Shock Absorber Compression Measurement Using Dual Wave Transceivers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for measuring the theoretical level of hydraulic fluid in shock absorbers are inaccurate when the absorber is not properly conditioned or has fluid leakage, leading to incorrect compression deductions.
Innovation Solution
A method using two wave transceiver assemblies to determine both the theoretical and real levels of hydraulic fluid within the shock absorber by measuring wave travel times, allowing for comparison and assessment of the absorber's conditioning state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single wave transceiver assembly is used to measure shock absorber compression, then the measurement system is simple, but the measurement precision deteriorates when fluid leakage or improper conditioning occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The single measurement function is segmented into two distinct measurement tasks: one for theoretical fluid level (using mechanical part reflection) and one for real fluid level (using free surface reflection). This segmentation allows independent measurement of each parameter, enabling detection of discrepancies caused by leakage or improper conditioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary comparison mechanism that contrasts the theoretical fluid level (derived from compression measurement) with the real fluid level (derived from free surface reflection). This intermediary comparison reveals discrepancies indicating leakage or improper conditioning, thereby improving measurement precision without significantly increasing system complexity.
2Device complexity
If only theoretical fluid level measurement is performed, then the device complexity is low, but the reliability deteriorates due to inability to detect leakage or improper conditioning
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by continuously comparing the theoretical fluid level (from compression) with the real fluid level (from free surface reflection). When discrepancies exceed a threshold, the system generates alerts or indicators, providing feedback about potential leakage or improper conditioning. This feedback mechanism enhances reliability by enabling real-time detection of abnormal conditions.
3Measurement precision
If dual transceiver assemblies are deployed to measure both theoretical and real fluid levels, then the measurement precision and reliability improve, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Both transceiver assemblies use the same wave transmission and reception technology, making them universal in function. The first assembly measures compression by reflecting off mechanical parts, while the second measures fluid level by reflecting off the free surface. This multi-functionality approach allows using identical or similar components for different measurement purposes, reducing the need for specialized hardware and managing complexity.
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
Enables accurate determination of shock absorber compression and hydraulic fluid levels, facilitating real-time monitoring and maintenance by distinguishing between theoretical and actual fluid levels, thus preventing misinterpretation due to leakage or improper conditioning.
Implementation Method 1
using a first transmitter located on the first moving portion to transmit a first wave suitable for propagating without a physical medium towards the second movable portion
Implementation Method 2
receive the first transmitted wave after the transmitted wave has been reflected on a mechanical part secured to the second movable portion
Data Source
AI summary
An airplane undercarriage including a shock absorber having first and second portions that are movable relative to each other. The undercarriage further including a first wave transceiver assembly disposed on the first movable portion. The assembly includes a first transmitter for transmitting a first wave towards the second movable portion and a first receiver for receiving the first wave after it has been reflected on an obstacle formed by a mechanical part secured to the second movable portion. The undercarriage also includes an independent second wave transceiver assembly disposed on the first movable portion. The second assembly includes a second transmitter for transmitting a second wave towards the second movable portion, and a second receiver for receiving the second wave after it has been reflected on an obstacle formed by a free surface of a hydraulic fluid contained in the shock absorber or a mechanical part defining the free surface.