Mechanical Switch Assembly for Aircraft Over-Steer Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing over-steer detection systems for aircraft landing gear rely on expensive proximity sensors that require continuous power and are prone to manual reset issues, leading to increased weight, complexity, and maintenance costs, as well as potential failure to detect events when power is off.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical switch assembly with a biased actuator and cam system that records over-steer events without power, preventing manual reset by maintaining the cam in a triggered position, allowing indication of over-steer events to cockpit personnel once power is restored.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If proximity sensors are used to detect over-steer events, then detection capability is improved, but weight and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electronic proximity sensors with a purely mechanical switch assembly comprising a cam, actuator, and switch mechanism. The cam converts the small angular movement of the trigger into linear actuator movement, eliminating the need for electronic sensors, targets, and associated electronics while maintaining over-steer detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and eliminates the power-dependent electronic components (proximity sensors, electronic control box, battery) from the system, retaining only the essential mechanical detection function. This extraction reduces system complexity, weight, and power requirements while preserving the core over-steer detection capability
2Reliability
If proximity sensors are used for over-steer detection, then detection accuracy is improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes heavy electronic proximity sensors with a lightweight mechanical switch assembly. The mechanical components (cam, actuator, switch) weigh significantly less than electronic sensors, targets, and power systems, thereby reducing overall system weight while maintaining detection functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a simplified mechanical copy of the detection function that eliminates the need for heavy electronic components. The mechanical cam and actuator system replicates the detection capability of electronic sensors without requiring power sources, targets, or complex electronics
3Ease of operation
If manual reset capability is provided, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to potential falsification
Solution Approach 1:
The cam is designed with a triggered position that is established during the over-steer event itself. This preliminary mechanical action locks the switch in the actuated state, preventing subsequent manual resetting and ensuring the event is permanently recorded for detection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potential harm of manual reset falsification into a benefit by designing the cam mechanism so that the over-steer event itself creates the triggered position. The mechanical geometry ensures that only the specific motion of an actual over-steer event can activate the switch, making falsification impossible while maintaining operational simplicity
4Measurement precision
If the system requires power to operate, then detection accuracy is improved, but reliability deteriorates when power is off
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical switch assembly is self-actuating through the cam mechanism that converts trigger movement directly into switch actuation. No external power source is required - the system uses the mechanical energy from the over-steer event itself to activate the detection, ensuring continuous availability regardless of power status
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces power-dependent electronic sensors with a passive mechanical system that operates autonomously. The cam and actuator mechanism requires no electricity or power source, eliminating the vulnerability to power failures while maintaining detection precision through pure mechanical action
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 mechanical switch assembly effectively detects over-steer events without power consumption, reduces maintenance costs, and prevents manual reset, ensuring reliable indication of potential damage to aircraft landing gear.
Implementation Method 1
an actuator that is biased against a mechanical cam that triggers the switch assembly from the armed state to the disarmed state
Implementation Method 2
an actuator that is biased against a mechanical cam in the disarmed state to prevent manually resetting the switch to an armed position after the occurrence of the triggering event by moving the cam back towards the armed state
Data Source
AI summary
A switch assembly is disclosed having a switch with an actuator moveable from an armed position to a disarmed position. A housing is attached to the switch and contains a cam that holds the switch actuator in the armed position. A trigger makes contact with the cam causing it to rotate within the housing and allowing the actuator to extend to move to a disarmed position. In some variants the cam can be shaped to prevent manual rotation against the bias force of the actuator in the disarmed position. The switch assembly can be positioned on an aircraft landing gear to detect an over-steer occurrence where the landing gear may become damaged. The state of the switch can be visibly or audibly indicated by an indicator in the aircraft cockpit or other location visible/audible to the ground operators.