Automatic Brake Retention Device with Self-Actuating Key
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aircraft brake assembly retention mechanisms require manual operation, which can be cumbersome and prone to accidental disengagement during maintenance, especially when personnel cannot see the mechanism, leading to potential accidents and damage.
Innovation Solution
An automatic brake assembly retention device that includes a key member with a beveled end and a resilient member, allowing the brake assembly to be automatically retained and released by sliding within a bracket, with intuitive manual operation for maintenance personnel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a manually-operated retention mechanism is used, then the brake assembly can be retained on the axle, but the mechanism is prone to accidental disengagement and requires complex manual operation in confined spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The retention mechanism automatically engages and disengages based on the presence or absence of the wheel, eliminating the need for manual operation. The spring-loaded key member self-actuates to retain the brake assembly when the wheel is present and releases when the wheel is removed, preventing accidental disengagement while simplifying operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the wheel's presence as a feedback signal to automatically control the retention state. When the wheel is installed, it triggers the key member to engage; when removed, it triggers disengagement. This feedback mechanism ensures the brake assembly is retained only when needed and eliminates manual intervention.
2Reliability
If the retention mechanism is located on the inboard side of the brake assembly, then it can retain the brake assembly effectively, but maintenance personnel cannot see the mechanism to operate it safely
Solution Approach 1:
The key member incorporates a visual indicator (such as a colored band or reflective surface) that changes appearance based on the engagement state. When engaged, the indicator shows one state (e.g., green or aligned), and when disengaged, it shows another state (e.g., red or misaligned), allowing maintenance personnel to visually confirm the retention status from a distance.
Solution Approach 2:
A visual indicator acts as an intermediary between the hidden retention mechanism and the maintenance personnel. The indicator translates the internal mechanical state into visible information, allowing operators to monitor and control the mechanism without direct line-of-sight to the mechanism itself.
3Ease of operation
If the key member extends beyond the brake assembly, then it can be easily grasped and operated, but it may be damaged by foreign objects and accidentally disengage
Solution Approach 1:
The key member extends only partially beyond the brake assembly - just enough to be easily grasped and operated, but not excessively far to avoid exposure to foreign objects. This partial extension strikes the optimal balance between operability and protection from damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded design provides a cushioning effect that absorbs accidental impacts from foreign objects. If the key member is struck, the spring allows controlled movement rather than immediate disengagement, providing a buffer that prevents harmful accidental release while still allowing intentional operation.
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 automatic retention device ensures secure engagement and easy release of the brake assembly, reducing the risk of accidental disengagement and damage, while being intuitive and safe for maintenance personnel to operate.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient member (e.g., a spring) that biases the key member to extend over the extension surface
Data Source
AI summary
A method and a brake assembly retention device are disclosed. The method discloses the automatic operation of the brake assembly retention device to retain releasably the brake assembly upon a stationary member.