Aircraft Axle End Fitting Contactless Sensor Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aircraft axle end equipment requires dismantling of the rotating part and pressure sensor, risking damage to the sensor and its connections during wheel removal.
Innovation Solution
A contactless electromagnetic connection between a sensor on the wheel and the rotating part, allowing for easy disassembly of the rotating part without electrical or mechanical connections, using a first remote connection means with antennae for continuous measurement of wheel speed and tire pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the pressure sensor is connected by a cable to the rotating part, then the sensor can measure tire pressure, but the sensor and connection risk being damaged during wheel dismantling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical cable connection with a contactless electromagnetic connection system. The pressure sensor signal is transmitted via electromagnetic coupling between a first antenna on the fixed part and a second antenna on the rotating part, eliminating physical cables that could be damaged during wheel dismantling operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces electromagnetic fields as an intermediary medium to transfer the pressure sensor signal from the rotating part to the fixed part without direct physical contact. The antenna system acts as a mediator that couples the rotating and fixed components wirelessly, allowing safe disassembly.
2Ease of repair
If the rotating part is dismantled with the pressure sensor connected, then wheel maintenance can be performed, but the connection cable and sensor are at risk of damage
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical cable connection is replaced with an electromagnetic transmission system. The pressure sensor remains mounted on the wheel while its signal is transmitted contactlessly through electromagnetic coupling between antennas, eliminating the vulnerable physical connection during maintenance operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system separates the pressure sensor (mounted on the wheel with the rotating part) from the signal processing unit (in the fixed part) through electromagnetic coupling. This segmentation allows the sensor to remain with the wheel during maintenance while the signal is transmitted wirelessly to the stationary receiver.
3Ease of operation
If a contactless electromagnetic connection is used between the sensor and rotating part, then the sensor can be left on the wheel during disassembly, but additional antenna components are required
Solution Approach 1:
The rotating part serves multiple functions: it carries the pressure sensor, the second antenna for electromagnetic coupling, and the driver for the tachometer. The fixed part similarly integrates the first antenna, tachometer, and pressure sensor reference, reducing the need for separate dedicated components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the pressure sensor signal transmission function with the existing tachometer electromagnetic coupling system. Both the pressure sensor signal and tachometer signals utilize the same antenna infrastructure, merging multiple functions into a unified electromagnetic communication system.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Facilitates easy wheel removal without risking sensor damage, allows independent replacement of the pressure sensor, and segregates electrical and mechanical chains to prevent failure propagation, enabling continuous monitoring and maintenance without disassembly.
Implementation Method 1
The first antenna 106 is connected to a second connector 107 carried by an extension of the sleeve 101... The rotating part comprises a cylindrical part 205 which extends concentrically to the axis of rotation X of wheel 2 and which carries a second antenna 207, also made up of a winding of electrical conductor. This extends opposite the first antenna 106 of the fixed part 100 so that the two antennas are in electromagnetic interaction.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a vehicle axle end fitting, particularly for aircraft, comprising a fixed part (100) intended to be attached to the axle (1) and a rotating part (200) intended to be attached to a wheel (2) carried by the axle. According to the invention, the rotating part includes a first means (209/214) for remote communication with a sensor (211) mounted on the wheel to establish contactless electromagnetic communication between the sensor and the rotating part of the fitting.