Aircraft Brake Assembly Ground Reaction Wheel Torque Transfer
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft landing gear components face significant stress and strain due to the torque generated during braking, leading to increased weight, complexity, and reduced lifespan, as existing brake systems require reinforcement through bolts, rods, and flanges to manage braking forces.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a ground reaction wheel that transfers braking forces to the ground, eliminating the need for reinforcement components like bolts and flanges, and allowing for a lighter, simpler landing gear design by decoupling the rotation of the brake sub-assembly from the landing gear leg.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If brake pads push against disc brakes creating frictional force to slow down the aircraft, then braking function is achieved, but substantial stress and strain are imposed on landing gear components
Solution Approach 1:
A reaction wheel is introduced as an intermediary component between the brake assembly and the landing gear. The reaction wheel absorbs the reactive torque generated during braking by rotating in the opposite direction, thereby mediating the force transmission and preventing direct stress on the landing gear structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The brake assembly is divided into separate functional components: the brake pads and disc brakes remain attached to the wheel, while the reaction wheel is separately mounted on the landing gear leg. This segmentation allows the braking function to be isolated from the structural load-bearing components.
2Strength
If landing gear are reinforced to withstand significant braking torque, then component strength is improved, but weight and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The reaction wheel serves as a mediator that protects the landing gear structure from braking forces. By introducing this intermediate rotating mass, the structure can be significantly reduced in size and weight while still withstanding the operational loads.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the dynamic parameters of the landing gear by allowing controlled rotation of the reaction wheel during braking. This dynamic response enables the structure to withstand high transient forces without requiring proportional increases in static structural strength.
3Stability of the object's composition
If brake assembly is fixed to landing gear using bolts or flanges to prevent rotation, then rotational stability is achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The reaction wheel is mounted to rotate freely on the landing gear leg rather than being rigidly fixed. This dynamic mounting allows the reaction wheel to absorb braking torque through rotation, eliminating the need for complex rigid fixation mechanisms while maintaining operational stability.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of preventing rotation through rigid fixation, the system inverts the approach by allowing controlled rotation of the reaction wheel to achieve rotational stability. The reaction wheel's rotation counteracts the braking torque, providing stability without mechanical constraints.
4Force
If reinforcement components like bolts and rods are used to manage braking forces, then braking force management is improved, but ease of maintenance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The brake assembly is segmented into independently mounted components. The reaction wheel is separately attached to the landing gear leg with minimal fasteners, allowing it to be easily removed and replaced without affecting the brake pads or disc brakes. This modular segmentation significantly improves maintenance accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The reaction wheel acts as a removable intermediary component between the brake assembly and the landing gear structure. Its simple mounting arrangement with few fasteners allows for quick removal and replacement during maintenance, unlike integrated reinforcement components that would require extensive disassembly.
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 configuration reduces the weight and complexity of the landing gear, simplifies manufacturing, and enhances maintenance by eliminating the need for additional fixings, while effectively managing braking forces without compromising safety or durability.
Implementation Method 1
the ground reaction wheel is arranged to transfer the braking force from the second sub-assembly to the ground
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
An aircraft brake assembly comprising a support leg (3), a main wheel (4) rotatably mounted on the support leg (3), a brake (2) comprising a first sub-assembly fixed to the main wheel (4) and a second subassembly (6) moveably mounted on the support leg (3) and a ground reaction wheel (8) coupled to the second sub-assembly (6), wherein on application of the brake (2), the first sub-assembly engages with the second sub-assembly (6) to exert a braking force on the second sub-assembly (6); and wherein the ground reaction wheel (8) is arranged to transfer the braking force from the second sub-assembly (6) to the ground.