Brake cooling components

Abstract

In some examples, the present invention relates to a cooling system including a brake assembly defining a plurality of cooling channels. The brake assembly is configured to be positioned within a wheel cavity of a wheel. The cooling system includes a distributor configured to receive a flow of cooling fluid and supply the cooling fluid to the plurality of cooling channels. One or more cooling channels are configured to receive the cooling fluid and discharge the cooling fluid into the wheel cavity of the wheel. The cooling system may include a fan configured to supply the cooling fluid to the distributor.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to braking systems for vehicles. Background Technology

[0002] Vehicles such as aircraft may use wheel brake assemblies that include a multi-disc brake assembly. For example, such a multi-disc brake assembly may include a stack of discs comprising a plurality of rotor discs engaged with the wheel and a plurality of stator discs interleaved with the rotor discs. The rotor discs and the wheel are configured to rotate about an axle, while the stator discs remain stationary. To decelerate the rotational motion of the rotating wheel, the brake assembly may displace a piston against a pressure plate to compress the rotating rotor discs engaged with the wheel against the stationary stator discs, thereby generating a torque that decelerates the rotational motion of the wheel. In some examples, the rotor discs may engage with the wheel via rotor drive keys positioned on the inner surface of the wheel. In some examples, the stator discs may engage with a stationary torque tube surrounding the axle via splines positioned on the torque tube. In some such examples, the brake assembly may be configured to compress the rotor discs and stator discs between a piston and a backplate supported by the torque tube. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This disclosure describes articles of manufacture, systems, and techniques relating to cooling one or more components of a brake assembly. In the examples described herein, a cooling system is configured to supply a flow of cooling fluid from a fan to a distributor mounted on or otherwise engaged with the brake assembly. When the brake assembly is positioned within the wheel cavity of a wheel, the distributor is configured to supply cooling fluid to a plurality of cooling channels configured to discharge the cooling fluid into the wheel cavity. The cooling channels are configured to discharge the cooling fluid to induce heat transfer from the brake assembly (e.g., the disc stack of the brake assembly) to the cooling fluid. In some examples, the fan may be attached to a strut supporting the wheel and configured to be actuated by an operator within the vehicle (e.g., a pilot within an aircraft). Thus, the cooling system can be configured to allow a pilot or other operator to initiate cooling of the brake assembly without requiring a separate cooling system to be set up and subsequently operated by ground crew.

[0004] In one example, a system includes: a brake assembly configured to be positioned within a wheel cavity of a wheel, wherein the brake assembly defines a plurality of cooling channels; and a distributor configured to receive a flow of cooling fluid and supply cooling fluid to the plurality of cooling channels, wherein at least one of the plurality of cooling channels is configured to receive a portion of the cooling fluid from the distributor and discharge that portion of the cooling fluid into the wheel cavity when the brake assembly is positioned within the wheel cavity.

[0005] In one example, a system includes: a brake assembly configured to be positioned within a wheel cavity of a wheel, wherein the brake assembly defines a plurality of cooling channels; a fan configured to provide a cooling fluid flow; and a distributor including one or more distributor inlets and a plurality of distributor outlets, wherein the distributor is configured to receive a cooling fluid flow from the fan through the one or more distributor inlets and supply a cooling fluid flow to a plurality of cooling channels through the plurality of distributor outlets, wherein each cooling channel is configured to establish a fluid connection with at least one of the distributor outlets, and wherein at least one cooling channel is configured to discharge a portion of the cooling fluid into the wheel cavity.

[0006] This document also describes exemplary techniques for using a cooling system to cool actuator components.

[0007] Details of one or more examples are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the following description. Other features, objects, and advantages will be apparent from the description and drawings, as well as from the claims. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing an exemplary wheel including a wheel cavity.

[0009] Figure 2 It shows including Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of an exemplary wheel and brake assembly.

[0010] Figure 3 This is a schematic plan view illustrating an exemplary cooling system.

[0011] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of a selected cross-section of an exemplary cooling system.

[0012] Figure 5 This is a plan view showing an example of multiple cooling channels defined by the brake assembly.

[0013] Figure 6 This is a plan view illustrating an exemplary flow path of a cooling system.

[0014] Figure 7 This is a perspective view of an exemplary distributor.

[0015] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method for cooling a brake assembly. Detailed Implementation

[0016] This disclosure describes articles of manufacture, systems, and techniques relating to cooling an assembly including a wheel and a brake assembly. The wheel is configured to rotate about a wheel axis. The brake assembly includes a disc stack comprising one or more rotor discs and one or more stator discs. For example, the disc stack may include a plurality of rotor discs interleaved with a plurality of stator discs. The rotor discs are rotatably coupled to the wheel such that rotation of the wheel about a wheel axis causes rotation of the rotor discs about the wheel axis. The stator discs are configured to remain substantially stationary relative to the wheel and the rotor discs. The brake assembly is configured to compress the disc stack to cause engagement of frictional surfaces on the rotating rotor discs and the stationary stator discs, thereby reducing the rotational speed of the rotor discs about the wheel axis. The rotor discs are configured to engage the wheel such that the reduction in the rotational speed of the rotor discs causes a reduction in the speed of the wheel.

[0017] The frictional surfaces of the rotating rotor disk and the stationary stator disk can cause temperature rise in the rotor disk, stator disk, or other components of the brake assembly. In some cases (e.g., after aircraft landing), it may be desirable to supply cooling fluid to the disk stack or other parts of the brake assembly to reduce temperature more quickly. Some wheel and brake assemblies require separate cooling systems (e.g., systems separate from the aircraft) to be set up and operated by ground crew to typically direct cooling fluid flow over the brake assembly. The necessity for ground crew to set up and subsequently operate separate cooling systems can lead to apron delays, negatively impacting the aircraft's ability to complete required flight schedules and negatively affecting airport operational efficiency.

[0018] In the examples described herein, a cooling system for a brake assembly of a vehicle includes: a fan configured to supply cooling fluid (e.g., air); and a distributor configured to distribute the cooling fluid to one or more cooling channels within the brake assembly to reduce temperature. While the cooling system is described with reference to an aircraft, in other examples, the cooling system may be used with other vehicles. The cooling system is integrated with the aircraft (or other vehicle) and is not attached to the vehicle separately by ground crew after the aircraft's landing operation or other operations that result in relatively high brake assembly temperatures. For example, in some examples, the fan and distributor are configured to remain fluidly connected to the cooling channels during brake assembly translation (e.g., during the raising or lowering of the aircraft's landing gear), such that the cooling system requires minimal or no setup to provide cooling to the brake assembly when needed (e.g., after the aircraft lands). In some examples, the cooling system is configured to allow an operator within the vehicle (e.g., a pilot within the aircraft) to actuate the fan to initiate and / or substantially stop the flow of cooling fluid. Therefore, the cooling system can be configured to allow operators and / or airborne control systems to initiate cooling of the brake components in a manner that minimizes or eliminates the need for ground crew to set up and operate a separate cooling system.

[0019] The brake assembly defines multiple cooling channels into which cooling fluid (e.g., air) can be introduced to reduce the temperature of the brake assembly (e.g., the temperature of individual components and / or the temperature within the volume in which the brake assembly is located). These cooling channels can be considered part of a cooling system. The cooling channels are configured to receive cooling fluid at channel inlets and discharge at least a portion of the cooling fluid received in the wheel cavity of the wheel through one or more channel outlets into the wheel cavity. The cooling channels can be configured to direct the discharge substantially toward the brake disc stack to facilitate cooling of the rotor and stator discs. In some examples, the cooling channels are configured to distribute the discharge of cooling fluid at a displacement substantially parallel to (e.g., parallel or within, for example, about 10 degrees) the axial direction of the wheel, so as to distribute the cooling fluid substantially throughout the wheel cavity, for example. This cooling distribution can, for example, provide relatively effective cooling of the brake assembly. In addition to or instead of a direction substantially parallel to the axial direction of the wheel, in some examples, the cooling channels are configured to discharge a portion of the cooling fluid such that this portion of the cooling fluid flows in a direction radially outward from the axis of the wheel.

[0020] One or more cooling channels are defined by one or more structures of the brake assembly that would otherwise exist without a cooling system. For example, one or more cooling channels may be defined by cavities extending within a structure of the brake assembly (e.g., a spline, torque tube, or other component of the brake assembly). Alternatively, one or more cooling channels may be defined by space between a first component (e.g., a spline or other component) that connects to and / or attaches to a second component (e.g., a torque tube or other component) of the brake assembly. Using one or more suitable structures of the brake assembly to define cooling channels reduces the weight load associated with the cooling system. For example, using one or more suitable structures of the brake assembly to define cooling channels reduces the impact of the cooling system's weight on the aircraft's wheels and / or landing gear.

