Torque Link Quick-Release Locking for Single-Person Towing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current aircraft landing gear torque link assemblies require at least two persons to disconnect and reconnect, making it cumbersome and inefficient for single-person operation, especially during towing operations.
Innovation Solution
A torque link assembly with a quick release locking mechanism using locking pin assemblies with a biasing element and a guide pin system that allows a single individual to easily engage and disengage the upper and lower torque links, utilizing a handle and channel mechanism for single-handed operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional apex pin connections are used to connect upper and lower torque links, then the torque links can be securely connected, but at least two persons are required to disconnect and reconnect them
Solution Approach 1:
The locking pin assembly incorporates a movable locking pin that can transition between engaged and disengaged states, allowing the connection to be dynamically adjusted. The pin is biased by a spring element and can be moved by a single operator using a handle, enabling easy disconnection and reconnection while maintaining secure engagement during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking pin assembly acts as an intermediary mechanism between the upper and lower torque links. It provides a simplified interface that allows a single operator to control the connection state through handle actuation, which moves the locking pin to engage or disengage the torque links, eliminating the need for multiple persons.
2Reliability
If apex pins are biased to engaged position with a spring, then secure connection is maintained, but two hands are required to separate the pins and a third hand to separate the torque links
Solution Approach 1:
The locking pin, handle, and spring element are merged into a single integrated locking pin assembly. The handle is connected to the locking pin, and the spring biases the pin toward engagement. This merging allows a single operator to control the entire locking mechanism with one hand by actuating the handle, which moves the pin to disengage the torque links.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring element automatically biases the locking pin toward the engaged position, maintaining reliable connection without requiring continuous manual intervention. The handle mechanism allows the operator to easily override this bias when disconnection is needed, and the system self-returns to the engaged state when the handle is released.
3Strength
If conventional torque link assemblies are used, then the landing gear can support aircraft weight, but towing operations require multiple personnel and are cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The locking pin assembly provides a dynamic connection system that can quickly transition between locked and unlocked states. The handle mechanism allows rapid actuation to disengage the torque links for towing operations, and the spring automatically re-engages them when the handle is released, enabling fast setup and teardown without compromising structural strength.
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 person to efficiently disconnect and reconnect the torque links, simplifying towing operations and reducing the need for multiple personnel, while maintaining secure engagement and disengagement.
Implementation Method 1
A biasing element biases the locking pin member towards engagement with the second link portion
Implementation Method 2
the other of the housing and the locking pin member further includes a guide pin that engages the channel such that the locking pin member is movable between the engaged position and the disengaged position when the guide pin is in the longitudinal portion of the channel
Data Source
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.