Nut locking assembly

A nut locking assembly may comprise a pin, a nut, and a lock ring. The pin may include an outer diameter threaded surface and a plurality of radially inward extending grooves formed between the outer diameter threaded surface and an end of the pin. The nut may include an inner diameter threaded surface and a plurality of radially outward extending grooves formed between the inner diameter threaded surface and an axial end of the nut. The lock ring may include a plurality of outer diameter protrusions and a plurality of inner diameter protrusions.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a nut locking assembly, and more particularly, to a nut locking assembly which may be employed in landing gear joints.

BACKGROUND

Aircraft generally include landing gear assemblies that support the aircraft during taxi, take-off, and landing. The landing gear assemblies include various joints wherein two or more landing gear components are coupled to one another. The joints may include a pin located through the landing gear components with a nut coupled to the pin. Landing gear joints that experience axial loads may be susceptible to rotation (i.e., decoupling) of the nut relative to the pin.

SUMMARY

A nut locking assembly is disclosed herein. In accordance with various embodiments, the nut locking assembly may comprise a pin, a nut, and a lock ring. The pin may include an outer diameter threaded surface and a plurality of radially inward extending grooves formed between the outer diameter threaded surface and an end of the pin. The nut may include an inner diameter threaded surface and a plurality of radially outward extending grooves formed between the inner diameter threaded surface and an axial end of the nut. The lock ring may include a plurality of outer diameter protrusions and a plurality of inner diameter protrusions.

In various embodiments, a retaining ring may be located between the lock ring and the end of the pin. In various embodiments, the nut may define a retaining ring channel and the retaining ring may be located in the retaining ring channel.

In various embodiments, each outer diameter protrusion of the plurality of outer diameter protrusions may include a radially outward surface and a side surface extending from the radially outward surface to an outer circumferential surface of the lock ring. An angle of the side surface relative to the radially outward surface may be between approximately 90° and approximately 150°. In various embodiments, the angle of the side surface relative to the radially outward surface may be approximately 120°.

In various embodiments, a first gap between a radially outward surface of a first outer diameter protrusion of the lock ring and a floor of a first nut groove may be greater than a second gap between a radially outward surface of a second outer diameter protrusion of the lock ring and a floor of a second nut groove. The plurality of outer diameter protrusions may include the first outer diameter protrusion and the second outer diameter protrusion. The plurality of radially outward extending grooves may include the first nut groove and the second nut groove.

In various embodiments, an axial thickness of the first outer diameter protrusion may be less than an axial thickness of the second outer diameter protrusion. In various embodiments, the lock ring may include a greater number of outer diameter protrusions as compared to inner diameter protrusions.

A landing gear assembly is also disclosed herein. In accordance with various embodiments, the landing gear assembly may comprise a first component including a lug, a second component coupled to the first component, and a nut locking assembly coupling the second component to the first component. The nut locking assembly may comprise a pin, a nut, and a lock ring. The pin may be located through the lug and the second component. The pin may include an outer diameter threaded surface and a plurality of radially inward extending grooves formed between the outer diameter threaded surface and an end of the pin. The nut may include an inner diameter threaded surface engaged with the outer diameter threaded surface of the pin. The nut may define a plurality of radially outward extending grooves formed between the inner diameter threaded surface and an axial end of the nut. The lock ring may be located between the nut and the pin. The lock ring may include a plurality of outer diameter protrusions and a plurality of inner diameter protrusions.

In various embodiments, the nut locking assembly may further comprise a retaining ring located between the lock ring and the end of the pin. In various embodiments, an outer circumferential surface of the nut may define a retaining ring channel. The retaining ring may be located in the retaining ring channel.

In various embodiments, the retaining ring channel may include a first axially oriented wall and second axially oriented wall. The second axially oriented wall may be oriented toward the first axially oriented wall. An axial thickness of the lock ring may be greater than an axial length of the outer circumferential surface of the nut. The axial length of the outer circumferential surface being measured from the first axially oriented wall of the retaining ring channel.

