Aircraft Brake Cooling Device with Segmented Heat Dissipation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current brake cooling systems for aircraft are inefficient, requiring long cooling times and relying on air ventilation while the vehicle is in motion, which limits rapid rotation and introduces maintenance and safety issues due to pierced carbon-carbon discs.
Innovation Solution
A brake cooling system featuring a conductive ring to absorb heat generated during friction and a thermally coupled portion to dissipate it into ambient air, allowing for effective heat removal even when the vehicle is stopped, without piercing the discs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If air ventilation through pierced holes in carbon-carbon discs is used for cooling, then cooling effect is achieved during vehicle movement, but the discs are weakened implying maintenance and safety issues
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system is segmented into two distinct portions: a first portion (conductive ring) that captures heat from the brake discs, and a second portion that dissipates the captured heat into ambient air. This segmentation allows heat removal without modifying the disc structure, maintaining disc integrity while achieving cooling.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling device acts as an intermediary thermal management system between the brake discs and the ambient environment. Instead of directly venting air through the discs, the cooling device mediates heat transfer by capturing thermal energy from the disc side surfaces and dissipating it separately, thus protecting the discs from structural weakening.
2Temperature
If cooling relies on vehicle movement and air ventilation, then cooling is achieved during displacement, but cooling time is long (30 minutes to 1 hour) limiting rapid rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling device is positioned to capture heat from the brake discs during and immediately after braking operations. By actively managing heat removal in the critical post-braking period when discs are stationary or moving slowly, the system preliminary cools the discs before they need to be rotated again, reducing the overall cooling time and enabling more rapid rotation cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling device provides continuous thermal management by constantly capturing heat from the brake discs whenever they are in operation or cooling down. This continuous action, rather than intermittent cooling dependent on vehicle movement, maintains a steady cooling process that significantly reduces the time required to reach safe operating temperatures for rapid rotation.
3Temperature
If cooling operates substantially when the vehicle is in displacement, then cooling is achieved through rotation, but cooling cannot occur when the vehicle is stopped
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling device is designed to be self-active during vehicle operation, capturing heat from the rotating brake discs through the conductive ring that contacts the disc side surfaces. The system automatically provides cooling service without requiring additional energy input or control mechanisms, and it remains effective whether the vehicle is moving or stationary, as long as the brake discs generate heat through friction.
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
This solution significantly reduces cooling time, improves braking efficiency, and enhances robustness by eliminating the need for pierced discs, while being compact and adaptable for various applications, including aircraft.
Implementation Method 1
configured to capture by irradiation and/or convection the heat generated during the friction by the fixed and movable friction elements
Implementation Method 2
configured to capture by irradiation and/or convection the heat generated during the friction by the fixed and movable friction elements
Implementation Method 3
configured to dissipate the heat captured by the first portion, by convection and/or irradiation, into the ambient air
Implementation Method 4
configured to dissipate the heat captured by the first portion, by convection and/or irradiation, into the ambient air
Implementation Method 5
at least when the brake is activated said main faces facing are in contact in such a way as to generate a friction
Data Source
AI summary
According to an aspect, this invention relates to a cooling device for a disc brake, the device extending in a longitudinal direction and comprising a first portion configured to surround the discs of the brake, intended for being arranged facing the side surfaces of the brake discs and configured to capture, by irradiation and/or convection, the heat generated by the discs during the friction. The cooling device further includes a second portion, secured and thermally coupled to the first portion, offset in the longitudinal direction relative to the first portion, and provided with tins extending radially relative to the longitudinal direction and configured to dissipate the heat captured by the first portion, by convection and/or irradiation, into the ambient air.