Brake Disk Thermal Fuse for Overheating Disconnect
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional aircraft brakes can accidentally apply while the engine or propeller is still running, leading to excessive heating and potential fire or thermal damage due to uncontrolled energy generation.
Innovation Solution
A brake disk with a fusible material section that disconnects from the shaft when its temperature exceeds a predetermined maximum operating temperature, acting as a 'thermal fuse' to prevent overheating, featuring a eutectic material with a clearly defined melting point and non-circular profiles for enhanced torque transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the brake is accidentally applied while the engine is still running, then the braking function is activated, but excessive heating and potential fire or thermal damage occurs due to uncontrolled energy generation
Solution Approach 1:
The fusible material section changes its physical state from solid to liquid when the temperature reaches its melting point, which is lower than the maximum operating temperature of the braking surface. This parameter change causes the fusible material to detach from the shaft, automatically disconnecting the braking surface from the shaft and preventing excessive heat generation and potential fire hazards
Solution Approach 2:
The fusible material section acts as an intermediary element between the shaft and the braking surface. It transmits torque during normal operation but automatically fails when exposed to excessive heat, serving as a protective mediator that prevents harmful thermal effects from reaching critical components
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the fusible material section is designed to disconnect at a lower temperature, then overheating is prevented, but the maximum operating temperature of the braking surface cannot be reached
Solution Approach 1:
The fusible material is selected with a melting point that is deliberately set below the maximum operating temperature of the braking surface. This parameter selection ensures that the fusible material changes state and disconnects before the braking surface reaches temperatures that could cause overheating or fire, while still allowing the braking surface to operate within its safe temperature range during normal braking operations
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 fusible material section effectively limits temperature rise during braking operations, preventing overheating and reducing the risk of fires or thermal damage by disconnecting the braking surface from the shaft when excessive heat is generated.
Implementation Method 1
the fusible material section is configured to no longer transmit torque between the braking surface and the shaft when the temperature of the fusible material section raises above the maximum operating temperature of the fusible material section
Data Source
AI summary
A brake disk defines an annular shape having a radially inner side and a radially outer side. The brake disk includes: a radially outer braking surface, the braking surface having a maximum operating temperature; a fusible material section radially inward from and connected to the braking surface. The fusible material has a maximum operating temperature, the fusible material section suitable for transmitting torque between the braking surface and a shaft. The maximum operating temperature of the braking surface is higher than the maximum operating temperature of the fusible material section. When the temperature of the fusible material section raises above the maximum operating temperature of the fusible material section, the fusible material section is configured to no longer transmit torque between the braking surface and the shaft.