In various embodiments, each outer diameter protrusion of the plurality of outer diameter protrusions may include a radially outward surface and a side surface extending from the radially outward surface to an outer circumferential surface of the lock ring. An angle of the side surface relative to the radially outward surface may be approximately 120°.

In various embodiments, each inner diameter protrusion of the plurality of inner diameter protrusions may include a radially inward surface and a side surface extending from the radially inward surface to an inner circumferential surface of the lock ring. An angle of the side surface relative to the radially inward surface may be approximately 120°.

In various embodiments, an axial thickness of a first outer diameter protrusion of the lock ring may be less than an axial thickness of a second outer diameter protrusion of the lock ring. The plurality of outer diameter protrusions may include the first outer diameter protrusion and the second outer diameter protrusion.

In various embodiments, a first gap between a radially outward surface of the first outer diameter protrusion and a floor of a first nut groove may be greater than a second gap between a radially outward surface of the second outer diameter protrusion and a floor of a second nut groove. The plurality of radially outward extending grooves may include the first nut groove and the second nut groove.

In various embodiments, the lock ring may include a greater number of outer diameter protrusions as compared to inner diameter protrusions. In various embodiments, the second component may pivot relative to the first component.

A method of coupling landing gear components is also disclosed herein. In accordance with various embodiments, the method may comprise the steps of locating a pin through a first landing gear component and a second landing component such that an outer diameter threaded surface of the pin extends axially from a first lug of the first landing gear component and a head of the pin abuts a second lug of the first landing gear component, coupling a nut to the pin by forming a threaded engagement between an inner diameter threaded surface of the nut and the outer diameter threaded surface of the pin, inserting a lock ring between the nut and the pin, and locating a retaining ring in a retaining ring channel defined by the pin. In accordance with various embodiments, the lock ring may include a plurality of outer diameter protrusions and a plurality of inner diameter protrusions.

In various embodiments, the nut may include a plurality of radially outward extending grooves and the pin may include a plurality of radially inward extending grooves, and the step of inserting the lock ring between the nut and the pin may comprise rotating the nut about the pin until a positioning of the plurality of radially outward extending grooves relative to the plurality of radially inward extending grooves corresponds to a positioning of the plurality of outer diameter protrusions relative to the plurality of inner diameter protrusions, and translating the lock ring axially along the pin until the plurality of outer diameter protrusions are located in the radially outward extending grooves and the plurality of inner diameter protrusions are located in the radially inward extending grooves.

The subject matter of the present disclosure is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. A more complete understanding of the present disclosure, however, may best be obtained by referring to the detailed description and claims when considered in connection with the drawing figures, wherein like numerals denote like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The detailed description of exemplary embodiments herein makes reference to the accompanying drawings, which show exemplary embodiments by way of illustration. While these exemplary embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the disclosure, it should be understood that other embodiments may be realized and that logical changes and adaptations in design and construction may be made in accordance with this disclosure and the teachings herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Thus, the detailed description herein is presented for purposes of illustration only and not of limitation.

Furthermore, any reference to singular includes plural embodiments, and any reference to more than one component or step may include a singular embodiment or step. Also, any reference to attached, fixed, connected or the like may include permanent, removable, temporary, partial, full, and/or any other possible attachment option. Additionally, any reference to without contact (or similar phrases) may also include reduced contact or minimal contact. Surface cross hatching lines may be used throughout the figures to denote different parts but not necessarily to denote the same or different materials.

Surface shading and/or cross hatching lines may be used throughout the figures to denote different parts but not necessarily to denote the same or different materials. Throughout the present disclosure, like reference numbers denote like elements. Accordingly, elements with like element numbering may be shown in the figures, but may not be necessarily repeated herein for the sake of clarity.

A first component that is “radially outward” of a second component means that the first component is positioned at a greater distance away from a common axis of the first and second components as compared to the second component. A first component that is “radially inward” of a second component means that the first component is positioned closer to a common axis of the first and second components than the second component.

