, significantly reducing maintenance time while preserving full adjustability capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The pedal module incorporates adjustable elements that allow for dynamic modification of the pedal position and configuration. This dynamic capability is integrated into the single replaceable module, enabling quick adjustments during maintenance without requiring complex disassembly procedures, thus reducing maintenance time while maintaining adaptability.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~7
AI summary
- One-piece, removable pedal module for aircraft rudder pedals. - The pedal module (10A, 10B) intended for a rudder pedal (1) comprises a pedal (8A, 8B) and at least one integrated adjustment system, as well as a linkage device (12) enabling a removable connection of said pedal module (10A, 10B), said pedal module (10A, 10B) being one-piece in order in particular to simplify and facilitate its replacement via the removable connection obtained by the linkage device (12).