Aircraft Brake Accumulator Layout Without Central Hydraulics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aircraft braking systems are heavy, complex, and inefficient due to multiple energy sources and fluid connections, which can complicate in-flight reliability and require unnecessary components.
Innovation Solution
An aircraft hydraulic braking system utilizing a single hydraulic accumulator as the sole source of pressurized hydraulic fluid, eliminating fluid connections to central systems and preventing in-flight charging, thereby reducing weight and complexity while ensuring reliable operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple energy sources and fluid connections are used in aircraft braking systems, then reliability is improved through redundancy, but weight and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates redundant components from the traditional aircraft braking system. Specifically, it removes the need for multiple energy sources, centralised hydraulic systems, and complex fluid connections by using a self-contained accumulator that stores hydraulic energy locally. This extraction of unnecessary elements reduces system complexity while maintaining the essential braking function through the single accumulator unit.
2Reliability
If multiple energy sources and fluid connections are used in aircraft braking systems, then reliability is improved through redundancy, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates redundant components from the traditional aircraft braking system. Specifically, it removes the need for multiple energy sources, centralised hydraulic systems, and complex fluid connections by using a self-contained accumulator that stores hydraulic energy locally. This extraction of unnecessary elements reduces system complexity while maintaining the essential braking function through the single accumulator unit.
3Adaptability or versatility
If in-flight charging of hydraulic accumulator is permitted, then operational flexibility is improved, but system complexity and certification requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-charging the hydraulic accumulator before flight using ground-based charging systems. The accumulator is filled with hydraulic fluid and pressurised on the ground, and then isolated for the duration of the flight. This eliminates the need for complex in-flight charging mechanisms while ensuring the system is ready for operation, thereby reducing system complexity and certification requirements.
4Adaptability or versatility
If in-flight charging of hydraulic accumulator is permitted, then operational flexibility is improved, but in-flight reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-charging the hydraulic accumulator before flight using ground-based charging systems. The accumulator is filled with hydraulic fluid and pressurised on the ground, and then isolated for the duration of the flight. This eliminates the need for complex in-flight charging mechanisms while ensuring the system is ready for operation, thereby reducing system complexity and certification requirements.
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
The system achieves reduced weight, complexity, and improved reliability by eliminating redundant components and fluid connections, enhancing in-flight safety and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
Aircraft braking systems typically comprise one or more primary energy sources, such as pumps, for operating plural brakes of an aircraft
Data Source
AI summary
An aircraft hydraulic braking system having at least one hydraulic accumulator and a brake actuator. The at least one hydraulic accumulator is the sole source of pressurised hydraulic fluid in the aircraft hydraulic braking system for operating the brake actuator and thereby apply a braking force to a wheel on an aircraft.