Aircraft Wheel Drive Member Mounting on Torque Plate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for mounting aircraft wheel drive members on undercarriages require modifications to the brakes or the design of new brakes, making maintenance difficult and limiting the availability of the drive member as an option.
Innovation Solution
A method of mounting the drive member on an undercarriage with a torque plate, using a support that bears against the inside face of the torque plate, allowing the drive member to be fitted without modifying the existing brake or undercarriage architecture, using bolts with a threaded shank and nut for securement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the drive member is fastened directly on the brake ring, then the drive member can be mounted on the undercarriage, but modifications to existing brakes or design of new brakes are required
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is divided into separate components: the existing brake assembly and the new drive member with its own support structure. The support is fitted to the torque plate independently, and the drive member is then fitted to the support, creating modular, independent units that can be manufactured and maintained separately without modifying the brake.
Solution Approach 2:
A support structure acts as an intermediary element between the torque plate and the drive member. This support is fitted to the inside face of the torque plate and provides a mounting surface for the drive member, eliminating the need to modify the brake assembly while enabling drive member installation.
2Ease of operation
If the drive member is integrated with the brake, then mounting is simplified, but maintenance of both elements becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into independent maintainable units: the brake assembly and the drive member with its support structure. This segmentation allows each component to be removed, inspected, and maintained independently, resolving the maintenance difficulty that would result from integration.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the drive member is made as an optional component, then flexibility is improved, but compatibility with existing brakes must be ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure designed according to this patent creates a universal mounting interface that is compatible with existing brake assemblies. By fitting the support to the torque plate (which is part of the existing brake assembly) rather than modifying the brake itself, the drive member can be optionally installed on various undercarriage configurations while maintaining compatibility with existing brakes.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides a method of mounting an aircraft wheel drive member (30) on an undercarriage having an axle (1) that carries the wheel and that is provided with a torque plate (3) having an outside face against which a brake can be fitted, the method comprising the steps of fitting a support (10) that bears against an inside face of the torque plate opposite from its outside face against which a brake (2) is fitted, and of fitting the drive member on the support.