Torque Link Quick-Release Locking for Single-Person Landing Gear Service
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional aircraft landing gear torque link assemblies require two or three individuals to disconnect and reconnect, due to the need to manually separate and reassemble pivotally connected apex pins, which is inefficient and labor-intensive.
Innovation Solution
A locking pin assembly with a housing, locking pin member, and biasing element that allows for single-handed disconnection and reconnection of the torque links using a handle and guide pin mechanism, enabling the torque links to be hingedly connected and disconnected efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional apex pin connections are used in torque link assemblies, then the landing gear can be securely connected, but disconnection and reconnection require two or three individuals making the process labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The apex pin connection system is segmented into modular components: a quick release handle mechanism, a locking pin with aperture, and retaining elements. This segmentation allows the complex multi-person operation to be divided into simple sequential steps that one person can perform independently.
Solution Approach 2:
A quick release handle mechanism serves as an intermediary device between the operator and the apex pin connection. This mediator translates simple manual input into the complex sequence of pin withdrawal, link separation, and retention required for safe disconnection, eliminating the need for multiple personnel.
2Productivity
If manual separation of apex pins is required, then the torque links can be disconnected, but the process becomes time-consuming and requires multiple hands
Solution Approach 1:
The locking pin is pre-configured with an aperture aligned with the torque links when in the locked position. The quick release handle is pre-positioned to engage with this aperture, so that a single pulling motion immediately initiates the disconnection sequence without requiring preliminary manual manipulation of multiple components.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism transitions from a static multi-step manual process to a dynamic single-action system. The quick release handle converts a simple linear pulling motion into the coordinated sequence of pin withdrawal, link separation, and retention, making the system adaptive to simple user input while performing complex functions.
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
Enables a single individual to easily disconnect and reconnect the torque link assembly, reducing the need for multiple personnel and simplifying the towing operations of aircraft.
Implementation Method 1
The biasing element biases the locking pin member towards the second link portion
Implementation Method 2
the guide pin engages the channel such that the locking pin member is movable between the engaged position and the disengaged position
Data Source
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AI summary
A torque link assembly for a landing gear includes a lower torque link and an upper torque link that releasably engage first and second quick release pin assemblies. The pin assemblies each include a housing attached to one of the torque links, and a locking pin member extending through the housing. The locking pin member includes a rod portion and a pin portion, and is slidable between an engaged position and a disengaged position for hingedly connecting/disconnecting the torque links. One of the housing and the locking pin member includes a channel having a longitudinal portion and a circumferential portion, and the other has a guide pin that engages the channel. The guide pin is in the longitudinal portion of the channel when moving between the engaged and disengaged positions, and is retained in the disengaged position when the guide pin is in the circumferential portion of the channel.