Aircraft Brake Disc Ventilation via Rim-Mounted Compressor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aircraft wheel brake disc ventilation systems occupy valuable space in the axle, compromising the wheel speed sensor's measurement accuracy and obscuring the rim for inspection and access.
Innovation Solution
Integrating a compressor within the torsion tube space between the axle and the brake disc assembly to draw in air and direct it over the brake discs, keeping the axle interior free for the wheel speed sensor and the rim accessible for inspection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a ventilator is arranged in the axle to cool brake discs, then brake disc cooling is improved, but the wheel speed sensor measurement accuracy deteriorates due to the elongated spindle
Solution Approach 1:
The ventilator is extracted from the axle interior and relocated to the rim area. The turbine housing is positioned at the rim with air intake openings, allowing the ventilator to cool the brake discs without occupying axial space. This extraction resolves the conflict by removing the interfering component from the sensor's operational zone while preserving the cooling function.
Solution Approach 2:
The ventilator configuration transitions from an axial arrangement (inside the axle) to a radial arrangement (at the rim). The turbine housing is mounted at the rim with air intake openings facing the rim, utilizing the radial dimension for air intake while directing cooling air axially onto the brake discs. This dimensional change allows simultaneous optimization of sensor accuracy and cooling effectiveness.
2Temperature
If a ventilator is arranged in the axle to cool brake discs, then brake disc cooling is improved, but rim accessibility for inspection and valve access deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The ventilator is extracted from the axle interior and repositioned at the rim, but configured to not obstruct the rim surface. The turbine housing is mounted such that its air intake openings face the rim while leaving the outer rim surface exposed and accessible. This allows visual inspection of the rim and access to the inflation valve without interference from the ventilator structure.
3Temperature
If the axle interior space is occupied by a ventilator, then brake disc cooling is improved, but device complexity increases due to elongated sensor spindle
Solution Approach 1:
The ventilator is extracted from the axle interior and relocated to the rim area, eliminating the need for an elongated sensor spindle. The wheel speed sensor can be mounted in its conventional position on the axle without requiring extended penetration through the ventilator structure. This extraction simplifies the overall device architecture by removing the complex elongated spindle requirement.
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 configuration allows for improved wheel speed sensor accuracy and easier rim inspection by maintaining the axle's interior space and rim accessibility while effectively cooling the brake discs.
Implementation Method 1
integrating a compressor into a space extending inside the torsion tube in order to draw in air beneath the torsion tube and to return the air thus drawn in by the compressor over the torsion tube towards the brake discs
Data Source
AI summary
A method for ventilating discs (11) of a brake (10) fitted to an aircraft wheel (1) having a rim (2) mounted so as to rotate on an axle (4) of a landing gear of the aircraft. The brake discs are threaded onto a torsion tube (12) of the brake which extends around the axle. The method comprises the step of integrating a compressor (20; 30; 40) into a space extending inside the torsion tube in order to draw in air beneath the torsion tube and to return the air thus drawn in by the compressor over the torsion tube towards the brake discs.