A nut locking assembly is disclosed herein. In accordance with various embodiments, the nut locking assembly may include a nut configured to receive a lock ring. The lock ring may secure the nut to a pin of the nut locking assembly such that rotation of the nut relative to the pin is reduced and/or prevented. In various embodiments, the nut locking assembly may secure a first landing gear component to a second landing gear component. Nut locking assemblies, as described herein, may be employed to secure pins which experience increased axial loading, as the lock ring of the disclosed nut locking assembly is able to withstand a greater amount of relative torque between the pin and the nut, as compared to, for example, nut assemblies that employ a cross bolt located through the nut and the pin. The disclosed nut locking assembly with lock ring may also allow for reduced pin length and/or may be associated with a nut having a decreased axial length, as compared to, for example, nut assemblies that employ a cross bolt located through the nut and the pin.

While the disclosed nut locking assembly may find particular use in connection with landing gear joints, various aspects of the disclosed embodiments may be adapted for performance in a variety of other joints and components. As such, numerous applications of the present disclosure may be realized.

With reference toFIG. 1, an aircraft10is illustrated, in accordance with various embodiments. Aircraft10includes a fuselage11and wings13. Aircraft10includes landing gear such as left landing gear assembly12, right landing gear assembly14, and nose landing gear assembly16(referred to herein collectively as landing gear assemblies12,14,16). Landing gear assemblies12,14,16may generally support aircraft10, when aircraft10is not flying, allowing aircraft10to taxi, take-off, and landing without damage. Landing gear assemblies12,14,16may each include various shock and strut assemblies with one or more wheels attached thereto. Landing gear assemblies12,14,16may each be configured to translate between a landing gear down position, wherein the landing gear assemblies extend from wings13and/or fuselage11to support aircraft10, and a landing gear up position, wherein the landing gear assemblies are located within wings13and/or fuselage11of aircraft10. For example, during taxiing, take-off, and landing, landing gear assemblies12,14,16may be in the landing gear down position. After take-off, landing gear assemblies12,14,16may be translated to the landing gear up position. Prior to landing, landing gear assemblies12,14,16may be translated to the landing gear down position to support aircraft10during landing.

Referring toFIG. 2, and with continued reference toFIG. 1, a portion of left landing gear assembly12is illustrated, in accordance with various embodiments. Left landing gear assembly112includes a first landing gear component102and a second landing gear component104. First and second landing gear components102,104may comprise struts, shock strut cylinders, shock struts, or any other landing gear component. First landing gear component102includes one or more lugs, such as first lug106and second lug108. In accordance with various embodiments, a nut locking assembly110couples second landing gear component104to first landing gear component102. WhileFIGS. 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7illustrate components of left landing gear assembly12, it should be understood that right landing gear assembly14and nose landing gear assembly16may include the elements and functionalities as described herein with respect to left landing gear assembly12.

In various embodiments, nut locking assembly110may form a dynamic joint that allows second landing gear component104to pivot, or rotate, relative to first landing gear component102. As used herein, a “dynamic joint” refers to a coupling between a first component and a second component, wherein the first component and/or the second component is/are configured to pivot about the dynamic joint such that an angle of the first component relative to the second components changes. In various embodiments, nut locking assembly110may form static joint, wherein first and second landing gear components102,104do not rotate relative to one another. As used herein, a “static joint” refers to a coupling between a first component and a second component, wherein the first and second component do not pivot about the joint and the angle of the first component relative to the second component remains relatively constant. While components coupled via a static joint do not rotate relative to one another, it is contemplated and understood that the components may exhibit a degree of motion due to structural deflections of the joint generated by loads applied to the landing gear assembly.

