Removable-Pin Roller Gear for Aircraft Landing Gear Traction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aircraft landing gear drive systems face inefficiencies in ground taxiing due to high fuel consumption, noise pollution, and brake wear, and are limited by the inability to integrate powered systems into main landing gears, leading to insufficient traction and reliability, especially on slippery surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A roller gear system with a series of rollers and mounting pins that allows for convenient removal and replacement, featuring primary and secondary pin retaining means for secure engagement and disengagement, enabling a low-profile design that can be integrated into main landing gears for improved traction and reliability during ground taxiing and pre-landing spin-up.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a powered drive system is integrated into main landing gears to provide ground taxiing and pre-landing spin-up capability, then traction and reliability are improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase due to the need to accommodate motor, gear, and braking systems
Solution Approach 1:
The roller gear is divided into modular components including a central hub, multiple roller elements, and retaining means, allowing independent manufacturing, assembly, and maintenance of each segment while maintaining overall system functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The roller mounting pins are received within openings in the roller mounting members, with retaining means nested within the roller gear structure, creating a compact integrated assembly that minimizes space requirements
2Reliability
If roller mounting pins are securely retained in the roller gear to ensure reliable power transmission, then reliability is improved, but ease of maintenance deteriorates due to difficulty in removal and replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining means provides selective engagement - securing the roller mounting pins firmly during operation for reliable power transmission, while allowing easy release when maintenance is required, transforming a static connection into a dynamically controllable one
Solution Approach 2:
The roller gear design allows maintenance personnel to easily remove and replace roller mounting pins using the provided retaining mechanism, enabling self-maintenance without requiring specialized tools or complex disassembly procedures
3Adaptability or versatility
If the roller gear is designed with a low-profile structure to fit within main landing gear space constraints, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases due to precise dimensional requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The roller mounting members are provided with specific openings at predetermined locations and orientations to receive the roller mounting pins, with each local area optimized for its specific function while contributing to the overall compact structure
Solution Approach 2:
The roller elements are arranged in a circular array around the central hub, utilizing radial and axial dimensions efficiently to create a compact low-profile structure that fits within the limited space of main landing gears
4Device complexity
If the roller mounting pin has a head with reduced radial dimension (neck) for engagement with retaining means, then device complexity is reduced through simplified retention mechanism, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The roller mounting pin features a neck portion with reduced radial dimension compared to the head and shaft, creating a distinct geometric parameter that enables simple engagement with the retaining means while maintaining structural integrity
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A roller gear for use in a roller gear and sprocket configuration of a drive system is disclosed, particularly for use in a landing gear drive system of an aircraft. Alternative embodiments and, in particular, means for permitting removal and replacement of rollers and roller mounting pins in the roller gear are disclosed.