Aircraft Strut Length and Pressure Regulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Temperature variations affect the pressure and resting length of aircraft landing gear shock struts, altering their performance characteristics due to changes in gas pressure, which existing systems fail to adequately regulate.
Innovation Solution
A strut length and pressure regulation system comprising a pressure source, valve control apparatus, and valve, which adjusts gas levels within the strut to maintain desired lengths and pressures through electronic or mechanical control, using sensors to monitor strut conditions and adjust gas flow accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If temperature variations occur, then the gas pressure inside the shock strut changes, but this alters the resting length and performance characteristics of the strut
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses sensors to continuously monitor the actual strut length and gas pressure, feeds this information back to a control unit, which then actuates a valve to adjust gas flow into or out of the strut, maintaining consistent performance despite temperature variations
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the gas pressure parameter inside the strut by controlling gas flow through a valve, adjusting the pressure to compensate for temperature-induced changes and maintain optimal strut length and performance
2Reliability
If the strut length and pressure are regulated using sensors and control systems, then performance consistency is maintained, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit serves multiple functions: it receives signals from both length and pressure sensors, processes this information, and controls the valve actuator to maintain both strut length and pressure within desired ranges, consolidating multiple control functions into a single device
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically monitors and adjusts strut length and pressure without manual intervention, using its own sensors and control mechanisms to maintain optimal performance, making the complex system self-regulating
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 effectively maintains optimal strut length and pressure across varying temperatures, ensuring consistent performance and reliability of the landing gear by dynamically adjusting gas levels in response to environmental changes and aircraft status.
Implementation Method 1
temperature variations have an adverse effect on the shock strut because they change the pressure at which the gas is maintained. This change alters the resting length/internal pressure of the shock strut
Data Source
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AI summary
A strut length and pressure regulation system (1) is disclosed. The system may regulate the length of a strut (16) by controlling the amount of gas in the strut (16). The system (1) may monitor the length of the strut (16) and/or pressure of gas in the strut (16) and may change the amount of gas in the strut (16) in response to the length of the strut (16) and/or pressure of gas in the strut (16). In this manner, the effects of temperature changes may be compensated.