Aircraft Wheel Drive Ring Selective Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for driving aircraft wheels in rotation are cumbersome and complex due to the need for a positive connection between the wheel and the motor that cannot be simply neutralized for safety reasons, particularly during phases where the wheel is driving, such as landing.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a toothed drive ring secured to the wheel rim and a drive actuator with an output pinion, featuring selective coupling means that allow the rim to be linked or released from the drive crown, ensuring the motor is protected from overspeeding by allowing free rotational movement when necessary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a positive connection between the wheel and motor is provided for safety reasons, then the motor is protected from overspeeding, but the device becomes cumbersome and complex to manage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the connection between the wheel and motor dynamically changeable rather than fixed. The selective coupling means can be shifted between engaged and disengaged positions, allowing the system to adapt its connection state based on operational requirements. This dynamic capability protects the motor during normal operation while simplifying management during wheel driving phases.
2Productivity
If the coupling means are permanently engaged to drive the wheel, then the motor can drive the wheel in both directions, but the motor cannot be protected from overspeeding during wheel driving phases
Solution Approach 1:
The selective coupling means provides dynamic engagement and disengagement capability, allowing the system to switch between driven and free-rotating states as needed for motor protection while maintaining full driving capability when engaged.
3Reliability
If the coupling means are disengaged to allow free wheel rotation, then the motor is protected from overspeeding, but the wheel cannot be driven by the motor
Solution Approach 1:
The selective coupling means enables dynamic switching between engaged and disengaged states, allowing the system to alternate between motor-driven operation and free wheel rotation based on operational requirements, thus achieving both motor protection and wheel driving capability at different times.
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 solution simplifies the connection management between the aircraft wheel and the motor, protecting the motor from overspeeding while enabling smooth rotation of the wheel without driving the toothed drive crown, thus enhancing safety and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a toothed drive ring secured to the rim of the wheel, and a drive actuator comprising an output pinion which cooperates with the toothed drive ring to drive the wheel in rotation
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device for driving rotation of an aircraft wheel comprising a rim (4) mounted to rotate on an axle (2) of landing gear about an axis of rotation (X), the device comprising a drive ring gear (103) and a drive actuator (101) having an outlet pinion (102) that co-operates with the drive ring gear to drive the wheel in rotation. The drive ring gear is mounted to rotate about the axis of the rim of the wheel, the drive device including selective coupling means (150) that are operable to link the rim and the drive ring gears together in rotation, or to disconnect them.