Patent Description:
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. Nut locking assemblies are disclosed in <CIT> and <CIT>.

A nut locking assembly is provided as defined by claim <NUM>.

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 provided as defined by claim <NUM>.

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 <NUM>°.

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 <NUM>°.

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 provided as defined by claim <NUM>. 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 subj ect matter of the present invention is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. A more complete understanding of the present invention, 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.

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 invention, 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 invention and the teachings herein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

Also, any reference to attached, fixed, connected or the like may include permanent, removable, temporary, partial, full, and/or any other possible attachment option. 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 invention may be realized.

With reference to <FIG>, an aircraft <NUM> is illustrated, in accordance with various embodiments. Aircraft <NUM> includes a fuselage <NUM> and wings <NUM>. Aircraft <NUM> includes landing gear such as left landing gear assembly <NUM>, right landing gear assembly <NUM>, and nose landing gear assembly <NUM> (referred to herein collectively as landing gear assemblies <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>). Landing gear assemblies <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may generally support aircraft <NUM>, when aircraft <NUM> is not flying, allowing aircraft <NUM> to taxi, take-off, and landing without damage. Landing gear assemblies <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may each include various shock and strut assemblies with one or more wheels attached thereto. Landing gear assemblies <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may each be configured to translate between a landing gear down position, wherein the landing gear assemblies extend from wings <NUM> and/or fuselage <NUM> to support aircraft <NUM>, and a landing gear up position, wherein the landing gear assemblies are located within wings <NUM> and/or fuselage <NUM> of aircraft <NUM>. For example, during taxiing, take-off, and landing, landing gear assemblies <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may be in the landing gear down position. After take-off, landing gear assemblies <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may be translated to the landing gear up position. Prior to landing, landing gear assemblies <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may be translated to the landing gear down position to support aircraft <NUM> during landing.

Referring to <FIG>, and with continued reference to <FIG>, a portion of left landing gear assembly <NUM> is illustrated, in accordance with various embodiments. Left landing gear assembly <NUM> includes a first landing gear component <NUM> and a second landing gear component <NUM>. First and second landing gear components <NUM>, <NUM> may comprise struts, shock strut cylinders, shock struts, or any other landing gear component. First landing gear component <NUM> includes one or more lugs, such as first lug <NUM> and second lug <NUM>. In accordance with various embodiments, a nut locking assembly <NUM> couples second landing gear component <NUM> to first landing gear component <NUM>. While <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> illustrate components of left landing gear assembly <NUM>, it should be understood that right landing gear assembly <NUM> and nose landing gear assembly <NUM> may include the elements and functionalities as described herein with respect to left landing gear assembly <NUM>.

In various embodiments, nut locking assembly <NUM> may form a dynamic joint that allows second landing gear component <NUM> to pivot, or rotate, relative to first landing gear component <NUM>. As used herein, a "dynamic j oint" 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 assembly <NUM> may form static joint, wherein first and second landing gear components <NUM>, <NUM> do 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 to <FIG>, additional details of nut locking assembly <NUM> are illustrated, in accordance with various embodiments. In <FIG>, second landing gear component <NUM> has been removed to more clearly illustrate components of nut locking assembly <NUM>. Nut locking assembly <NUM> includes a pin <NUM>. Pin <NUM> is located through first and second lugs <NUM>, <NUM> of first landing gear component <NUM>. Second landing gear component <NUM> (<FIG>) may be coupled to first landing gear component <NUM> by locating pin <NUM> through first and second lugs <NUM>, <NUM> and through an opening defined by second landing gear component <NUM>. In various embodiments one or more bushings <NUM> may be located between pin <NUM> and first and second lugs <NUM>, <NUM>.

