Aircraft Brake Pusher Temperature Sensor Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current aircraft brake disc temperature measurement methods using sensors installed in the torsion tube are less representative due to heat transfer by radiation and conduction, leading to uncertainty and increased Turn Around Time (TAT) as a safety margin is required to ensure braking performance and safety.
Innovation Solution
An electric aircraft wheel brake with temperature sensors integrated into the electromechanical actuators' pushers, allowing for direct conduction-based temperature measurement close to the disc stack, and redundant sensors for robustness, enabling more accurate temperature readings and reducing the safety margin.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a temperature sensor is installed in the torsion tube cavity, then the temperature measurement is obtained, but the measurement accuracy is reduced due to heat transfer by radiation and conduction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the pusher as an intermediary component between the temperature sensor and the disc stack. The pusher serves as a thermal conduction medium that directly contacts both the sensor and the disc, enabling accurate temperature measurement while isolating the sensor from direct exposure to harsh thermal environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional cavity-based sensor installation with a direct mechanical contact approach through the pusher. This substitution eliminates the thermal radiation and conduction issues present in cavity installations by establishing a direct thermal pathway from the disc to the sensor through the pusher material.
2Reliability
If a safety margin is applied to the temperature measurement, then the safety is ensured, but the Turn Around Time (TAT) is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces indirect thermal measurement methods with direct thermal contact through the pusher, achieving high-accuracy temperature readings that eliminate the need for conservative safety margins. This substitution enables precise temperature monitoring that directly reflects actual disc conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter quality from approximate (with margin) to precise (without margin). By improving temperature measurement accuracy through direct pusher contact, the system can operate closer to maximum safe temperatures without requiring excessive cooling time, thus reducing TAT while maintaining safety.
3Strength
If the temperature sensor is placed away from the disc stack, then the sensor is protected from extreme heat, but the temperature measurement becomes less representative
Solution Approach 1:
The pusher acts as a protective intermediary that shields the temperature sensor from extreme thermal conditions while maintaining thermal contact with the disc stack. The pusher material and design provide thermal conduction pathways that protect the sensor from direct exposure to peak temperatures while still transmitting accurate temperature information.
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
This solution provides more accurate disc stack temperature measurements, reducing the Turn Around Time by minimizing the safety margin and ensuring reliable braking performance and safety.
Implementation Method 1
the heat is transmitted to the sensor by conduction
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The brake (1) has an electromechanical actuator (8) carried by an actuator-carrier. The actuator comprises an electric motor adapted to move a pusher facing a stack of carbon disks (7) to apply braking force selectively to the stack. A temperature measurement unit measures temperature representative of temperature that exists in the stack of disks. The measurement unit comprises a temperature sensor arranged in the pusher so as to be located in immediate proximity of the stack when the pusher is in contact with the stack. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) a method for applying an electric brake (2) a method for measuring temperature of stack of disks.