Softcapture Cradle for Aircraft Nose-Wheel Towing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aircraft towing systems require multiple tow bars or adapters for different nose-wheel configurations, leading to inefficiencies in matching the correct equipment and wasting storage space, as well as potential stress on the aircraft landing gear during towing.
Innovation Solution
The SOFTCAPTURE cradle system, featuring a front left and right capture gate, forward motion safety bar, and rear capture plate, with safety switches and mechanisms for positioning and locking, allows for safe and efficient capture and towing of aircraft without direct contact with the nose-wheel strut, using a self-propelled tug with speed and throttle control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple tow bars or adapters are used for different nose-wheel configurations, then compatibility with various aircraft types is improved, but device complexity and storage space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cradle is designed with a universal structure that can accommodate different nose-wheel configurations through adjustable capture gates and positioning mechanisms, eliminating the need for multiple specialized tow bars and adapters for different aircraft types
Solution Approach 2:
The capture gates are made movable and adjustable rather than fixed, allowing the cradle structure to adapt dynamically to different nose-wheel positions and configurations, providing versatility without requiring multiple static adapters
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple tow bars or adapters are stored for different aircraft, then adaptability to various nose-wheel configurations is improved, but storage space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cradle serves as a single multi-functional device that can handle various nose-wheel configurations, replacing the need to store multiple specialized tow bars and adapters in airport storage areas
3Force
If direct contact with nose-wheel strut is used for towing, then towing force transmission is improved, but stress on aircraft landing gear increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cradle acts as an intermediary device between the towing vehicle and the aircraft nose-wheel, using capture gates and positioning mechanisms to transmit towing forces through the wheels rather than directly through the landing gear strut, thereby reducing stress on the aircraft structure
Data Source
AI summary
This soft capture cradle is useful for moving an aircraft having a nose-wheel without contacting the strut, oleo or landing gear, only contacting the nose landing gear tire or wheel. The cradle comprises a front left capture gate; a front right capture gate; a forward motion safety bar; and a rear capture plate. A forward motion safety switch is connected to the forward motion safety bar. The switch is configured to disengage the throttle of an aircraft tug porter when the forward motion safety bar contacts the aircraft nose-wheel. The cradle also includes a means for moving the front left capture gate and front right capture gate between a cradle open position and a cradle closed position. The cradle further includes a means for moving the cradle between a cradle up position and a cradle down position. Still further, the cradle also has a gate lock and cradle locator safety switch configured to locate the cradle, configure to stop the “cradle down” movement when the cradle is lowered to the ground, and configured to prevent “cradle open” movement when the cradle is in the up position.