Landing Gear Strut Damping With a Compressible Spike Buffer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing landing gear struts experience compression force spikes during partial compression, such as during aircraft taxiing, which are not effectively dampened by traditional hydraulic and gas-based shock absorbers, leading to inadequate shock absorption and oscillation damping.
Innovation Solution
A compression-force spike reduction system featuring a strut with two chambers, an orifice plate, and a compressible medium, where hydraulic fluid flows between the chambers to control damping forces, with a small volume of compressible medium acting as a buffer to mitigate spikes in compression force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional hydraulic and gas-based shock absorbers are used, then basic shock absorption is provided, but compression force spikes during partial compression are not effectively dampened
Solution Approach 1:
The shock absorber is segmented into multiple functional chambers: a first chamber with hydraulic fluid for basic damping, a second chamber with compressible medium for spike absorption, and a third chamber with additional hydraulic fluid. This segmentation allows each chamber to specialize in different aspects of shock absorption, with the compressible medium chamber specifically targeting compression spikes during partial compression.
Solution Approach 2:
A compressible medium (such as gas or spring element) is introduced as an intermediary element between the hydraulic fluid chambers. This intermediary component specifically addresses compression force spikes by compressing and expanding in response to rapid pressure changes, thereby dampening harmful spikes while maintaining overall shock absorption functionality.
2Ease of operation
If hydraulic fluid flows through the orifice plate between chambers, then damping forces are controlled, but compression spikes are not sufficiently reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The damping system is segmented into multiple chambers with distinct functions. The orifice plate in the first chamber provides controlled hydraulic damping, while the separate second chamber with compressible medium specifically handles spike reduction. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its performance for its specific function.
Solution Approach 2:
The compressible medium in the second chamber acts as an intermediary that specifically targets compression spikes. When compression spikes occur, the compressible medium absorbs and dampens these rapid pressure changes before they propagate through the hydraulic system, working in conjunction with the orifice plate's controlled damping.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a compressible medium is added to buffer compression spikes, then spike reduction is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The strut is divided into three separate chambers, each with a specific function. This segmentation allows the compressible medium to be isolated in its own chamber, simplifying its integration into the existing hydraulic system while maintaining its spike-dampening function. The orifice plate and seals separate the chambers, managing complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-chamber design with compressible medium serves multiple functions: it absorbs compression spikes during partial compression, maintains damping forces during full compression, and works cooperatively with the hydraulic orifice system. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by providing comprehensive shock absorption across different operating conditions.
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
The system provides improved resilient shock absorption and oscillation damping, especially during partial compression, enhancing the overall performance and comfort by effectively reducing compression spikes and maintaining damping efficiency during landing and taxiing.
Implementation Method 1
a compressible portion disposed in the second chamber, wherein the compressible portion contains a compressible medium configured to buffer spikes in compression force of the strut
Implementation Method 2
a hydraulic fluid disposed within the first chamber and the second chamber, wherein the orifice plate includes at least one orifice configured for the hydraulic fluid to flow therethrough
Implementation Method 3
a pressurized gas disposed within the second compartment, wherein the pressurized gas biases the isolation piston towards the first compartment
Data Source
AI summary
A compression-force spike reduction system for a strut includes a first chamber and a second chamber, an orifice plate disposed within the strut between the first chamber and the second chamber, a hydraulic fluid disposed within the first chamber and the second chamber, and a compressible portion disposed in the second chamber. The orifice plate includes at least one orifice configured for the hydraulic fluid to flow through. During compression or extension of the strut, hydraulic fluid is exchanged between the first chamber and the second chamber. The compressible portion contains a compressible medium configured to buffer spikes in compression force of the strut. A compression-force spike reduction method includes filling the second chamber partially with the incompressible hydraulic fluid, and filling a remaining portion of the second chamber with a compressible medium.