Nut locking assembly <NUM> further includes a nut <NUM>, a lock ring <NUM>, and a retaining ring <NUM>. Nut <NUM>, lock ring <NUM>, and retaining ring <NUM> may be coupled to pin <NUM>. Nut <NUM>, lock ring <NUM>, and retaining ring <NUM> may be located proximate a first end <NUM> of pin <NUM>. First end <NUM> of pin <NUM> may be axially opposite a head (or second end) <NUM> of pin <NUM>, with momentary reference to <FIG>. As used herein, the terms "axial" and "axially" refer to directions parallel to an axis of rotation <NUM> of nut <NUM>. As used herein, the terms "radial" and "radially" refer to directions toward and away from axis of rotation <NUM>. As used herein, the terms "circumferential" and "circumferentially" refer to directions about axis of rotation <NUM>.

In various embodiments, first end <NUM> of pin <NUM> may be hollow. Stated differently, an inner circumferential surface <NUM> of pin <NUM> may be exposed at first end <NUM>. In various embodiments, first end <NUM> and inner circumferential surface <NUM> may be configured to receive a pin cap. Locating a pin cap over first end <NUM> of pin <NUM> may reduce noise, as the pin cap covers inner circumferential surface <NUM>, thereby preventing or reducing noise which may be generated by air flowing over an exposed inner circumferential surface <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, an exploded view of nut locking assembly <NUM> is illustrated. In accordance with various embodiments, pin <NUM> defines an out diameter (OD) threaded surface <NUM>. Nut <NUM> defines an inner diameter (ID) threaded surface <NUM>. Nut <NUM> may be coupled to pin <NUM> by threaded engagement between OD threaded surface <NUM> and ID threaded surface <NUM>. ID threaded surface <NUM> may be formed proximate a first axial end <NUM> of nut <NUM>. A plurality of radially outward extending grooves <NUM> may be formed at a second axial end <NUM> of nut <NUM>. Second axial end <NUM> of nut <NUM> is axially opposite first axial end <NUM> of nut <NUM>. Radially outward extending grooves <NUM> (referred to herein as nut grooves <NUM>) may extend axially from second axial end <NUM> of nut <NUM> toward ID threaded surface <NUM> and first axial end <NUM> of nut <NUM>. Nut grooves <NUM> may be formed in an inner circumferential surface <NUM> of nut <NUM>. Inner circumferential surface <NUM> may be oriented radially inward (i.e., towards axis of rotation <NUM>. In various embodiments, a diameter D1 (shown in <FIG>) of nut <NUM>, as measured at inner circumferential surface <NUM>, may be greater than a diameter D2 of nut <NUM>, as measured at the radially inward most portion of ID threaded surface <NUM>.

