Bi-stable Park Brake Actuator with Permanent Magnet Array
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aircraft park brake systems rely on mechanical mechanisms that consume external energy to maintain the locked state, which can be inefficient and unreliable for long-term parking applications.
Innovation Solution
A bi-stable park brake actuator utilizing a permanent magnet array with Type A and Type B magnets and a coil to generate magnetic flux, allowing the system to toggle between locked and unlocked states without external energy consumption, using a wrap spring mechanism to constrain or release rotational motion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mechanical spring mechanism is used to maintain the locked state, then the brake can hold the wheel stationary, but external energy is consumed to maintain the locked state
Solution Approach 1:
The permanent magnet array generates a magnetic field that exerts force on the armature plate, enabling the brake to maintain its locked state without external energy input. The system serves itself by using the inherent magnetic properties of the permanent magnets to sustain the braking force, eliminating the need for continuous external power supply
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical spring-based holding mechanism with a magnetic field-based system. The permanent magnet array and armature plate create a magnetic coupling that substitutes for mechanical springs, eliminating the need for external energy to maintain the locked state while improving reliability
2Use of energy by moving object
If a permanent magnet array is used to eliminate external energy consumption, then energy efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The permanent magnet array is divided into multiple discrete magnets arranged in an alternating polarity pattern around the shaft. This segmentation allows the magnetic field to be distributed evenly around the armature plate, creating multiple holding points that collectively provide robust braking force while maintaining a manageable structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the permanent magnets with the shaft structure, integrating the magnet array into the existing rotational component. This merging reduces the number of separate parts and simplifies the overall device structure, as the magnets become part of the shaft assembly rather than a separate subsystem
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
Enables the park brake system to maintain a locked state without external power, reducing energy consumption and enhancing reliability for long-term parking applications by using a magnetic flux mechanism to toggle between states.
Implementation Method 1
a permanent magnet array (PMA) disposed circumferentially about the shaft... a coil disposed circumferentially about the PMA and configured to conduct at least one of a positive current pulse and a negative current pulse
Implementation Method 2
a coil disposed circumferentially about the PMA and configured to conduct at least one of a positive current pulse and a negative current pulse
Implementation Method 3
a friction hub disposed about the shaft, the friction hub fixed against rotation with respect to the shaft
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 3
AI summary
A park brake actuator ("PBA") may comprise a shaft 110 having a friction hub 108 disposed about the shaft, the friction hub fixed against rotation with respect to the shaft, a permanent magnet array (PMA) 122 disposed circumferentially about the shaft, the PMA comprising a cylindrical structure comprising a Type A magnet 202 adjacent a Type B magnet 204 in an annular arrangement, and a coil 106 disposed circumferentially about the PMA and configured to conduct at least one of a positive current pulse and a negative current pulse.