With reference toFIG. 3, additional details of nut locking assembly110are illustrated, in accordance with various embodiments. InFIG. 3, second landing gear component104has been removed to more clearly illustrate components of nut locking assembly110. Nut locking assembly110includes a pin112. Pin112is located through first and second lugs106,108of first landing gear component102. Second landing gear component104(FIG. 2) may be coupled to first landing gear component102by locating pin112through first and second lugs106,108and through an opening defined by second landing gear component104. In various embodiments one or more bushings114may be located between pin112and first and second lugs106,108.

Nut locking assembly110further includes a nut116, a lock ring118, and a retaining ring120. Nut116, lock ring118, and retaining ring120may be coupled to pin112. Nut116, lock ring118, and retaining ring120may be located proximate a first end122of pin112. First end122of pin112may be axially opposite a head (or second end)125of pin112, with momentary reference toFIG. 2. As used herein, the terms “axial” and “axially” refer to directions parallel to an axis of rotation123of nut116. As used herein, the terms “radial” and “radially” refer to directions toward and away from axis of rotation123. As used herein, the terms “circumferential” and “circumferentially” refer to directions about axis of rotation123.

In various embodiments, first end122of pin112may be hollow. Stated differently, an inner circumferential surface124of pin112may be exposed at first end122. In various embodiments, first end122and inner circumferential surface124may be configured to receive a pin cap. Locating a pin cap over first end122of pin112may reduce noise, as the pin cap covers inner circumferential surface124, thereby preventing or reducing noise which may be generated by air flowing over an exposed inner circumferential surface124.

With reference toFIG. 4, an exploded view of nut locking assembly110is illustrated. In accordance with various embodiments, pin112defines an out diameter (OD) threaded surface130. Nut116defines an inner diameter (ID) threaded surface132. Nut116may be coupled to pin112by threaded engagement between OD threaded surface130and ID threaded surface132. ID threaded surface132may be formed proximate a first axial end134of nut116. A plurality of radially outward extending grooves138may be formed at a second axial end136of nut116. Second axial end136of nut116is axially opposite first axial end134of nut116. Radially outward extending grooves138(referred to herein as nut grooves138) may extend axially from second axial end136of nut116toward ID threaded surface132and first axial end134of nut116. Nut grooves138may be formed in an inner circumferential surface139of nut116. Inner circumferential surface139may be oriented radially inward (i.e., towards axis of rotation123. In various embodiments, a diameter D1(shown inFIG. 3) of nut116, as measured at inner circumferential surface139, may be greater than a diameter D2of nut116, as measured at the radially inward most portion of ID threaded surface132.

In accordance with various embodiments, lock ring118includes OD protrusions140and ID protrusions142. OD protrusions140extend radially outward from an outer circumferential surface144of lock ring118. ID protrusions142extend radially inward from an inner circumferential surface146of lock ring118. OD protrusions140include (i.e., are defined by) a radially outward surface150and a pair of side surfaces152extending between radially outward surface150and outer circumferential surface144. In various embodiments, an angle theta (θ) of side surface152relative to outer circumferential surface144may be between approximately 90° and approximately 150°. In various embodiments, angle theta (θ) may be approximately 120°. As used in the previous context, “approximately” means±5°. Nut grooves138are configured to receive OD protrusions140. In various embodiments, the axial length of nut grooves138is greater than or equal to an axial thickness T of lock ring118. In various embodiments, the angle of the sidewalls137of nut grooves138relative to floor141of nut grooves138is approximately equal to the theta (θ). As used in the previous context, “approximately” means±2°. In various embodiments, a pitch (or circumferential distance) between circumferentially adjacent nut grooves138is equal to a pitch (or circumferential distance) between circumferentially adjacent OD protrusions140. In various embodiments, nut grooves138and OD protrusions140may be formed having a standardized tooth profile, for example, having a tooth profile that complies with standards set by, for example, the American Nation Standard Institute (ANSI) and/or the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).