[0021] In some examples, one or more cooling channels are defined by a spline configured to allow translation of one or more stator discs (e.g., in the axial direction of the wheel) when the disc stack is compressed. The spline may, for example, be attached to a torque tube of the brake assembly. The spline may be configured to define a cooling channel within a cavity of the spline, the cooling channel including a channel inlet configured to receive a cooling flow from a cooling fluid source and a channel outlet configured to direct a portion of the cooling flow into one or more channel outlets in the wheel cavity. In some examples, the brake assembly includes a plurality of splines, each defining at least one corresponding cooling channel, wherein each cooling channel is configured to receive a cooling fluid flow from a cooling fluid source and direct a portion of the cooling fluid into the wheel cavity.

[0022] The cooling system includes a distributor configured to receive a flow of cooling fluid from a cooling fluid source and direct the cooling fluid into one or more channel inlets. For example, the distributor may be configured to receive a flow of cooling fluid from a fan and direct the cooling fluid at one or more channel inlets of a cooling channel. In some examples, the distributor includes one or more distributor inlets configured to establish a fluid connection with a fan exhaust port, such that the fan exhaust port injects cooling fluid directly into the distributor. For example, the distributor inlet may be configured to establish a fluid connection with a conduit (e.g., a hose) configured to establish a fluid connection with the fan exhaust port. The distributor may include one or more distributor outlets configured to establish a fluid connection with at least one cooling channel in the cooling channel (e.g., a cooling inlet of the cooling channel), such that the distributor defines a restricted flow path for the cooling fluid to flow from the fan exhaust port to the cooling channel.

[0023] The distributor can be configured to remain substantially stationary relative to the wheel axle and / or a portion of the brake assembly. For example, the distributor can be configured such that translation of one or more portions of the wheel axle and / or brake assembly causes translation of the distributor. In some examples, the distributor can be configured such that it remains substantially stationary relative to the wheel axle and / or brake assembly when the wheel axle and / or brake assembly is translated during the raising or lowering of the aircraft's landing gear. The distributor can be configured to substantially maintain fluid connection between the distributor outlet and the cooling channel inlet during translation of the distributor relative to the wheel axle and / or brake assembly. In some examples, the distributor can be a separate component configured to be attached to the brake assembly. In other examples, the brake assembly can define a portion or all of the distributor such that the distributor is located within an integrated portion of one or more portions of the brake assembly.

[0024] In some examples, a cooling fluid source is configured to be attached to a strut supporting a wheel. The cooling fluid source can have any suitable configuration (such as a fan), which, for ease of description, is referred to herein primarily as an exemplary cooling fluid source. The fan can be configured such that it remains attached to the strut during movement of the strut (e.g., during the raising or lowering of the aircraft's landing gear). The fan can be configured to substantially maintain fluid connection between a fan exhaust port and one or more distributor inlets during strut movement. For example, the fan exhaust port can be configured to be fluidly connected to one or more ducts (e.g., hoses) configured to maintain fluid connection between the fan and the distributor during strut movement. The fan can be, for example, a centrifugal turbofan, configured to supply a flow of cooling fluid (e.g., air) to the distributor via a fan exhaust port defined by a fan housing.

[0025] In the example, the cooling system includes control circuitry configured to actuate a fan. The control circuitry can be configured to cause the fan to generate a flow of cooling fluid toward a distributor, and can be configured to cause the fan to substantially stop generating the airflow toward the distributor. The control circuitry can be configured to receive one or more inputs to cause the fan to generate flow and / or to stop the fan from generating flow. For example, the control circuitry can be configured to receive one or more inputs from a location within the aircraft, such as the cockpit. The control circuitry can be configured to allow a pilot or other operator in the cockpit to actuate the fan to begin supplying cooling fluid to the brake assembly, and is configured to allow the pilot to fix the fan to substantially stop supplying cooling fluid. Thus, the cooling system can be configured to allow the pilot to initiate a flow of cooling fluid toward the brake assembly in a manner that minimizes the need for support actions by the ground crew after the aircraft has come to a stop.

[0026] Figure 1This is a perspective view showing an exemplary wheel 10. In some examples, wheel 10 is part of an aircraft vehicle. In other examples, wheel 10 may be part of any other vehicle, such as any land vehicle or other vehicle. Figure 1 In the example shown, wheel 10 includes a wheel rim 12 defining an outer surface 14 and an inner surface 16. Wheel rim 12 includes a manhole 18 and a wheel hub 20. In some examples, the inner surface 16 may include the inner diameter of the manhole 18 of wheel 10. For example, in some cases, the inner surface 16 may be referred to as the inner diameter surface of wheel 10. The inner surface 16 and wheel hub 20 may define a wheel cavity 22 (e.g., volume) between the inner surface 16 and the wheel hub 20. In some examples, a tire (not shown) may be mounted on the outer surface 14 of rim 12. Wheel 10 may include an inner bead seat 24 and an outer bead seat 26 configured to retain the tire on the outer surface 14 of rim 12. In the example, wheel 10 may include an inner section 28 (e.g., including the inner bead seat 24) and an outer section 30 (e.g., including the outer bead seat 26). Wheel 10 is configured to rotate about an axis of rotation A. The axial direction A1 of wheel 10 is parallel to the axis of rotation A and has a direction from the inner section 28 toward the outer section 30. In the example, the axial direction A1 is the outer direction of wheel 10, and the direction opposite to the axial direction A1 is the inner direction of wheel 10.

[0027] The wheel 10 includes a plurality of rotor drive keys 32, such as rotor drive keys 34 and rotor drive keys 36, on an inner surface 16 of the wheel 10. In some examples, each of the plurality of rotor drive keys 32 extends in a substantially axial direction of the wheel 10 (e.g., in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation A). The plurality of rotor drive keys 32 (“rotor drive keys 32”) and the inner surface 16 are configured to be substantially stationary relative to each other, such that when the wheel 10 (and the inner surface 16) rotates about the axis of rotation A, each of the rotor drive keys (e.g., rotor drive keys 34, 36) translates in a closed path about the axis of rotation A. Thus, when the wheel 10, the inner surface 16, and the rotor drive keys 32 rotate about the axis of rotation A, a force acting in the opposite direction of rotation on one or more of the rotor drive keys 32 acts to slow down or stop the rotation. As will be discussed, the rotor drive keys 32 may be configured to receive torque from a braking system (not shown) configured to reduce and / or stop the rotation of the wheel 10. The rotor drive key 32 may be integrally formed with the inner surface 16, or it may be separate from the inner surface 16 and mechanically attached to the inner surface.

[0028] Figure 2This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the wheel 10 and the exemplary brake assembly 40. The wheel 10 includes a wheel rim 12, an outer surface 14, an inner surface 16, a wheel cavity 22, a wheel hub 20, an inner bead seat 24, an outer bead seat 26, an inner section 28, an outer section 30, and a rotor drive key 34. Figure 2 A wheel rim 12 is shown as a split rim wheel, wherein lug bolts 42 and lug nuts 44 connect the inner section 28 and the outer section 30; however, in other examples, the wheel rim 12 may utilize other configurations (e.g., a solid rim).

[0029] Wheel 10 is configured to rotate about axis A extending through axial assembly 45. Axial assembly 45 is configured to support wheel 10 while allowing wheel 10 to rotate about axis A using bearings 46 and 48. For example, bearings 46 and 48 may define a substantially circular track about axial assembly 45. Torque tube 50 is coupled to axial assembly 45 such that when wheel 10 rotates about axial assembly 45 and axis A, torque tube 50 remains substantially rotationally stationary. Torque tube 50 may at least partially surround the exterior of axial assembly 45. Axial assembly 45 may be mechanically coupled to strut 11 ( Figure 3 (e.g., landing gear struts), which are attached to the vehicle.

[0030] exist Figure 2 In the example shown, brake assembly 40 is positioned within wheel 10 and configured to engage main torque tube 50 and rotor drive key 34. Brake assembly 40 is configured to generate torque to resist rotation of wheel 10 about axis A and transmit that torque to rotor drive key 34, thereby reducing and / or eliminating rotation of wheel 10 about axis A. Brake assembly 40 includes a disc stack 52 comprising one or more rotor discs (e.g., rotor discs 54, 55, 56, 57) and one or more stator discs (e.g., stator discs 60, 61, 62). Rotor discs 54, 55, 56, 57 and / or stator discs 60, 61, 62 may have any suitable configuration. For example, rotor discs 54, 55, 56, 57 and / or stator discs 60, 61, 62 may each be a substantially annular disc surrounding axial assembly 45. Stator discs 60, 61, and 62 are connected to torque tube 50 via spline 63 and remain stationary with respect to torque tube 50 (and axial assembly 45) as wheel 10 rotates. Rotor discs 54, 55, 56, and 57 are rotatably connected to rotor drive key 34 and inner surface 16 and rotate substantially synchronously with wheel 10 about axis A.

