Variable-Length Landing Gear Shock Absorber for Storage Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
The length of landing gear struts in aircraft can lead to undesired design and operational constraints, such as reduced storage space and undesirable load distributions on the wing, and existing solutions to shorten struts either increase weight or require external actuators.
Innovation Solution
A shock absorber system with a length reduction system that allows fluid flow between chambers during compression but prevents flow when the strut is retracted, using a ring and seal carrier mechanism to change configurations and reduce strut length without external actuators or increased weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the strut length is increased to improve takeoff performance, then the aircraft can pivot more and use less powerful engine, but the storage space is reduced and load distribution on wing becomes undesirable
Solution Approach 1:
The shock absorber system transitions from a static fixed-length design to a dynamic variable-length design. The length reduction system allows the strut to change its effective length based on operational requirements, enabling long struts during takeoff for improved pivot performance, and short struts during storage to maximize space utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical parameter of strut length from a fixed value to a variable value. By controlling the position of the length reduction system components, the effective length of the shock absorber can be adjusted, allowing optimization of both takeoff performance and storage space utilization.
2Volume of moving object
If existing solutions are used to shorten struts, then storage space is improved, but weight increases or external actuators are required
Solution Approach 1:
The length reduction system is designed to be self-actuating through the shock absorber's own internal mechanisms. The system utilizes the natural compression and expansion forces of the shock absorber to move the length reduction components, eliminating the need for external actuators and reducing overall system weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The length reduction functionality is merged into the existing shock absorber structure rather than being a separate external mechanism. By integrating the length reduction system within the shock absorber assembly, the invention avoids adding external actuators and minimizes weight increase.
3Volume of moving object
If existing solutions are used to shorten struts, then storage space is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The length reduction system components are nested within the existing shock absorber structure. The ring, seal carrier, and length reduction mechanism are positioned within the shock absorber assembly, allowing the strut to be shortened without adding external complexity or requiring separate actuation systems.
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 reduces strut length for storage and retraction without adding weight or complexity, optimizing space and load distribution within the aircraft.
Implementation Method 1
a length of the shock absorber system reduces in response to a pressure in the first chamber when the flow of the fluid is substantially prevented
Implementation Method 2
The seal carrier and the ring are configured to move relative to each other between a first configuration and a second configuration along an axis extending centrally through the outer cylinder and the inner cylinder
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~15
AI summary
A method and apparatus for changing a length of a landing gear system. A first cylinder and a second cylinder are moved relative to each other along an axis extending centrally through the first cylinder and the second cylinder such that the first cylinder and the second cylinder are in an extended position. In response to the first cylinder and the second cylinder being in the extended position, a flow of a fluid is substantially prevented between a first chamber formed between the first cylinder and the second cylinder and a second chamber within the first cylinder and the second cylinder. In response to a pressure applied to the first chamber, the first cylinder and the second cylinder are moved relative to each other along the axis such that a length of the first cylinder and the second cylinder is reduced.