In accordance with various embodiments, lock ring <NUM> includes OD protrusions <NUM> and ID protrusions <NUM>. OD protrusions <NUM> extend radially outward from an outer circumferential surface <NUM> of lock ring <NUM>. ID protrusions <NUM> extend radially inward from an inner circumferential surface <NUM> of lock ring <NUM>. OD protrusions <NUM> include (i.e., are defined by) a radially outward surface <NUM> and a pair of side surfaces <NUM> extending between radially outward surface <NUM> and outer circumferential surface <NUM>. In various embodiments, an angle theta (θ) of side surface <NUM> relative to outer circumferential surface <NUM> may be between approximately <NUM>° and approximately <NUM>°. In various embodiments, angle theta (θ) may be approximately <NUM>°. As used in the previous context, "approximately" means ±<NUM>°. Nut grooves <NUM> are configured to receive OD protrusions <NUM>. In various embodiments, the axial length of nut grooves <NUM> is greater than or equal to an axial thickness T of lock ring <NUM>. In various embodiments, the angle of the sidewalls <NUM> of nut grooves <NUM> relative to floor <NUM> of nut grooves <NUM> is approximately equal to the theta (θ). As used in the previous context, "approximately" means ± <NUM>°. In various embodiments, a pitch (or circumferential distance) between circumferentially adjacent nut grooves <NUM> is equal to a pitch (or circumferential distance) between circumferentially adjacent OD protrusions <NUM>. In various embodiments, nut grooves <NUM> and OD protrusions <NUM> may 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 protrusions <NUM> include (i.e., are defined by) a radially inward surface <NUM> and a pair of side surfaces <NUM> extending between radially inward surface <NUM> and inner circumferential surface <NUM>. In various embodiments, an angle beta (β) of side surface <NUM> relative to inner circumferential surface <NUM> may be between approximately <NUM>° and approximately <NUM>°. In various embodiments, angle beta (β) may be approximately <NUM>°. As used in the previous context only, "approximately" means ±<NUM>°. ID protrusions <NUM> are configured to be received by radially inward extending grooves <NUM> formed in pin <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, additional details of pin <NUM> are illustrated. Radially inward extending grooves <NUM> (referred to herein as pin grooves <NUM>) are formed proximate first end <NUM> of pin <NUM>. Pin grooves <NUM> may extend axially from first end <NUM> of pin <NUM> toward OD threaded surface <NUM>. In various embodiments, pin <NUM> may include a first portion <NUM> and a second portion <NUM>. First portion <NUM> may have a first outer circumferential surface <NUM>. Second portion may have a second outer circumferential surface <NUM>. First outer circumferential surface <NUM> may define the radially outward most portions of OD threaded surface <NUM>. Stated differentially, OD threaded surface <NUM> may be formed in first outer circumferential surface <NUM>. Second outer circumferential surface <NUM> is located axially between an axially oriented surface <NUM> of first portion <NUM> and first end <NUM> of pin <NUM>. Axially oriented surface <NUM> may extend from first outer circumferential surface <NUM> to second outer circumferential surface <NUM>. Second outer circumferential surface <NUM> is radially inward of first outer circumferential surface <NUM>. In this regard, a diameter of pin <NUM> at first outer circumferential surface <NUM> is greater than a diameter of pin <NUM> at second outer circumferential surface <NUM>. Pin grooves <NUM> may each be defined by a floor <NUM> and a pair of sidewalls <NUM>. In various embodiments, the angle of sidewalls <NUM> relative to floor <NUM> is approximately equal to the angle beta (β), with momentary reference to <FIG>. As used in the previous context, "approximately" means ± <NUM>°. In various embodiments, a pitch (or circumferential distance) between circumferentially adjacent pin grooves <NUM> is equal to a pitch (or circumferential distance) between circumferentially adjacent ID protrusions <NUM>. In various embodiments, pin grooves <NUM> and ID protrusions <NUM> may 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 grooves <NUM> may be formed in second portion <NUM> and, at least, partially in first portion <NUM>. For example, pin grooves <NUM> may include a first radial depth d1 in first portion <NUM> and a second radial depth d2 in second portion <NUM>. First radial depth d1 is measured between floor <NUM> of pin groove <NUM> and first outer circumferential surface <NUM>. Second radial depth d2 is measured between floor <NUM> of pin groove <NUM> and second outer circumferential surface <NUM>.

In accordance with various embodiments, a retaining ring channel <NUM> may be formed in (i.e., defined by) pin <NUM>. Retaining ring channel <NUM> may be formed in second outer circumferential surface <NUM>. Stated differently, retaining ring channel <NUM> may extend radially inward from second outer circumferential surface <NUM>. Retaining ring channel <NUM> extends circumferentially between adjacent pin grooves <NUM>. Retaining ring channel <NUM> includes a first axially oriented wall <NUM> and a second axially oriented wall <NUM>. First axially oriented wall <NUM> is oriented generally toward second axially oriented wall <NUM>. First and second axially oriented walls <NUM>, <NUM> extend from a floor <NUM> of retaining ring channel <NUM> to second outer circumferential surface <NUM>. Retaining ring channel <NUM> is configured to receive retaining ring <NUM>, with momentary reference to <FIG>.

In various embodiments, axial thickness T of lock ring <NUM> (with momentary reference to <FIG>) and an axial length <NUM> of second outer circumferential surface <NUM>, as measured between first axially oriented wall <NUM> of retaining ring channel <NUM> and axially oriented surface <NUM>, are configured such that, when nut <NUM> and lock ring <NUM> are coupled to pin <NUM>, retaining ring <NUM> may be located in retaining ring channel <NUM> (i.e., retaining ring <NUM> may be located axially between lock ring <NUM> and second axially oriented wall <NUM> of retaining ring channel <NUM>). In various embodiments, axial thickness T of lock ring <NUM> is greater than axial length <NUM> of second outer circumferential surface <NUM> and less than an axial length <NUM> extending from second axially oriented wall <NUM> of retaining ring channel <NUM> to axially oriented surface <NUM>, thereby causing lock ring <NUM> to partially overlap retaining ring channel <NUM> in a radially outward direction.

