System and method for limiting loads produced by an aircraft landing gear wheel taxi drive system

摘要

A force limiting system and method are provided for limiting loads in aircraft nose or main landing gear a wheel 42 powered by a taxi drive system 50 mounted within the landing gear wheels to drive aircraft on the ground. The force limiting system may include mechanical components 54 selected to limit or minimize spin-up mass and to releasably connect the taxi drive system to a landing gear wheel section so that operation of the taxi drive system to drive a landing gear wheel is prevented in the presence of a predetermined maximum load. The load limiting system employs mechanical components engineered to securely connect the taxi drive system to the landing gear wheel during operation and to release the taxi drive system from connection to the wheel when loads applied to system components exceed an established or recommended maximum load. The mechanical components may be shear pins or a shearable plate.