ID protrusions142include (i.e., are defined by) a radially inward surface154and a pair of side surfaces156extending between radially inward surface154and inner circumferential surface146. In various embodiments, an angle beta (β) of side surface156relative to inner circumferential surface146may be between approximately 90° and approximately 150°. In various embodiments, angle beta (β) may be approximately 120°. As used in the previous context only, “approximately” means±5°. ID protrusions142are configured to be received by radially inward extending grooves160formed in pin112.

With reference toFIG. 5, additional details of pin112are illustrated. Radially inward extending grooves160(referred to herein as pin grooves160) are formed proximate first end122of pin112. Pin grooves160may extend axially from first end122of pin112toward OD threaded surface130. In various embodiments, pin112may include a first portion162and a second portion164. First portion162may have a first outer circumferential surface166. Second portion may have a second outer circumferential surface168. First outer circumferential surface166may define the radially outward most portions of OD threaded surface130. Stated differentially, OD threaded surface130may be formed in first outer circumferential surface166. Second outer circumferential surface168is located axially between an axially oriented surface174of first portion162and first end122of pin112. Axially oriented surface174may extend from first outer circumferential surface166to second outer circumferential surface168. Second outer circumferential surface168is radially inward of first outer circumferential surface166. In this regard, a diameter of pin112at first outer circumferential surface166is greater than a diameter of pin112at second outer circumferential surface168. Pin grooves160may each be defined by a floor170and a pair of sidewalls172. In various embodiments, the angle of sidewalls172relative to floor170is approximately equal to the angle beta (β), with momentary reference toFIG. 4. As used in the previous context, “approximately” means±2°. In various embodiments, a pitch (or circumferential distance) between circumferentially adjacent pin grooves160is equal to a pitch (or circumferential distance) between circumferentially adjacent ID protrusions142. In various embodiments, pin grooves160and ID protrusions142may be formed having a standardized tooth profile, for example, having a tooth profile that complies with standards set by, for example, the ANS and/or the ISO.

Pin grooves160may be formed in second portion164and, at least, partially in first portion162. For example, pin grooves160may include a first radial depth d1in first portion162and a second radial depth d2in second portion164. First radial depth d1is measured between floor170of pin groove160and first outer circumferential surface166. Second radial depth d2is measured between floor170of pin groove160and second outer circumferential surface168.

In accordance with various embodiments, a retaining ring channel176may be formed in (i.e., defined by) pin112. Retaining ring channel176may be formed in second outer circumferential surface168. Stated differently, retaining ring channel176may extend radially inward from second outer circumferential surface168. Retaining ring channel176extends circumferentially between adjacent pin grooves160. Retaining ring channel176includes a first axially oriented wall180and a second axially oriented wall182. First axially oriented wall180is oriented generally toward second axially oriented wall182. First and second axially oriented walls180,182extend from a floor184of retaining ring channel176to second outer circumferential surface168. Retaining ring channel176is configured to receive retaining ring120, with momentary reference toFIG. 4.

In various embodiments, axial thickness T of lock ring118(with momentary reference toFIG. 4) and an axial length178of second outer circumferential surface168, as measured between first axially oriented wall180of retaining ring channel176and axially oriented surface174, are configured such that, when nut116and lock ring118are coupled to pin112, retaining ring120may be located in retaining ring channel176(i.e., retaining ring120may be located axially between lock ring118and second axially oriented wall182of retaining ring channel176). In various embodiments, axial thickness T of lock ring118is greater than axial length178of second outer circumferential surface168and less than an axial length186extending from second axially oriented wall182of retaining ring channel176to axially oriented surface174, thereby causing lock ring118to partially overlap retaining ring channel176in a radially outward direction.