[0031] Actuator 64 is configured to compress the disc stack 52 so that the friction surfaces of rotor discs 54, 55, 56, 57 contact the friction surfaces of stator discs 60, 61, 62, thereby generating a shear force between the discs. The shear force causes the rotor discs 54, 55, 56, 57 to exert torque on the rotor drive key 34 in opposition to the rotation of wheel 10. In some examples, actuator 64 is configured to compress the disc stack 52 using pressure plate 65. Actuator 64 is configured to translate piston 68 relative to the body 67 of actuator 64 to compress the disc stack 52. Actuator 64 can translate piston 68 using any suitable method. In some examples, actuator 64 is configured to cause translation of piston 68 by supplying and / or discharging pressurized hydraulic fluid from piston chamber. Alternatively, in some examples, actuator 64 is configured to translate piston 68 by motion (e.g., rotational motion) generated by an electric motor. Figure 2 In the example shown, actuator 64 is configured to abut against backplate 53 and compress disk stack 52.

[0032] The housing 71 is configured to partially or completely cover and / or protect one or more components of the brake assembly 40, such as the actuator body 67. The housing 71 may be configured to attach to the torque tube 50 and / or another component of the brake assembly 40 that is configured to remain substantially stationary relative to the torque tube 50. In some examples, the housing 71 is configured to extend at least partially to the outside of the wheel cavity 22 on one side of the wheel 10, including the inner section 28 (e.g., the inner side surface of the wheel 10).

[0033] When actuator 64 compresses disk stack 52, the shear forces generated between rotor disks 54, 55, 56, 57 and stator disks 60, 61, 62 act to convert kinetic energy (e.g., that of an aircraft) into thermal energy. Disk stack 52 can act as a radiator to absorb some of the thermal energy, resulting in an increase in temperature of rotor disks 54, 55, 56, 57 and / or stator disks 60, 61, 62. In this example, disk stack 52 acts as a radiator to absorb most of the thermal energy. The increased temperature can accelerate oxidation and reduce the braking performance and lifespan of brake assembly 40. In some cases, after operating brake assembly 40, it may be necessary to cool brake assembly 40 (e.g., disk stack 52) to ensure sufficient braking power is available before subsequent operations. For example, after an aircraft lands, when the aircraft is parked, forced convection cooling may be provided to brake assemblies such as brake assembly 40 to reduce the temperature of disk stack 52 before subsequent operations (e.g., during a planned takeoff and / or taxiing). In some cases, such as when ground crew must set up and operate a cooling system that is substantially separate from the brake assembly 40 and wheels 10 (e.g., the fan or other components are physically separated from the aircraft) before forced convection cooling begins, the need for brake cooling may cause delays on the aircraft's parking area.

[0034] The cooling system described herein is configured to be attached to and remain attached to the aircraft, such that airport ground crew do not need to configure a separate brake cooling system to cool the brake assembly 40 after landing operations or other aircraft ground operations that cause heating of the brake assembly 40. The cooling system includes: a fan configured to generate a flow of cooling fluid; and a distributor configured to deliver cooling fluid to one or more cooling channels defined by the brake assembly. The distributor may be configured to remain substantially stationary relative to the wheel axles and / or the brake assembly, and the fan may be configured to remain substantially stationary relative to a portion of the vehicle (such as an aircraft strut). The cooling system may be configured to substantially maintain a restricted flow path (e.g., using hoses) for the cooling fluid from the exhaust section of the fan to the distributor when the distributor moves relative to the fan (e.g., during the raising or lowering of the aircraft landing gear). The cooling system includes control circuitry configured to control the fan. The control circuitry can be configured to allow an operator in or away from the aircraft to initiate and / or substantially stop the cooling flow from the fans, enabling the operator to initiate and / or substantially stop brake cooling in a manner that minimizes the need for support actions by the ground crew after the aircraft has come to a stop.

[0035] Wheel 10 can be used with any kind of private, commercial, or military aircraft or other type of vehicle. Wheel 10 can be mounted to the vehicle using, for example, bolts 47 and / or bolts 49 or some other fastening device. Axial assembly 45 can be mounted on a strut of landing gear (not shown) or other suitable component of the vehicle to connect wheel 10 to the vehicle. Wheel 10 can rotate about axis A and axial assembly 45 to apply motion to the vehicle. Wheel 10 has been shown and described to provide context for the brake assembly described herein; however, in other examples, the brake assembly described herein can be used with any suitable wheel assembly.

[0036] Figure 3 An exemplary cooling system 70 is schematically shown, which is configured to cool the wheel cavity 22 of the wheel 10. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The brake assembly 40 within the brake provides brake cooling. Figure 3 An exemplary environment in which the cooling system 70 can be used is shown, and specifically, a tire 69 is shown mounted on the inner bead seat 24 and the outer bead seat 26 of the wheel 10. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The outer surface 14 between the two axes is supported. The strut 11 is configured to support an axle (not shown) extending through the axial assembly 45, wherein the axle is configured to allow the wheel 10 to rotate about axis A. The cooling system 70 includes a fan 72, a duct 75, and a distributor 78. The fan 72 is configured to generate a cooling fluid flow in a direction from the fan inlet section 73 toward the fan exhaust section 74. The fan 72 may be mounted to the strut 11 and is configured to remain stationary relative to the strut 11 even during aircraft operations (e.g., landing and taxiing).

[0037] The conduit 75 (e.g., a hose) includes a conduit inlet 76 and a conduit outlet 77 and defines a restricted fluid flow path between the conduit inlet 76 and the conduit outlet 77. The conduit inlet 76 establishes a fluid connection with the fan exhaust section 74, such that the conduit 75 provides a restricted flow path for cooling fluid to flow through the fan exhaust section 74. The conduit outlet 77 establishes a fluid connection with the distributor 78. Thus, the cooling system 70 is configured to define a restricted flow path for cooling fluid to flow from the fan exhaust section 74 to the distributor 78.

[0038] Fan 72 is configured to generate a cooling fluid flow from fan inlet section 73 toward fan exhaust section 74. In an example, fan 72 includes a rotating assembly of blades configured to rotate about an axis of fan shaft. Fan 72 may include a housing configured to surround the blades and / or define fan inlet section 73 and fan exhaust section 74. For example, fan 72 may be an axial fan, a centrifugal (e.g., radial) fan, a cross-flow (e.g., through-flow) fan, or a combination thereof. In some examples, fan 72 is a turbofan. Fan 72 may include an impeller configured to increase the pressure of the cooling fluid flowing from fan inlet section 73 to fan exhaust section 74. The impeller may be configured to, for example, cause compression of the cooling fluid (e.g., against the fan housing) to generate the flow from fan inlet section 73 to fan exhaust section 74. The impeller may be configured to generate one or more compression stages. In the example, the impeller may be configured to cause an acceleration of the flow of cooling fluid (e.g., in a direction substantially parallel to the fan axis) to generate a flow from the fan inlet section 73 to the fan exhaust section 74.

[0039] Distributor 78 is configured to deliver the cooling fluid flow generated by fan 72 to a plurality of cooling channels defined by brake assembly 40. These plurality of cooling channels are configured to be located in wheel cavity 22 ( Figure 1 and Figure 2 The cooling channels distribute cooling fluid within the brake assembly 40 to provide cooling to one or more components (e.g., disc stack 52). In some examples, the multiple cooling channels may be configured to distribute the cooling fluid flow over a displacement substantially parallel to the axis A of the wheel 10. Alternatively, in the examples, the multiple cooling channels are configured to discharge the cooling fluid flow in a direction radially outward from axis A.

[0040] exist Figure 3In the example shown, the cooling system 70 includes control circuitry 79 configured to control fan 72. Control circuitry 79 may be configured to receive an activation signal (e.g., via communication link 80) and cause fan 72 to generate a cooling fluid flow. Control circuitry 79 may also be configured to receive a fan deactivation signal (e.g., via communication link 80) and cause fan 72 to stop generating a cooling fluid flow. In some examples, activation and / or deactivation may be triggered by an operator using a user interface 81 (e.g., a switch, button, or other input mechanism) configured to generate activation or deactivation signals (e.g., via communication link 83). Therefore, in some examples, an operator may use cooling system 70 to trigger brake cooling and / or brake cooling to brake assembly 40. For example, when wheel 10 is mounted to an aircraft, the operator may choose to trigger brake cooling of brake assembly 40 after the aircraft has landed. Therefore, the cooling system 70 can reduce and / or eliminate apron delays caused when ground crew must set up and operate the cooling system, which is substantially separate from the brake assembly 40 and wheels 10.

