Compression-force spike reduction
A compression-force spike reduction system for a strut includes a first chamber and a second chamber, an orifice plate disposed within the strut between the first chamber and the second chamber, a hydraulic fluid disposed within the first chamber and the second chamber, and a compressible portion disposed in the second chamber. The orifice plate includes at least one orifice configured for the hydraulic fluid to flow through. During compression or extension of the strut, hydraulic fluid is exchanged between the first chamber and the second chamber. The compressible portion contains a compressible medium configured to buffer spikes in compression force of the strut. A compression-force spike reduction method includes filling the second chamber partially with the incompressible hydraulic fluid, and filling a remaining portion of the second chamber with a compressible medium.
1 . A compression-force spike reduction system for a strut, comprising:
a piston having a volume with a first chamber fluidly coupled with a second chamber, wherein the first chamber and the second chamber both contain a compressible medium and a hydraulic fluid;
an orifice plate disposed within the strut between the first chamber and the second chamber,
wherein the orifice plate comprises at least one orifice configured for the hydraulic fluid to flow therethrough, such that during extension of the strut, hydraulic fluid flows from the first chamber to the second chamber, and during compression of the strut, hydraulic fluid flows from the second chamber to the first chamber; and
a trapping plate mechanically coupled to the orifice plate, wherein the trapping plate extends longitudinally from the orifice plate into the second chamber thereby forming a trapping zone in the second chamber adjacent the orifice plate, such that the compressible medium is trapped in the trapping zone.
2 . The compression-force spike reduction system of claim 1 , wherein the first chamber comprises an extension chamber and the second chamber comprises a compression chamber.
3 . The compression-force spike reduction system of claim 1 , wherein the trapping plate is configured to maintain the compressible medium in the trapping zone during deployment of the strut.
4 . The compression-force spike reduction system of claim 1 , wherein the compressible medium comprises a pressurized gas.
5 . The compression-force spike reduction system of claim 1 , wherein the trapping plate comprises a cylindrical shape disposed concentrically around a metering pin such that the trapping zone is formed around an outer diameter of the trapping plate.
6 . A compression-force spike reduction system for a strut, comprising:
a piston having a volume with a first chamber fluidly coupled with a second chamber, wherein the first chamber and the second chamber both contain a compressible medium and a hydraulic fluid;
an orifice plate disposed within the strut between the first chamber and the second chamber, wherein the orifice plate comprises at least one orifice configured for the hydraulic fluid to flow therethrough, such that during extension of the strut, hydraulic fluid flows from the first chamber to the second chamber, and during compression of the strut, hydraulic fluid flows from the second chamber to the first chamber; and
a bottom surface of the orifice plate is angled upwardly from a middle portion towards an outer diameter such that an upwardly angled portion of the bottom surface forms a trapping zone in the second chamber adjacent the orifice plate, such that the compressible medium is trapped in the trapping zone.
7 . The compression-force spike reduction system of claim 5 , wherein a bottom surface of the orifice plate is angled upwardly from outside the trapping plate to an outer diameter of the orifice plate such that an upwardly angled portion of the bottom surface forms an expanded zone for containing an additional amount of the compressible medium.
8 . The compression-force spike reduction system of claim 1 , wherein the compressible medium comprises an elastomeric material affixed to a bottom side of the orifice plate.
9 . The compression-force spike reduction system of claim 8 , wherein the compressible medium comprises a combination of the elastomeric material and a pressurized gas contained within compartments of the elastomeric material.
10 . The compression-force spike reduction system of claim 1 , wherein the strut is disposed on a landing gear of an aircraft, and the compressible medium is configured to buffer spikes in compression force of the strut while the strut is partially compressed during taxiing of the aircraft.
11 . The compression-force spike reduction system of claim 6 , wherein the compressible medium comprises an elastomeric material.
12 . The compression-force spike reduction system of claim 6 , wherein the compressible medium comprises a pressurized gas.
13 . The compression-force spike reduction system of claim 11 , wherein the compressible medium comprises an elastomeric material having a pressurized gas contained within compartments of the elastomeric material.