With reference toFIG. 6, lock ring118is shown coupled to pin112. In accordance with various embodiments, pin112and lock ring118are configured such that, when lock ring118abuts and/or contacts axially oriented surface174(FIG. 5), at least a portion of retaining ring channel176is located axially between lock ring118and first end122of pin112, thereby allowing retaining ring120(FIG. 4) to be located in retaining ring channel176. With combined reference toFIGS. 4 and 6, retaining ring120is configured to block and/or restrict translation of lock ring118. In various embodiments, retaining ring120may have a helical or coiled shape. Retaining ring channel176and retaining ring120may be configured such that locating retaining ring120in retaining ring channel176compresses retaining ring120. In this regard, retaining ring120may generate and apply a biasing force, in an axial direction, against lock ring118.

With combined reference toFIGS. 2, 3, and 4, when securing second landing gear component104to first landing gear component102, pin112is inserted through second lug108, second landing gear component104, and first lug106, until the head125of pin112contacts second lug108. The axial length of pin112is selected such that when the head125of pin112contacts second lug108, at least, a portion of OD threaded surface130will extend axially from first lug106. Nut116may then be secured to pin112by threaded engagement between OD threaded surface130and ID threaded surface132. Nut116is rotated about pin112until a desired torque or “preload” is achieved. Once the desired torque is achieved, nut116is rotated in the opposite direction until a position of nut grooves138relative to pin grooves160corresponds to a position of OD protrusions140relative ID protrusions142. In other words, nut116is rotated until nut grooves138and pin grooves160are positioned or aligned in such manner that lock ring118can be inserted between nut116and pin112. In various embodiments, upon achieving the desired torque or “preload,” nut116may be further rotated in the same direction (i.e., in the direction which increases the preload) until the position of nut grooves138relative to pin grooves160corresponds to the position of OD protrusions140relative ID protrusions142.

In accordance with various embodiments, the number of OD protrusions140and ID protrusions142on lock ring118may be selected based on a desired torque range, as the number of OD protrusions140and ID protrusions142on lock ring118is determinative of the number of degrees of nut116rotation between positions where nut grooves138and pin grooves160are aligned in a manner where lock ring118can be inserted between nut116and pin112. For example, if lock ring118includes nine OD protrusions140and eight ID protrusions142, then nut grooves138will be in a position relative to pin grooves160that can accept lock ring118every 5° of rotation of nut116about pin112. If lock ring118includes five OD protrusions140and four ID protrusions142, then every 18° of rotation of nut116about pin112nut grooves138will be in a position relative to pin grooves160that corresponds to the position of OD protrusions140relative to ID protrusions142. In various embodiments, the number of OD protrusions140is different from the number of ID protrusions142. In various embodiments, the number of OD protrusions140is at least one greater than the number of ID protrusions142. Increasing the number of OD protrusions140and/or ID protrusions142decreases the number of degrees of nut116rotation between positions where the orientation of nut grooves138relative to pin grooves160corresponds to the position of OD protrusions140relative to ID protrusions142(i.e., between positions where lock ring118may be inserted between pin112and nut116).

After lock ring118is inserted between nut116and pin112, retaining ring120in inserted into retaining ring channel176. Locating OD protrusions140in nut grooves138and ID protrusions142in pin grooves160blocks or restricts rotations of nut116relative to pin112. Preventing, or limiting, rotation of nut116about pin112tends to allow nut locking assembly110to be employed in landing gear joints that experience increased axial loads.

With combined reference toFIG. 6andFIG. 7, in various embodiments, at least one of the OD protrusions140may be configured to facilitate removal of lock ring118from pin112. For example, a radial height H1of OD protrusion140amay be less than the radial height H2of the OD protrusions140. Radial height H1is measured between radially outward surface150aof OD protrusion140aand outer circumferential surface144of lock ring118. Radial height H2is measured between radially outward surface150of OD protrusions140and outer circumferential surface144of lock ring118. The decreased radial height of OD protrusion140aincreases the radial length of the gap G1between floor141of nut groove138and radially outward surface150aof OD protrusion140a, as compared to the radial length of the gap G2between floor141of nut groove138and radially outward surface150of OD protrusions140. In various embodiments, an axial thickness T1of OD protrusion140amay be less than the axial thickness T2of the OD protrusions140. The decreased axial thickness T1of OD protrusion140aand the increased gap G1between radially outward surface150aof OD protrusion140aand floor141of nut groove138may allow a tool (e.g., a flat-head screwdriver) to be inserted into gap G1, after removal of retaining ring120, to translate lock ring118axially away from axially oriented surface174(FIG. 5). In this regard, OD protrusion140amay facilitate removal of lock ring118from between nut116and pin112.