[0041] The cooling system 70 can be configured such that when the wheel 10 and axle A are translated (e.g., during the raising or lowering of the aircraft's landing gear), the fan 72, duct 75, and distributor 78 remain fluidly connected to a plurality of cooling channels, such that the cooling system requires minimal or no setup to provide cooling to the brake assembly 40 when needed (e.g., after the aircraft lands, or when the landing gear is raised, or at some other time).

[0042] Figure 4 A cooling system 70 is schematically shown, configured to provide a flow of cooling fluid (e.g., air) to a cooling passage 85 defined by the brake assembly 40. The cooling system 70 may be located within a wheel cavity (e.g., wheel cavity 22 of wheel 10). Figure 4 Also shown is a portion of the brake assembly 40 including a disc stack 52 and a torque tube 50. The disc stack 52 is configured to be compressed between a pressure plate 65 and a back plate 53 (e.g., by an actuator 64). Figure 2 Torque tube 50 supports disc stack 52, pressure plate 65, and back plate 53. Torque tube 50 is configured to remain stationary while wheel 10 rotates about axis A. Figure 4 In the image, portions of the disk stack 52, torque tube 50, and cooling system 70 are shown as having cross-sections parallel to the cut plane of the page.

[0043] Rotor disks 54, 55, 56, and 57 are configured to rotate substantially synchronously with wheel 10. In some examples, each of rotor disks 54, 55, 56, and 57 includes a plurality of drive slots configured to engage a plurality of rotor drive keys 32 of wheel 10 to induce rotation. Each of rotor disks 54, 55, 56, and 57 may include a plurality of drive slots on the outer periphery of the respective rotor disk 54, 55, 56, and 57. For example, rotor disk 54 includes drive slot 82, rotor disk 55 includes drive slot 84, rotor disk 56 includes drive slot 86, and rotor disk 57 includes drive slot 88. Drive slots 82, 84, 86, and 88 are configured to engage rotor drive keys (e.g., rotor drive key 34). Figure 1 and Figure 2 This is to make the rotor disks 54, 55, 56, and 57 rotate substantially synchronously with the wheel 10.

[0044] Stator disks 60, 61, and 62 are configured to remain substantially stationary relative to the torque tube 50 while the rotor disks 54, 55, 56, and 57 rotate. Each stator disk 60, 61, and 62 may include a plurality of spline slots configured to engage the spline 63 of the torque tube 50 to substantially keep the stator disks 60, 61, and 62 stationary relative to the rotor disks 54, 55, 56, and 57. That is, stator disks 60, 61, and 62 are configured not to rotate when the rotor disks 54, 55, 56, and 57 rotate. Each stator disk 60, 61, and 62 may include a plurality of spline slots on the inner periphery of the respective stator disk 60, 61, and 62. For example, stator disk 60 includes spline slot 90, stator disk 61 includes spline slot 92, and stator disk 62 includes spline slot 94. Spline slots 90, 92, and 94 are configured to engage spline 63 so that stator discs 60, 61, and 62 remain substantially stationary relative to wheel 10 and rotor discs 54, 55, 56, and 57.

[0045] Cooling system 70 is configured to receive a flow of cooling fluid (e.g., air) and direct the flow of cooling fluid into a wheel cavity (e.g., wheel cavity 22 of wheel 10), which may be defined by an inner section 28 of wheel 10. For example, cooling system 70 may be configured to receive a flow of cooling fluid F and discharge the flow of cooling fluid F within wheel cavity 22. In an example, cooling system 70 is configured to discharge cooling fluid to induce heat transfer from brake assembly 40 (e.g., disc stack 52) to the discharged cooling fluid, thereby facilitating cooling of brake assembly 40. Cooling system 70 may be configured to allow the discharged cooling fluid to exit wheel cavity 22 after heat transfer to the cooling fluid, such that the cooling fluid substantially transfers heat from one or more components of brake assembly 40 to wheel cavity 22 and the ambient atmosphere surrounding wheel 10. In some examples, cooling system 70 is configured to establish an exhaust section with a fan (e.g., fan exhaust section 74). Figure 3 The fluid connection between the cooling system 70 and the fan exhaust port allows the cooling system 70 to substantially define a forced convection cooling path from the fan exhaust port to one or more portions of the brake assembly 40 within the wheel cavity 22.

[0046] Cooling system 70 is configured to receive a cooling fluid flow F using distributor 78 and deliver the cooling fluid flow F to one or more cooling channels (such as cooling channel 85) defined by brake assembly 40. Cooling channel 85 is configured to receive a portion of the cooling fluid and discharge that portion of the cooling fluid into a wheel cavity (e.g., wheel cavity 22 of wheel 10). Cooling channel 85 may be configured to discharge that portion of the cooling fluid to induce heat transfer from brake assembly 40 (e.g., disc stack 52) to the discharged cooling fluid. Cooling channel 85 may be one of a plurality of cooling channels defined by brake assembly 40 and is configured to receive and distribute a portion of the cooling fluid from distributor 78. In an example, brake assembly 40 is configured to define each of the cooling channels at separate locations on a periphery substantially surrounding axis A, such that each cooling channel distributes a portion of the cooling fluid from a separate point on the periphery. The cooling channels may, for example, be uniformly distributed around axis A or non-uniformly distributed around axis A.

[0047] Distributor 78 is configured to receive cooling fluid via one or more distributor inlets (such as distributor inlet 102). Distributor 78 is configured to direct at least a portion of the cooling flow from distributor inlet 102 to one or more distributor outlets (such as distributor outlet 104). In some examples, distributor 78 includes manifold 106 configured to establish fluid communication from distributor inlet 102 to distributor outlet 104. Manifold 106 may be configured to restrict the cooling fluid flow F, such that substantially all (e.g., within the full or almost full range permissible by manufacturing) of the cooling fluid flow F entering distributor 78 via one or more distributor inlets (e.g., distributor inlet 102) is discharged through one or more distributor outlets (e.g., distributor outlet 104). In some examples, distributor 78 is configured to establish a fluid connection (e.g., using a hose) with an exhaust section of a fan, such that distributor 78 defines a restricted flow path from the exhaust section to one or more distributor outlets.

[0048] In some examples, distributor 78 is configured such that translation of the axis A of wheel 10 and / or a portion of brake assembly 40 (e.g., torque tube 50) causes translation of distributor 78. For example, distributor 78 may be configured such that when wheel 10 and / or brake assembly 40 is translated during the raising or lowering of the aircraft's landing gear, distributor 78 remains substantially stationary relative to axis A and / or that portion of brake assembly 40. In an example, distributor 78 is configured to substantially maintain one or more distributor inlets (e.g., distributor inlet 102) relative to the exhaust section of the fan (e.g., fan exhaust section 74) when distributor 78 is translated together with that portion of wheel 10 and / or brake assembly 40. Figure 3 Fluid connection between ))

[0049] In some examples, distributor 78 may be configured to conform to a portion of brake assembly 40 such that brake assembly 40 keeps distributor 78 substantially stationary relative to torque tube 50. For example, distributor 78 may be configured to be positioned such that a portion of housing 71 resides between distributor inlet 102 and distributor outlet 104. Distributor 78 may be configured to reside between housing 71 and torque tube 50. In some examples, distributor 78 is a substantially separate component configured to be attached to brake assembly 40. In other examples, brake assembly 40 defines a portion or all of distributor 78 such that distributor 78 is an integrated part of brake assembly 40.

[0050] Distributor 78 may be configured such that manifold 106 extends at least partially or completely around axis A. Distributor 78 may be configured to define each of one or more distributor outlets at separate locations on a periphery substantially surrounding axis A, such that distributor 78 distributes cooling fluid flow F at various points on the periphery. For example, when cooling passage 85 is one of a plurality of cooling passages defined around axis A, distributor 78 may be configured such that each of one or more distributor outlets provides cooling fluid to at least one of the cooling passages. In some cases, each distributor outlet provides cooling fluid to a corresponding cooling passage. In the example, each distributor outlet (e.g., distributor outlet 104) is configured to provide fluid connection to at least one cooling passage (e.g., cooling passage 85).

