Aircraft Brake Heat Shield Openings for Radiant Heat Deflection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft wheel brakes experience significant heat release during braking, leading to overheating of the brake and hydraulic fluid, reducing its efficiency and lifespan, and increasing ground time due to inefficient heat management solutions like metal thrust plates and partial thermal shields.
Innovation Solution
A heat shield with orifices and a cross-section profile is integrated between the crown and torque tube, reflecting thermal radiation outward and minimizing temperature rise, while being pinched between the crown and torque tube for secure positioning, and optionally made of thermally insulating materials with low-emissivity coatings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a metal thrust plate is placed between the pistons and the disc stack to limit heat exchange, then heat protection is improved, but mass increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a heat shield as an intermediary component positioned between the crown and the disc stack. This heat shield reflects thermal radiation away from the crown and hydraulic actuators, effectively mediating the heat transfer path without requiring direct contact or heavy structural modifications. The heat shield is held in place by being pinched between the crown and torque tube, providing thermal protection while maintaining lightweight construction.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat shield changes the thermal radiation parameters by reflecting heat away from critical components. The reflective surface modifies the direction and intensity of thermal radiation, redirecting it outward rather than allowing it to penetrate to the crown and hydraulic fluid, thereby protecting these components from overheating.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a phenolic resin part is inserted between the torque tube and the crown to limit heat conduction, then mass is reduced and heat protection is improved, but tightening reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The heat shield serves as a thermal intermediary that blocks radiant heat transfer from the disc stack to the crown. By positioning the reflective shield in the radiation path, the patent prevents thermal energy from reaching the crown and hydraulic actuators, effectively mediating the heat transfer without requiring phenolic resin inserts that compromise tightening reliability.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If heat shields are arranged between the crown and disc stack extending from the torque tube to the actuators, then partial heat protection is achieved, but coverage and effectiveness are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The heat shield acts as a thermal intermediary positioned strategically between the crown and disc stack. The shield is held in place by being pinched between the crown and torque tube, creating an effective barrier that reflects thermal radiation away from the crown and hydraulic actuators. This intermediary positioning provides comprehensive coverage and reliable protection against heat radiation.
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 heat shield effectively limits crown temperature rise, maximizing hydraulic fluid efficiency and lifespan by reducing thermal radiation exposure, thus enhancing braking performance and reducing maintenance frequency.
Implementation Method 1
a heat shield extending opposite a face of the crown facing the stack of discs to protect said crown from thermal radiation generated by the stack of discs
Implementation Method 2
has a sectional profile shaped to reflect the thermal radiation towards the outside of the device
Implementation Method 3
the heat shield is made of a thermally insulating material
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a braking device (1) of an aircraft wheel, comprising a ring (15) which has a plurality of cavities (17) in which actuators (18) are fitted in order to apply a braking force to a stack of discs (11) which extend opposite the ring. The ring is provided with a heat shield (25) which extends opposite a face of the ring directed towards the stack of discs in order to protect the ring from thermal radiation which is generated by the stack of discs. According to the disclosure, the heat shield is provided with holes (26) through which the actuators extend and which have a sectional profile which is formed to reflect the thermal radiation away from the device.