Aircraft Brake Friction Disk Inert Gas Delivery Against Oxidation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft friction disks in braking assemblies undergo oxidation due to high temperatures during braking, reducing their usable life, as existing materials like carbon-carbon composites are susceptible to oxidation despite being able to withstand heat.
Innovation Solution
A system that delivers inert fluid, such as a nitrogen-enriched air stream, to the braking assembly to reduce oxygen concentration around the friction disks, mitigating oxidation by replacing oxygen in the vicinity and thereby reducing the rate and extent of oxidation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If carbon-carbon composite materials are used for friction disks to withstand high temperatures, then heat resistance is improved, but oxidation resistance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an inert gas (nitrogen or nitrogen-enriched air) delivery system that directs inert fluid onto the friction disks during braking operations. This creates a localized inert atmosphere around the friction surfaces, preventing oxygen contact and oxidation while allowing the carbon-carbon composite materials to maintain their heat resistance properties.
2Reliability
If inert fluid delivery system is added to reduce oxidation, then oxidation resistance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the inert gas delivery system with existing aircraft infrastructure, specifically utilizing the aircraft's pneumatic system and existing nitrogen storage or air separation capabilities. The conduit system shares pathways with other braking system components, and the inert gas delivery is controlled through integration with the existing brake control unit, allowing one system to serve multiple functions including fuel tank inerting and brake oxidation protection.
3Reliability
If inert fluid is delivered continuously to prevent oxidation, then oxidation resistance is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements controlled delivery of inert fluid based on brake actuation events rather than continuous delivery. The system activates the inert gas delivery when braking is detected or anticipated (such as during landing or deceleration events) and stops delivery when braking is not occurring. This periodic activation significantly reduces energy consumption compared to continuous delivery while still providing adequate protection during the periods when oxidation risk is highest.
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 delivery of inert fluid effectively decreases the oxidation rate and extent of friction disks, thereby extending their usable life and maintaining performance in high-temperature braking conditions.
Implementation Method 1
delivery of the inert fluid to the braking assembly via the conduit supplants oxygen in a vicinity of the friction disk to reduce oxidation of the friction disk
Implementation Method 2
delivery of the inert fluid to the braking assembly via the conduit supplants oxygen in a vicinity of the friction disk
Implementation Method 3
the source of the inert fluid may comprise a membrane configured to separate air into a nitrogen-enriched air stream and an oxygen-enriched air stream
Data Source
AI summary
A system, and associated method, for reducing oxidation of a friction disk may include a braking assembly comprising the friction disk and a conduit coupled to the braking assembly, with the conduit being in selectable fluid providing communication with the braking assembly. That is, the conduit may be configured to deliver inert fluid to the braking assembly, thus reducing the concentration of oxygen in the vicinity of the friction disks and thus reducing/mitigating oxidation of the friction disks.