[0051] Cooling passage 85 is configured to receive a portion of cooling fluid from distributor 78 via one or more passage inlets (such as passage inlet 108), guide the cooling fluid flow from passage inlet 108 to one or more passage outlets 109 (such as passage outlets 110, 112, 114, 116), and discharge this portion of cooling fluid into wheel cavity 22 via one or more passage outlets 109. Cooling passage 85 is shown in cross-section, with the cutting plane parallel to the page. Cooling passage 85 may define any number of cooling outlets and may be configured to discharge cooling fluid through any combination or all of the defined cooling outlets. In an example, cooling passage 85 defines a conduit extending substantially parallel to axis A of wheel 10. In some examples, cooling passage 85 is configured such that passage outlets 110, 112, 114, 116 distribute the cooling fluid received via passage inlet 108 at a displacement substantially parallel to axis A of wheel 10. Furthermore, in some examples, the cooling channel 85 is configured to distribute the cooling fluid received via the channel inlet 108 in a displacement substantially parallel to axis A and in a direction radially outward from axis A.

[0052] Channel outlets 110, 112, 114, and 116 are configured to discharge a portion of the cooling fluid to induce heat transfer from the brake assembly 40 (e.g., disc stack 52) to the discharged cooling fluid. Channel outlets 110, 112, 114, and 116 may be configured to discharge a portion of the cooling fluid such that the cooling fluid contacts the surface of the brake assembly 40. For example, channel outlets 110, 112, 114, and 116 may be configured to establish an impinging flow, crossflow, or some other flow geometry of the cooling fluid relative to the surface of the brake assembly 40. In this example, channel outlets 110, 112, 114, and 116 are configured to direct the discharge of cooling fluid substantially toward the disc stack 52 to facilitate cooling of one or more of the rotor discs 54, 55, 56, 57 and / or stator discs 60, 61, 62. In the example, channel outlets 110, 112, 114, and 116 are configured to guide the discharge of cooling fluid so that the cooling fluid flows radially outward from the axis A of the wheel 10. Cooling channel 85 may define one or more channel outlets configured to discharge cooling fluid in any suitable direction, including radially outward and / or inward from axis A, substantially parallel to axis A, substantially perpendicular to axis A, or some other direction relative to axis A.

[0053] The cooling passage 85 can be defined by any suitable structure. In examples, the cooling passage 85 is defined by a spline 63, such that the cooling passage 85 is a cavity defined by the spline 63. In these examples, the spline 63 may define a passage inlet 108 to receive a cooling flow and define passage outlets 110, 112, 114, 116, which are configured to guide that portion of the cooling flow into the wheel cavity 22. The spline 63 may be integrally formed with and defined by the outer surface of the torque tube 50, or it may be separate from and mechanically attached to the torque tube 50. In some examples, the cooling passage 85 is defined by a cavity extending through the spline 63 and / or the torque tube 50. Alternatively, in some examples, the cooling passage 85 is defined between a portion of the spline 63 and the torque tube 50. In some examples, the spline 63 is mechanically attached to the torque tube 50, and the cooling passage 85 is defined by a cavity extending through the spline 63 and / or the torque tube 50.

[0054] exist Figure 5 An example of this configuration is shown below. Figure 5 A cooling system 70, comprising a portion of a wheel 10 and a brake assembly 40, is shown. Figure 5 The inner surface 16 of the wheel 10, the wheel cavity 22, and a plurality of rotor drive keys 32 (including rotor drive keys 34 and rotor drive keys 36) are schematically shown. Figure 5The torque tube 50 of the brake assembly 40 and a plurality of splines 118 (including splines 63A, 63B, and 63C) are shown. The axis A of the wheel 10 is shown perpendicular to the page, and the axial direction A1 enters the page. A plurality of rotor drive keys 32 and a plurality of splines 118 are configured to engage a stack of discs positioned between the inner surface 16 and the torque tube 50 (e.g., stack of discs 52 ( Figure 2 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 )).exist Figure 5 In the image, the wheel 10 and brake assembly 40 are shown as a cross-section, with the cutting plane truncated parallel to the page (e.g., perpendicular to axis A).

[0055] Cooling system 70 includes multiple cooling channels 119. For example, spline 63A defines a cooling channel 85A including a channel inlet 108A. Figure 5 In the example shown, cooling passage 85A is a cavity defined by spline 63A and extends substantially parallel to wheel axis A. Cooling passage 85A defines one or more passage outlets 109A configured to discharge cooling fluid into wheel cavity 22. Cooling passage 85A defines a restricted flow path between passage inlet 108A and one or more passage outlets 109A, such that substantially all cooling fluid entering passage inlet 108A is discharged through one or more passage outlets 109A. One or more passage outlets 109A may be configured to discharge cooling fluid into wheel cavity 22 at a displacement substantially parallel to axis A. One or more passage outlets 109A may be configured to discharge cooling fluid in a radially outward direction of wheel 10 (e.g., from axis A toward inner surface 16). In the example, one or more passage outlets 109A may be configured to discharge cooling fluid in any suitable direction, including radially outward and / or inward from axis A, substantially parallel to axis A, substantially perpendicular to axis A, or some other direction relative to axis A.

[0056] Brake assembly 40 may be configured to define a plurality of cooling channels 119 around a periphery substantially surrounding axis A. For example, spline 63B defines cooling channel 85B, channel inlet 108B, and one or more channel outlets 109B. Spline 63C defines cooling channel 85C, channel inlet 108C, and one or more channel outlets 109C. Any individual spline within the plurality of splines 118 may define a cooling channel, channel inlet, and one or more channel outlets, wherein the cooling channel is configured similarly to cooling channel 85A, channel inlet 108A, and one or more cooling channel outlets 109A. Thus, each cooling channel defined by the plurality of splines 118 may be configured to distribute cooling fluid from a single point on the periphery surrounding axis A into wheel cavity 22. Each cooling channel may be configured to contact the cooling fluid with the disc stack 52 within cavity 22. Figure 2 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 This allows the cooling system 70 to distribute cooling fluid around the periphery of axis A and at multiple displacements substantially parallel to axis A. Each channel inlet can be configured to establish itself with distributor 78. Figure 4 , Figure 5 The fluid connection of the distributor outlet 104 to the cooling system 70 allows the cooling system 70 to distribute fluids at multiple displacements around and / or along axis A by the distributor 78 within the cavity 22 (e.g., from the fan exhaust section 74). Figure 3 The cooling fluid received.

[0057] For example, Figure 6 The cooling flow within the wheel cavity 22 of the wheel 10, generated by the cooling system 70, is shown. The cooling system 70 is configured to allow pressurized cooling fluid flow F (e.g., from the fan exhaust section 74) to... Figure 3 When the fluid is introduced into the distributor inlet 102, it generates a flow within the cooling channel 85. The flow direction of this fluid is generally from... Figure 6 A solid-headed arrow (e.g., arrow 120) indicates this. Cooling passage 85 is configured to receive cooling fluid (e.g., a portion of cooling fluid flow F) from distributor outlet 104 via cooling passage inlet 108.

[0058] The flow of cooling fluid entering the cooling passage 85 can pressurize the cooling passage 85 substantially relative to the wheel cavity 22, causing the cooling fluid to exit through one or more of the passage outlets 110, 112, 114, and / or 116. This in Figure 7 The solid-headed arrow indicates the flow path from cooling channel 85 to wheel cavity 22 through channel outlets 110, 112, 114, and 116. Discharged cooling fluid can flow through wheel cavity 22 via multiple flow paths defined by brake assembly 40 and / or wheel 10. In this example, one or more of channel outlets 110, 112, 114, and 116 are configured to direct cooling fluid toward disk stack 52, causing the cooling fluid to establish an impinging flow, crossflow, or some other flow geometry with one or more components of disk stack 52 (e.g., rotor disks 54, 55, 56, 57 and / or stator disks 60, 61, and 62).

[0059] Cooling system 70 may be configured to allow cooling fluid to flow from cooling channel 85 through wheel cavity 22 and into the environment surrounding wheel 10, such that the cooling fluid flow causes forced convective heat transfer from one or more components within wheel cavity 22 to the surrounding environment. Cooling system 70 is configured to allow cooling fluid to flow through flow paths defined by brake assembly 40, wheel 10, and / or other structures within wheel cavity 22. Cooling system 70 may allow cooling fluid to flow through multiple flow paths substantially simultaneously. For example, cooling system 70 may allow cooling fluid to flow through a space defined by torque tube 50 and disc stack 52 (e.g., arrow 122), a space defined by piston 68 and pressure plate 65 (e.g., arrow 124), and / or a space defined by torque tube 50 and backplate 53 (e.g., arrow 126). In addition to or in lieu of the flow path between the torque tube 50 and the disc stack 52, the cooling system 70 may allow cooling fluid to flow through the space defined by the disc stack 52 and the heat shield 128 surrounding the wheel cavity 22 (e.g., arrow 130) and / or the space defined by the heat shield 128 and the inner surface 16 of the wheel 10 (e.g., arrow 132). The cooling system 70 may also allow cooling fluid to flow through the wheel cavity 22 from the inner section 28 to the outer section 30 (e.g., arrow 134) or from the outer section 30 to the inner section 28 (e.g., arrow 136) via one or more open channels (such as channel 138) between the inner section 28 and the outer section 30 (shown in hidden lines).

