Skid Landing Gear Open Cross-Section Beams
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional skid landing gear systems for aircraft are costly, environmentally impactful, and difficult to manufacture and maintain, with limited access for inspection and repair, and are susceptible to damage on unimproved surfaces.
Innovation Solution
The use of cross-beams with open cross-sections, such as I-beams, and skid beams with rectangular cross-sections made from aluminum lithium alloy, which allow for easier inspection and maintenance, reduce the need for chemical milling, and incorporate integral saddles and attachment members for improved manufacturing efficiency and reduced weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If conventional circular cross-section skid tubes with chemical milling are used, then weight is reduced, but manufacturing time increases and environmental impact worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the cross-sectional geometry parameter from circular to rectangular/oval, and modifies the wall thickness distribution through integral saddles and attachment members rather than chemical milling, thereby achieving weight reduction without the environmental and time costs of chemical milling
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs aluminum lithium alloy which combines lithium (a lightweight metal) with aluminum to create a composite material that provides superior strength-to-weight ratio, reducing skid tube weight while maintaining structural integrity without requiring chemical milling
2Weight of moving object
If conventional circular cross-section skid tubes are used, then weight is reduced, but damage resistance on unimproved surfaces worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the cross-sectional shape from circular to rectangular/oval, which provides greater structural rigidity and resistance to deformation when landing on unimproved surfaces or debris, while the increased wall thickness in critical areas further enhances damage resistance
Solution Approach 2:
The integral saddles and attachment members create localized thickening of the tube wall at critical stress points, providing enhanced damage resistance where it is most needed while maintaining overall lightweight design
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional circular cross-section skid tubes are used, then manufacturing is simplified, but inspection and maintenance access worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the skid tube structure by incorporating integral saddles and attachment members that create accessible openings or sections, allowing inspection and maintenance personnel to access the interior of the tube without removing entire components, thereby improving ease of repair while maintaining manufacturing simplicity
4Strength
If conventional socket joints with bolts are used, then structural strength is improved, but device complexity and assembly time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the saddle and attachment member functions into integral (built-in) components of the skid tube structure, eliminating the need for separate socket joints and bolts, thereby reducing device complexity and assembly time while maintaining the structural strength needed for vertical and run-on landings
Data Source
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AI summary
A skid landing gear assembly is provided. One embodiment of the landing gear assembly may include a first and a second skid member, and a forward and an aft cross member. The forward and aft cross-members may have integrated attachment members coupled to a forward portion and an aft portion of the first and second skid members. In more particular embodiments, the cross-members may be beam members with open cross-sections, and the skid members may be beam members with a closed cross-section.