Tail Skid Shock Absorber With Nested Rod for Tail Strike Indication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tail skid energy absorption indication systems provide coarse and unreliable feedback on the remaining energy absorption capacity, are prone to dislodgment, and do not accurately indicate the magnitude of tail strike events, leading to potential debris on runways and inaccurate assessment of useful life.
Innovation Solution
A tail skid shock absorber with an integrated indicator rod within the crushable indicator cartridge, which moves as a unit with the cartridge, providing a visual indication of remaining energy absorption through graduations and a recessed area to prevent dislodgment, allowing for accurate assessment of energy absorption capacity and tail strike magnitude.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If indicator rods are allowed to freely fall to provide visual indication, then the indication function is achieved, but the indicator rods become dislodged and create debris
Solution Approach 1:
The indicator rod is nested within the crushable cartridge structure, specifically retained by the first plate aperture and rod head configuration. The rod is contained within the housing structure during compression, preventing it from falling out while still allowing visual indication when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The rod head acts as an intermediary element between the indicator rod and the first plate. This intermediary structure provides a controlled retention mechanism that holds the rod in place during normal operation and compression, while still allowing the rod to move for indication purposes.
2Reliability
If indicator rods are exposed to provide visual indication, then the indication function is achieved, but the rods are bent or damaged by tail skid components
Solution Approach 1:
The indicator rod is nested within the protective structure of the crushable cartridge and housing. The rod passes through the first plate aperture and is retained by the rod head, creating a protected pathway that shields the rod from external damage while allowing it to move for indication.
Solution Approach 2:
The structure provides beforehand protection for the indicator rod by containing it within the crushable cartridge assembly. The housing and plate structure act as a cushioning barrier that prevents tail skid components from directly contacting and damaging the rod during operation.
3Device complexity
If indicator rods are held by small heads, then the structure is simple, but the rods are dislodged during movement
Solution Approach 1:
The retention mechanism uses local quality enhancement at the rod head region. The rod head is specifically designed with a configuration that engages with the first plate aperture, creating a localized retention feature that is more effective than a simple small head while maintaining overall structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The rod head serves as an intermediary retention element that provides enhanced holding capability. This intermediary structure between the rod and the plate aperture creates a more reliable retention mechanism while adding minimal complexity to the overall design.
4Device complexity
If conventional coarse indication is used, then the system is simple, but the magnitude of tail strike events cannot be accurately assessed
Solution Approach 1:
The indicator rod incorporates graduations or markings that provide differentiated visual indication levels. These markings allow for precise assessment of the tail strike magnitude by showing different positions or patterns corresponding to different levels of energy absorption, enhancing measurement precision without significantly increasing complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A tail skid shock absorber including an outer shock absorber canister, a crushable indicator cartridge disposed within the outer shock absorber canister, and an indicator rod coupled to the crushable indicator cartridge so as to move with a portion of the crushable indicator cartridge as a unit.