[0060] In some examples (e.g., when the disk stack 52 is not compressed by the piston 68), the cooling system 70 may allow cooling fluid to flow between adjacent disks in the disk stack 52. For example, the cooling system 70 may allow cooling fluid to flow between stator disk 60 and rotor disk 54 and / or rotor disk 55, between stator disk 61 and rotor disk 55 and / or rotor disk 56, and / or between stator disk 62 and rotor disk 56 and / or rotor disk 57. Thus, the cooling system 70 may be configured to use any flow path defined within the wheel cavity 22 to allow a portion of the cooling fluid F to flow from one or more of the channel outlets 110, 112, 1114, 116 to the environment outside the wheel 10, thereby inducing forced convective heat transfer from one or more components and / or structures (e.g., brake assembly 40) within the wheel cavity 22 to the environment surrounding the wheel 10.

[0061] Figure 7An exemplary distributor 78 is shown, configured to deliver cooling fluid from a fluid source to one or more cooling passages within a cooling system 70. Distributor 78 includes one or more distributor inlets 140, including distributor inlets 102A-102D. Distributor 78 also includes one or more distributor outlets 142, including distributor outlets 104A-104L. Manifold 106 is configured to define a restricted flow path from distributor inlets 102A-102D to distributor outlets 104A-104L, such that a portion (or all) of the cooling fluid flow entering distributor inlets 102A-102D is discharged through one of the distributor outlets 104A-104L. Each distributor inlet 102A-102D may be configured to provide fluid connection to an exhaust section of a fan. Each distributor outlet 104A to 104L can be configured to provide access to at least one cooling channel (e.g., cooling channel 85A, cooling channel 85B, cooling channel 85C). Figure 5 The distributor 78 can therefore be configured to define a flow of cooling fluid from the fan exhaust section (e.g., fan exhaust section 74) of the fan. Figure 3 The restricted flow path to multiple cooling channels defined by the cooling system 70 (e.g., defined by the brake assembly 40).

[0062] In the example, distributor 78 includes one or more fluid channels configured to establish fluid communication between distributor outlets 104A-104L and manifold 106. For example, distributor 78 may include fluid channel 144 configured to establish fluid communication between manifold 106 and distributor outlet 104C. Distributor 78 may include fluid channel 145 between manifold 106 and distributor outlet 104K. In some examples, distributor 78 includes a fluid channel establishing fluid communication between manifold 106 and one or more of the distributor outlets 104A-104L.

[0063] Distributor 78 may be adapted to a portion of brake assembly 40 (e.g., housing 71). Distributor 78 may engage housing 71 and / or another portion of brake assembly 40 such that translation of the axis A of wheel 10 (e.g., during the raising or lowering of the aircraft's landing gear) causes translation of distributor 78. Distributor 78 may also engage housing 71 and / or another portion of brake assembly 40 such that distributor 78 is substantially stationary relative to axis A of wheel 10. In some examples, distributor 78 is configured to adapt to this portion of brake assembly 40 (e.g., housing 71) such that a flow of cooling fluid received via one or more of distributor inlets 102A to 102D is transported in an outward direction (e.g., in the axial direction A1) of wheel 10 before being discharged through one or more of distributor outlets 104A to 104L. The distributor 78 can be configured such that when the housing 71 is supported by the brake assembly 40, the distributor inlets 102A-102D extend in the inward direction of the wheel 10 (e.g., in the direction opposite to the axial direction A1). In the example, the distributor 78 is configured such that when the housing 71 is supported by the brake assembly 40, the distributor outlets 104A-104L extend in the outward direction of the wheel 10 (e.g., in the axial direction A1).

[0064] The cooling system 70, wheel 10, and brake assembly 40 and their components described herein may be made of any suitable material. For example, the material may be any material that has suitable strength for the intended use of the cooling system 70, wheel 10, brake assembly 40, and their components. In some examples, the material includes metals or metal alloys. For example, the material may include nickel alloys or steel alloys. As an example, the material may include stainless steel.

[0065] The coolant system 70, wheel 10, brake assembly 40, and their components can be formed using any suitable technique. The coolant system 70, wheel 10, brake assembly 40, and their components can be forged, cast, manufactured, produced by additive manufacturing (e.g., 3D printing), extrusion, stretching, or using other suitable methods. In some examples, the coolant system 70, wheel 10, brake assembly 40, and their components can be machined to define the configuration described herein. In other examples, the coolant system 70, wheel 10, brake assembly 40, and their components can be formed substantially without machining.

[0066] The cooling system 70, wheel 10, brake assembly 40, and their components can be formed in any shape. In some examples, two or more components of the cooling system 70, wheel 10, and brake assembly 40 are formed to be physically separate from each other and subsequently joined and / or attached to define the cooling system 70, wheel 10, and brake assembly 40. In other examples, two or more components of the cooling system 70, wheel 10, and brake assembly 40 have an integral body construction, such as being formed as a single unit. In some examples, one or more distributor outlets 142, manifold 106, and one or more distributor outlets 142 are formed to be physically separate from each other and subsequently joined and / or attached to define the distributor 78. In other examples, one or more distributor outlets 142, manifold 106, and one or more distributor outlets 142 have an integral body construction, such as being formed as a single unit.

[0067] The cooling channels described herein (such as cooling channels 85, 85A, 85B, 85C) can be formed within the cooling system 70, brake assembly 40, and / or wheel 10 using any suitable technique. In the example, the first and / or second components are configured to engage and / or attach to define the cooling channels 85, 85A, 85B, 85C. In the example, the first and / or second components of the cooling system 70, brake assembly 40, and / or wheel 10 are configured to engage and / or attach to define the cooling channels 85, 85A, 85B, 85C. In the example, the cooling channels 85, 85A, 85B, 85C can be formed within the cooling system 70, wheel 10, brake assembly 40, and their components by forging, casting, machining, additive manufacturing, extrusion, stretching, or other suitable methods.

[0068] In some examples, wheel 10 may be finished from near-net-shaped forged aluminum and includes axial components and / or wheel rims for assembling brake assembly 40 and / or cooling system 70 onto wheel 10. In other examples, wheel 10 may be manufactured in a different manner. In still other examples, wheel 10 may be obtained rather than manufactured. Wheel 10 may be made of any suitable material. In some examples, wheel 10 includes metal or metal alloy. For example, wheel 10 may include aluminum, nickel alloy, steel alloy (e.g., stainless steel), titanium, carbon composite, or magnesium.

[0069] The brake discs described herein, including rotor discs 54, 55, 56, 57 and stator discs 60, 62, 62, may be made of any suitable material. In some examples, the brake discs described herein may be made of metal or metal alloys (such as steel alloys). In some examples, the brake discs may be made of carbon-carbon composite materials. In some examples, the brake discs may be made of carbon-carbon composite materials with high thermal stability, high wear resistance, and / or stable frictional properties. The brake discs may include carbon materials having multiple carbon fibers and dense material. The carbon fibers may be arranged as a single layer or multiple layers in woven or nonwoven fabrics.

[0070] Control circuitry 79 and other control circuitry described herein may include any suitable arrangement of hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof to perform the techniques attributed to control circuitry 79 herein. For example, control circuitry 79 may include any one or more microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or any other equivalent integrated or discrete logic circuitry and any combination of such components. Control circuitry 79 may be located within a controller housing configured to be positioned adjacent to cooling system 70, brake assembly 40, and / or wheel 10, or configured to remain substantially separate from cooling system 70, brake assembly 40, and / or wheel 10.

[0071] Communication link 80 and / or communication link 83 (“communication links 80, 83”) Figure 3 The communication links described herein, including those described herein, may be hardwired and / or wireless communication links. In some examples, communication links 80, 83 may include a portion of control circuitry 79. Communication links 80, 83 may include wired connections, wireless internet connections, direct wireless connections (such as wireless LAN), Bluetooth, etc. TM Wi-Fi TM And / or infrared connection. Communication links 80 and 83 can utilize any wireless or remote communication protocol.