With reference toFIG. 2, nut locking assembly110, and in particular the configuration of OD protrusions140and ID protrusions142, tends to allow for more tailored preload torques (i.e., fewer degrees of rotation between locked positions) as compared to, for example, cross bolt nut assembly200of left landing gear assembly12. For example, cross bolt nut assembly200may include a pin202, a nut204, cross bolt206, a lock pin208. The number of degrees of rotation of nut204between positions where cross bolt206may be inserted through nut204and pin202tends to be greater than the number of degrees of rotation between positions where lock ring118of nut locking assembly110may be inserted. WhileFIG. 2shows left landing gear assembly12including nut locking assembly110and cross bolt nut assembly200, it is further contemplate and understood that in various embodiments, cross bolt nut assembly200may be replaced by nut locking assembly110. Replacing cross bolt nut assembly200with nut locking assembly110may allow for a pin having a shorter axial length as compared to pin202and/or for a nut having a shorter axial length as compared to nut204, as pin112and nut116of nut locking assembly110do not need to accommodate a cross bolt. In this regard, nut locking assembly110may have a reduced weight and/or decreased axial length as compared to conventional nut assemblies having similar axial load capabilities. Nut locking assembly110may be employed to secure pins which experience increased axial loading, as lock ring118has significantly higher capability to resist relative torque between pin112and nut116due to the larger total shear area of the lock ring teeth (i.e., OD protrusions140and ID protrusions142) versus that of cross bolt206. In other words, the increased area of contact, or interference, between OD protrusions140and nut116and between ID protrusions142and pin112, as compared to the area of contact between cross bolt206and pin202and cross bolt206and nut204, increases the ability of lock ring118to resist relative torque between pin112and nut116.

With reference toFIG. 8A, a method250of a coupling landing gear component is illustrated. In accordance with various embodiments, method250may comprising locating a pin through a first landing gear component and a second landing component (step252) and coupling a nut to the pin (step254).

Method250further includes inserting a lock ring between the nut and the pin (step256) and locating a retaining ring in a retaining ring channel defined by the pin (step258).

With reference toFIG. 8B, in various embodiments, step256may include rotating the nut about the pin until a positioning of the nut grooves relative to the pin grooves corresponds to a positioning of the OD protrusions relative to the ID protrusions (step260), and translating the lock ring axially along the pin until the OD protrusions are located in the nut grooves and the ID protrusions are located in the pin grooves (step262).

With combined reference toFIGS. 2, 4, and 8A, in various embodiments, step252may include locating pin112through first landing gear component102and second landing gear component104such that OD threaded surface130of the pin extends axially from first lug106of first landing gear component102and head125of pin112abuts second lug108of first landing gear component102.

With combined reference toFIGS. 2, 4, and 8B, in various embodiments, step260may include rotating nut116about pin112until a positioning of nut grooves138(i.e., radially outward extending grooves formed in nut116) relative to pin grooves160(i.e., radially inward extending grooves formed in pin112) corresponds to a positioning of OD protrusions140relative to ID protrusions142. Step262may include translating lock ring118axially along pin112until OD protrusions140are located in nut grooves138and ID protrusions142are located in pin grooves160.

Moreover, where a phrase similar to “at least one of A, B, and C” is used in the claims, it is intended that the phrase be interpreted to mean that A alone may be present in an embodiment, B alone may be present in an embodiment, C alone may be present in an embodiment, or that any combination of the elements A, B and C may be present in a single embodiment; for example, A and B, A and C, B and C, or A and B and C.