With reference to <FIG>, lock ring <NUM> is shown coupled to pin <NUM>. In accordance with various embodiments, pin <NUM> and lock ring <NUM> are configured such that, when lock ring <NUM> abuts and/or contacts axially oriented surface <NUM> (<FIG>), at least a portion of retaining ring channel <NUM> is located axially between lock ring <NUM> and first end <NUM> of pin <NUM>, thereby allowing retaining ring <NUM> (<FIG>) to be located in retaining ring channel <NUM>. With combined reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, retaining ring <NUM> is configured to block and/or restrict translation of lock ring <NUM>. In various embodiments, retaining ring <NUM> may have a helical or coiled shape. Retaining ring channel <NUM> and retaining ring <NUM> may be configured such that locating retaining ring <NUM> in retaining ring channel <NUM> compresses retaining ring <NUM>. In this regard, retaining ring <NUM> may generate and apply a biasing force, in an axial direction, against lock ring <NUM>.

With combined reference to <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, when securing second landing gear component <NUM> to first landing gear component <NUM>, pin <NUM> is inserted through second lug <NUM>, second landing gear component <NUM>, and first lug <NUM>, until the head <NUM> of pin <NUM> contacts second lug <NUM>. The axial length of pin <NUM> is selected such that when the head <NUM> of pin <NUM> contacts second lug <NUM>, at least, a portion of OD threaded surface <NUM> will extend axially from first lug <NUM>. Nut <NUM> may then be secured to pin <NUM> by threaded engagement between OD threaded surface <NUM> and ID threaded surface <NUM>. Nut <NUM> is rotated about pin <NUM> until a desired torque or "preload" is achieved. Once the desired torque is achieved, nut <NUM> is rotated in the opposite direction until a position of nut grooves <NUM> relative to pin grooves <NUM> corresponds to a position of OD protrusions <NUM> relative ID protrusions <NUM>. In other words, nut <NUM> is rotated until nut grooves <NUM> and pin grooves <NUM> are positioned or aligned in such manner that lock ring <NUM> can be inserted between nut <NUM> and pin <NUM>. In various embodiments, upon achieving the desired torque or "preload," nut <NUM> may be further rotated in the same direction (i.e., in the direction which increases the preload) until the position of nut grooves <NUM> relative to pin grooves <NUM> corresponds to the position of OD protrusions <NUM> relative ID protrusions <NUM>.

In accordance with various embodiments, the number of OD protrusions <NUM> and ID protrusions <NUM> on lock ring <NUM> may be selected based on a desired torque range, as the number of OD protrusions <NUM> and ID protrusions <NUM> on lock ring <NUM> is determinative of the number of degrees of nut <NUM> rotation between positions where nut grooves <NUM> and pin grooves <NUM> are aligned in a manner where lock ring <NUM> can be inserted between nut <NUM> and pin <NUM>. For example, if lock ring <NUM> includes nine OD protrusions <NUM> and eight ID protrusions <NUM>, then nut grooves <NUM> will be in a position relative to pin grooves <NUM> that can accept lock ring <NUM> every <NUM>° of rotation of nut <NUM> about pin <NUM>. If lock ring <NUM> includes five OD protrusions <NUM> and four ID protrusions <NUM>, then every <NUM>° of rotation of nut <NUM> about pin <NUM> nut grooves <NUM> will be in a position relative to pin grooves <NUM> that corresponds to the position of OD protrusions <NUM> relative to ID protrusions <NUM>. In various embodiments, the number of OD protrusions <NUM> is different from the number of ID protrusions <NUM>. In various embodiments, the number of OD protrusions <NUM> is at least one greater than the number of ID protrusions <NUM>. Increasing the number of OD protrusions <NUM> and/or ID protrusions <NUM> decreases the number of degrees of nut <NUM> rotation between positions where the orientation of nut grooves <NUM> relative to pin grooves <NUM> corresponds to the position of OD protrusions <NUM> relative to ID protrusions <NUM> (i.e., between positions where lock ring <NUM> may be inserted between pin <NUM> and nut <NUM>).