[0072] User interface 81 may have any suitable configuration. For example, user interface 81 may include switches, buttons, another input mechanism, a speaker configured to receive voice commands from a user, or a display (such as a liquid crystal (LCD), light-emitting diode (LED), or organic light-emitting diode (OLED)). In some examples, user interface 81 may include a touchscreen. User interface 81 is configured to receive user input (e.g., in the form of manipulating a switch and / or pressing one or more buttons on a keypad or via a touchscreen), which may be user input controlling the operation of cooling system 70 (e.g., fan 72). In some examples, user interface 81 is also configured to display information, such as one or more indications providing information about the actuation and / or status of cooling system 70.

[0073] Figure 8 A flowchart illustrating an exemplary technique for cooling brake assemblies is shown. While this technique primarily refers to cooling system 70 and its components (…), Figures 3 to 7 This is described as a separate concept, but in other examples, the technology can be used in conjunction with other cooling systems. Furthermore, control circuitry 79 can be used alone or in combination with control circuitry from other devices. Figure 8 Any part of the technology shown.

[0074] The technique includes receiving a cooling fluid flow in a distributor 78 (150). Distributor 78 may receive a cooling fluid flow in one or more distributor inlets 102, 102A-102D. Distributor 78 may direct the cooling fluid flow to one or more distributor outlets 104, 104A-104L. In some examples, distributor 78 uses manifold 106 to direct the cooling fluid flow. Manifold 106 may define a restricted flow path between distributor inlets 102, 102A-102D and distributor outlets 104, 104A-104L, thereby discharging substantially all of the cooling fluid entering via distributor inlets 102, 102A-102D (e.g., all or nearly all except for accidental loss of cooling fluid) from distributor outlets 104, 104A-104L. The distributor 78 may remain substantially stationary relative to the axis A of the wheel 10 and / or a portion of the brake assembly 40 (e.g., housing 71), such that when the axis A of the wheel 10 and / or that portion of the brake assembly 40 is translated, the distributor 78 translates.

[0075] The cooling fluid flow can be generated using any suitable fluid source, such as fan 72. Fan 72 allows the cooling fluid to flow in a direction from fan inlet section 73 to fan exhaust section 74. Fan exhaust section 74 directs the cooling fluid flow into distributor inlets 102, 102A-102D. In this example, fan exhaust section 74 uses one or more conduits, such as conduit 75, to direct the cooling fluid flow. One or more conduits define a restricted flow path between fan exhaust section 74 and distributor inlets 102, 102A-102D, thereby directing substantially all of the cooling fluid flowing through fan 72 into distributor outlets 102, 102A-102D. When the axle A of wheel 10 and / or a portion of brake assembly 40 (e.g., housing 71) translates relative to a portion of the vehicle (e.g., landing gear strut of an aircraft), fan 72 can remain substantially stationary relative to that portion of the vehicle (e.g., landing gear strut of an aircraft).

[0076] The technique includes using a distributor 78 to supply cooling fluid (152) to one or more cooling channels (such as cooling channels 85, 85A, 85B, 85C) among a plurality of cooling channels 119. The plurality of cooling channels 113 may receive cooling fluid using one or more channel inlets (such as channel inlets 108, 108A, 108B, 108c). The distributor 78 may supply cooling fluid to channel inlets 108, 108A, 108B, 108C using distributor outlets 104, 104A-104L. In the example, one or more distributor outlets 104, 104A-104L establish a fluid connection with at least one channel inlet (such as channel inlets 108, 108A, 108B, and / or 108C) such that the distributor 78 defines a restricted flow path from one or more distributor outlets 104, 104A-104L to at least one channel inlet. In the example, distributor inlets 102, 102A-102D establish a fluid connection with fan exhaust section 74, and each of distributor outlets 104, 104A-104L establishes a fluid connection with at least one channel inlet, such that distributor 78 defines a restricted flow path from fan exhaust section 74 to at least one channel inlet.

[0077] Distributor 78 provides cooling fluid to a plurality of cooling channels 119, which in some examples may be arranged around the periphery of axis A surrounding wheel 10. Distributor 78 may provide cooling fluid to a plurality of cooling channels 119 extending in a direction substantially parallel to axis A. In some examples, distributor 78 provides cooling fluid to a plurality of cooling channels 119 defined by brake assembly 40 within wheel cavity 22 of wheel 10. For example, a plurality of splines 118 connected to and / or attached to torque tube 50 of brake assembly 40 define a plurality of cooling channels 119. The plurality of splines 118 may define channel inlets 108, 108A, 108B, 108C. A spline in the plurality of splines 118 (e.g., spline 63) may be integrally formed with and defined by an outer surface of torque tube 50, or may be separable from and mechanically attached to torque tube 50. In an example, a cavity extending through spline 63 defines cooling channels 85, 85A, 85B, 85C. In the example, a portion of spline 63 and torque tube 50 defines cooling channels 85, 85A, 85B, and 85C.

[0078] The technique includes discharging cooling fluid into the wheel cavity 22 (154) of the wheel 10. Multiple cooling channels 119 allow cooling fluid to be discharged into the wheel cavity 22 using one or more channel outlets 110, 112, 114, 116. Channel outlets 110, 112, 114, 116 discharge cooling fluid to induce heat transfer from the brake assembly 40 to the discharged cooling fluid. Channel outlets 110, 112, 114, 116 discharge this portion of the cooling fluid, allowing the cooling fluid to contact the surface of the brake assembly 40. In the example, channel outlets 110, 112, 114, 116 direct the discharge of cooling fluid toward the disc stack 52 to facilitate cooling of one or more of the rotor discs 54, 55, 56, 57 and / or stator discs 60, 61, 62. In the example, channel outlets 110, 112, 114, 116 allow the cooling fluid to flow radially outward from the axis A of the wheel 10. In the example, channel outlets 110, 112, 114, and 116 allow cooling fluid to flow in a direction radially inward toward axis A, substantially parallel to axis A, substantially perpendicular to axis A, or in some other direction relative to axis A.

[0079] This technology may include using control circuitry 79 to control the operation of fan 72. Control circuitry 79 may receive an activation signal (e.g., via communication link 80) and cause fan 72 to generate a cooling fluid flow. Control circuitry 79 may receive a deactivation signal (e.g., via communication link 80) and cause fan 72 to stop generating a cooling fluid flow. In an example, user interface 81 is engaged by an operator to trigger activation and / or deactivation signals (e.g., via communication link 83). In another example, an operator inside the cockpit of the aircraft triggers the activation and / or deactivation signals.

[0080] In the example, the technique includes maintaining a fluid connection between the fan exhaust section 74 and the duct 75 when the wheel 10 and axle A translate relative to the fan 72 and / or a portion of the vehicle (e.g., during the raising or lowering of the aircraft's landing gear). In the example, the technique includes maintaining a fluid connection between the duct 75 and the distributor inlets 102, 102A-102D when the wheel 10 and axle A translate relative to the fan 72 and / or that portion of the vehicle. In the example, the technique includes maintaining a fluid connection between the distributor outlets 104, 104A-104L when the wheel 10 and axle A translate relative to the fan 72 and / or that portion of the vehicle. The technique may include maintaining a restricted flow path from the fan exhaust section 74 to the plurality of cooling channels 119 when the wheel 10 and axle A translate relative to the fan 72 (e.g., during the raising or lowering of the aircraft's landing gear).

[0081] The technology described in this disclosure, including that attributable to control circuit 79 ( Figure 3Those other control circuits, processing circuits, sensors, or various components may be implemented, at least partially, in hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof. For example, aspects of the technology may be implemented within one or more processors, including one or more microprocessors, DSPs, ASICs, FPGAs, or any other equivalent integrated or discrete logic circuits, and any combination of such components embodied in any suitable device. For example, processing circuits, control circuits, sensing circuits, and other processors, controllers, and sensors described herein may be implemented, at least partially, as or include one or more executable applications, application modules, libraries, classes, methods, objects, routines, subroutines, firmware, and / or embedded code. Furthermore, instead of the partially or entirely digital hardware and / or software described herein, or other than the partially or entirely digital hardware and / or software described herein, analog circuits, components, and circuit elements may be used to construct one, some, or all of the control circuits and sensors. Therefore, analog or digital hardware, or a combination of both, may be employed.

[0082] In one or more examples, the functionality described in this disclosure may be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof. If implemented in software, the functionality may be stored as one or more instructions or code on a computer-readable medium and executed by a hardware-based processing unit. The computer-readable medium may be an article of manufacture comprising a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium encoded with instructions. Instructions embedded or encoded in the article of manufacture (including encoded non-transitory computer-readable storage media) may enable one or more programmable processors or other processors to implement one or more of the techniques described herein, such as when instructions included or encoded in a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium are executed by one or more processors. Exemplary non-transitory computer-readable storage media may include RAM, ROM, programmable ROM (PROM), erasable programmable ROM (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), flash memory, hard disk, optical disk ROM (CD-ROM), floppy disk, magnetic tape, magnetic media, optical media, or any other computer-readable storage device or tangible computer-readable medium.

[0083] In some examples, computer-readable storage media include non-transitory media. The term "non-transitory" can indicate that the storage medium is not embodied in a carrier wave or propagating signal. In some examples, non-transitory storage media may store data that may change over time (e.g., in RAM or cache).

[0084] The functionalities described herein may be provided within dedicated hardware and / or software modules. Describing different features as modules or units is intended to highlight different functional aspects and does not necessarily mean that such modules or units must be implemented by separate hardware or software components. Rather, the functionality associated with one or more modules or units may be performed by separate hardware or software components, or integrated within shared or separate hardware or software components. Furthermore, these techniques may be implemented entirely within one or more circuit or logic elements.

[0085] This disclosure includes the following embodiments.

[0086] Example 1: A system comprising: a brake assembly configured to be positioned within a wheel cavity of a wheel, wherein the brake assembly defines a plurality of cooling channels; and a distributor configured to receive a flow of cooling fluid and supply cooling fluid to the plurality of cooling channels, wherein at least one of the plurality of cooling channels is configured to receive a portion of the cooling fluid from the distributor and discharge that portion of the cooling fluid into the wheel cavity when the brake assembly is positioned within the wheel cavity.

[0087] Example 2: The system according to Example 1, wherein the distributor includes one or more distributor inlets and a plurality of distributor outlets, wherein the distributor is configured to receive cooling fluid in one or more distributor inlets and discharge a portion of the cooling fluid to each distributor outlet, wherein each distributor outlet is configured to establish a fluid connection with one or more cooling channels in the cooling channel.

[0088] Example 3: The system according to Example 1 or 2 further includes a fan configured to supply a cooling fluid flow to the distributor.

[0089] Example 4: The system according to Example 3, wherein the fan includes a fan housing defining a fan exhaust port, and wherein the distributor is configured to establish a fluid connection with the fan exhaust port.

[0090] Example 5: The system according to Example 3 or 4, wherein the fan includes a turbo fan, and the turbo fan includes multiple compression stages.

[0091] Example 6: The system according to any one of Examples 3 to 5, wherein the fan is configured to be attached to a strut, which is configured to support a wheel.

[0092] Example 7: The system according to any one of Examples 1 to 6, wherein the brake assembly includes: a torque tube; and a plurality of splines attached to the torque tube, wherein the plurality of splines define a plurality of cooling channels.

[0093] Example 8: The system according to Example 7, wherein each cooling channel is defined by a cavity within one of a plurality of splines, and wherein a distributor is configured to inject a portion of the cooling fluid into the cavity.

[0094] Example 9: The system according to any one of Examples 1 to 8, wherein at least one channel includes a plurality of channel outlets configured to distribute the portion of the cooling fluid over a displacement substantially parallel to the axis of the wheel.

[0095] Example 10: A system according to any one of Examples 1 to 9, wherein the brake assembly includes a disc stack, and wherein at least one cooling channel is configured to discharge a portion of the cooling fluid toward the disc stack.

[0096] Example 11: The system according to any one of Examples 1 to 10, wherein the distributor includes a manifold configured to receive a cooling fluid flow, wherein the distributor defines a plurality of parallel fluid channels in fluid communication with the manifold, wherein each parallel channel defines a distributor outlet.

[0097] Example 12: The system according to Example 11, wherein the manifold is configured to surround the axis of the wheel.

[0098] Example 13: The system according to Example 11 or 12, wherein the distributor is configured to engage a portion of the brake assembly such that a translation of that portion of the brake assembly parallel to the axis of the wheel causes a translation of the manifold parallel to the axis of the wheel.

[0099] Example 14: The system according to any one of Examples 1 to 13, wherein a plurality of cooling channels are distributed around the axis of the wheel.

[0100] Example 15: A system comprising: a brake assembly configured to be positioned within a wheel cavity of a wheel, wherein the brake assembly defines a plurality of cooling channels; a fan configured to provide a cooling fluid flow; and a distributor including one or more distributor inlets and a plurality of distributor outlets, wherein the distributor is configured to receive a cooling fluid flow from the fan through the one or more distributor inlets and supply a cooling fluid flow to a plurality of cooling channels through the plurality of distributor outlets, wherein each cooling channel is configured to establish a fluid connection with at least one of the distributor outlets, and wherein at least one cooling channel is configured to discharge a portion of the cooling fluid into the wheel cavity.

[0101] Example 16: The system according to Example 15, wherein the fan includes a fan housing defining a fan exhaust port, and wherein the distributor is configured to establish a fluid connection with the fan exhaust port.

[0102] Example 17: The system according to Example 15 or 16, wherein the brake assembly includes: a torque tube; and a plurality of splines attached to the torque tube, wherein the plurality of splines define a plurality of cooling channels.

[0103] Example 18: The system according to Example 17, wherein the brake assembly includes a disc stack, and wherein at least one cooling channel is configured to discharge a portion of the cooling fluid toward the disc stack.

[0104] Example 19: A method comprising: receiving a cooling fluid flow by a distributor; providing a cooling fluid flow by the distributor to a plurality of cooling channels, wherein the plurality of cooling channels are defined by a brake assembly in a wheel cavity of a wheel; and discharging a portion of the cooling fluid into the wheel cavity by the plurality of cooling channels.

[0105] Example 20: The method of claim 19, further comprising using a fan to supply cooling fluid to the distributor.

[0106] Various examples have been described. These and other examples are within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A cooling system, comprising: A brake assembly configured to be positioned within a wheel cavity of a wheel, wherein the brake assembly includes a torque tube and at least one spline positioned on the torque tube, wherein the at least one spline or the at least one spline and the torque tube define a cavity extending within the at least one spline, the cavity defining a cooling passage configured to provide cooling fluid to the wheel cavity, and wherein the cooling passage defines a passage inlet and a plurality of passage outlets; and A distributor configured to receive cooling fluid and supply the cooling fluid to the channel inlet. The cooling channels are configured to distribute the cooling fluid at a displacement substantially parallel to the axis of the wheel when the distributor provides the cooling fluid to the cooling inlet and the brake assembly is positioned within the wheel cavity.

2. The cooling system of claim 1, wherein the brake assembly defines a plurality of cooling channels, wherein the distributor includes one or more distributor inlets and a plurality of distributor outlets, wherein the distributor is configured to receive the cooling fluid in the one or more distributor inlets and discharge a portion of the cooling fluid to each of the plurality of distributor outlets, and wherein each distributor outlet is configured to establish a fluid connection with one or more of the plurality of cooling channels.

3. The cooling system of claim 1 or claim 2, further comprising a fan configured to supply the cooling fluid to the distributor.

4. The cooling system of claim 3, wherein the fan includes a fan housing defining a fan exhaust port, and wherein the distributor is configured to establish a fluid connection with the fan exhaust port.

5. The system of claim 4, wherein the fan is configured to be attached to a strut, the strut being configured to support the wheel.

6. The cooling system of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the brake assembly comprises a disc stack, and wherein the cooling channel is configured to discharge the cooling fluid toward the disc stack.

7. The cooling system of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the distributor is configured to inject the cooling fluid into the cavity when the distributor provides the cooling fluid to the channel inlet.

8. The cooling system of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the distributor is configured to engage a portion of the brake assembly such that translation of the portion of the brake assembly parallel to the axis of the wheel causes translation of the distributor parallel to the axis of the wheel.

9. A cooling method, comprising: The distributor receives the cooling fluid flow; The distributor provides the cooling fluid flow to the channel inlet of a cooling channel of a brake assembly, the brake assembly including a torque tube and a spline positioned on the torque tube, wherein a cavity defined by the spline or by the spline and the torque tube defines the cooling channel, wherein the cavity extends within the spline, and wherein the cooling channel defines a plurality of channel outlets; and When the brake assembly is positioned within the wheel cavity of the wheel, the cooling fluid is discharged from the cooling channels using the plurality of cooling channel outlets at a displacement substantially parallel to the axis of the wheel.

10. The cooling method of claim 9, further comprising using a fan to provide the cooling fluid flow to the distributor.

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