After lock ring <NUM> is inserted between nut <NUM> and pin <NUM>, retaining ring <NUM> in inserted into retaining ring channel <NUM>. Locating OD protrusions <NUM> in nut grooves <NUM> and ID protrusions <NUM> in pin grooves <NUM> blocks or restricts rotations of nut <NUM> relative to pin <NUM>. Preventing, or limiting, rotation of nut <NUM> about pin <NUM> tends to allow nut locking assembly <NUM> to be employed in landing gear joints that experience increased axial loads.

With combined reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, in various embodiments, at least one of the OD protrusions <NUM> may be configured to facilitate removal of lock ring <NUM> from pin <NUM>. For example, a radial height H1 of OD protrusion 140a may be less than the radial height H2 of the OD protrusions <NUM>. Radial height H1 is measured between radially outward surface 150a of OD protrusion 140a and outer circumferential surface <NUM> of lock ring <NUM>. Radial height H2 is measured between radially outward surface <NUM> of OD protrusions <NUM> and outer circumferential surface <NUM> of lock ring <NUM>. The decreased radial height of OD protrusion 140a increases the radial length of the gap G1 between floor <NUM> of nut groove <NUM> and radially outward surface 150a of OD protrusion 140a, as compared to the radial length of the gap G2 between floor <NUM> of nut groove <NUM> and radially outward surface <NUM> of OD protrusions <NUM>. In various embodiments, an axial thickness T1 of OD protrusion 140a may be less than the axial thickness T2 of the OD protrusions <NUM>. The decreased axial thickness T1 of OD protrusion 140a and the increased gap G1 between radially outward surface 150a of OD protrusion 140a and floor <NUM> of nut groove <NUM> may allow a tool (e.g., a flat-head screwdriver) to be inserted into gap G1, after removal of retaining ring <NUM>, to translate lock ring <NUM> axially away from axially oriented surface <NUM> (<FIG>). In this regard, OD protrusion 140a may facilitate removal of lock ring <NUM> from between nut <NUM> and pin <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, nut locking assembly <NUM>, and in particular the configuration of OD protrusions <NUM> and ID protrusions <NUM>, 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 assembly <NUM> of left landing gear assembly <NUM>. For example, cross bolt nut assembly <NUM> may include a pin <NUM>, a nut <NUM>, cross bolt <NUM>, a lock pin <NUM>. The number of degrees of rotation of nut <NUM> between positions where cross bolt <NUM> may be inserted through nut <NUM> and pin <NUM> tends to be greater than the number of degrees of rotation between positions where lock ring <NUM> of nut locking assembly <NUM> may be inserted. While <FIG> shows left landing gear assembly <NUM> including nut locking assembly <NUM> and cross bolt nut assembly <NUM>, it is further contemplate and understood that in various embodiments, cross bolt nut assembly <NUM> may be replaced by nut locking assembly <NUM>. Replacing cross bolt nut assembly <NUM> with nut locking assembly <NUM> may allow for a pin having a shorter axial length as compared to pin <NUM> and/or for a nut having a shorter axial length as compared to nut <NUM>, as pin <NUM> and nut <NUM> of nut locking assembly <NUM> do not need to accommodate a cross bolt. In this regard, nut locking assembly <NUM> may have a reduced weight and/or decreased axial length as compared to conventional nut assemblies having similar axial load capabilities. Nut locking assembly <NUM> may be employed to secure pins which experience increased axial loading, as lock ring <NUM> has significantly higher capability to resist relative torque between pin <NUM> and nut <NUM> due to the larger total shear area of the lock ring teeth (i.e., OD protrusions <NUM> and ID protrusions <NUM>) versus that of cross bolt <NUM>. In other words, the increased area of contact, or interference, between OD protrusions <NUM> and nut <NUM> and between ID protrusions <NUM> and pin <NUM>, as compared to the area of contact between cross bolt <NUM> and pin <NUM> and cross bolt <NUM> and nut <NUM>, increases the ability of lock ring <NUM> to resist relative torque between pin <NUM> and nut <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, a method <NUM> of a coupling landing gear component is illustrated. In accordance with various embodiments, method <NUM> may comprising locating a pin through a first landing gear component and a second landing component (step <NUM>) and coupling a nut to the pin (step <NUM>).

Method <NUM> further includes inserting a lock ring between the nut and the pin (step <NUM>) and locating a retaining ring in a retaining ring channel defined by the pin (step <NUM>).

With reference to <FIG>, in various embodiments, step <NUM> may 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 (step <NUM>), 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 (step <NUM>).

With combined reference to <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, in various embodiments, step <NUM> may include locating pin <NUM> through first landing gear component <NUM> and second landing gear component <NUM> such that OD threaded surface <NUM> of the pin extends axially from first lug <NUM> of first landing gear component <NUM> and head <NUM> of pin <NUM> abuts second lug <NUM> of first landing gear component <NUM>.

Step <NUM> may include coupling nut <NUM> to pin <NUM> by forming a threaded engagement between ID threaded surface <NUM> of nut <NUM> and OD threaded surface <NUM> of pin <NUM>. Step <NUM> may include inserting lock ring <NUM> between nut <NUM> and pin <NUM>. Step <NUM> may include locating retaining ring <NUM> in retaining ring channel <NUM> defined by pin <NUM>.

With combined reference to <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, in various embodiments, step <NUM> may include rotating nut <NUM> about pin <NUM> until a positioning of nut grooves <NUM> (i.e., radially outward extending grooves formed in nut <NUM>) relative to pin grooves <NUM> (i.e., radially inward extending grooves formed in pin <NUM>) corresponds to a positioning of OD protrusions <NUM> relative to ID protrusions <NUM>. Step <NUM> may include translating lock ring <NUM> axially along pin <NUM> until OD protrusions <NUM> are located in nut grooves <NUM> and ID protrusions <NUM> are located in pin grooves <NUM>.

However, the benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any elements that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as critical, required, or essential features or elements of the invention.

The scope of the invention is accordingly to be limited by nothing other than the appended claims, in which reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean "one and only one" unless explicitly so stated, but rather "one or more.

For example, steps that may be performed concurrently or in different order are illustrated in the figures to help to improve understanding of embodiments of the present invention.

Claim 1:
A nut locking assembly, comprising:
a pin (<NUM>) including an outer diameter threaded surface (<NUM>) and a plurality of radially inward extending grooves (<NUM>) formed between the outer diameter threaded surface and an end of the pin;
a nut (<NUM>) including an inner diameter threaded surface (<NUM>) and a plurality of radially outward extending grooves (<NUM>) formed between the inner diameter threaded surface and an axial end (<NUM>) of the nut, wherein the plurality of radially outward extending grooves (<NUM>) is formed in an inner circumferential surface (<NUM>) of the nut;
a lock ring (<NUM>) including a plurality of outer diameter protrusions (<NUM>) and a plurality of inner diameter protrusions (<NUM>); and
a retaining ring (<NUM>) located between the lock ring and the end of the pin, wherein the retaining ring is located in a retaining ring channel defined by an outer circumferential surface (<NUM>) of the pin, and
wherein the retaining ring channel includes a first axially oriented wall (<NUM>) and a second axially oriented wall (<NUM>), the second axially oriented wall being oriented toward the first axially oriented wall, and
wherein an axial thickness (T) of the lock ring is greater than an axial length (<NUM>) of the outer circumferential surface (<NUM>) of the pin, the axial length of the outer circumferential surface being measured between the first axially oriented wall of the retaining ring channel and an axially oriented surface (<NUM>) of the pin, and
wherein the retaining ring applies a biasing force, in an axial direction, against the lock ring.