Aircraft Brake Wear Measurement via External Visual Indicator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aircraft brake wear measurement systems face challenges in precision and accessibility due to the harsh environment and closed installation of wear pin indicators, making visual inspection difficult and inaccurate.
Innovation Solution
A brake wear measurement system that includes a displacement sensor and visual indicator, coupled with a measurement mechanism attached to a moveable member of the brake assembly, allowing for external inspection and communication of wear data, and featuring a mechanical calibration mechanism and scraper for debris removal, enabling precise measurement of linear, rotational, or angular displacement without disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If wear pin indicators are installed inside the aircraft wheel as part of the brake assembly, then brake wear measurement is enabled, but visual inspection becomes difficult and requires disassembly
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement mechanism transforms the measurement dimension by extending the visual indicator from the internal brake assembly through the wheel hub to the external environment. This dimensional extension allows inspectors to view brake wear conditions from the exterior without disassembling the wheel, resolving the contradiction between enabling measurement and maintaining inspection accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
A visual indicator acts as an intermediary element that transmits wear information from the internal measurement mechanism to the external inspection point. This intermediary component bridges the gap between the brake assembly interior where measurement occurs and the exterior where inspection happens, eliminating the need for disassembly.
2Measurement precision
If wear pin indicators are installed inside the closed brake assembly, then brake wear measurement is enabled, but inspection requires disassembly in harsh environments
Solution Approach 1:
By extending the visual indicator through the wheel hub to the external environment, the system enables inspection at any time without requiring wheel disassembly. This dimensional extension allows continuous monitoring capability, eliminating time loss associated with periodic disassembly for inspection.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement system serves itself by providing external visibility of wear conditions through the extended indicator. The system automatically makes wear information accessible without requiring external intervention or disassembly operations, enabling continuous self-monitoring.
3Measurement precision
If traditional wear pin indicators are used, then brake wear measurement is enabled, but measurement precision is insufficient due to harsh environment and closed system
Solution Approach 1:
The visual indicator serves as a protected intermediary that transmits wear information from the harsh internal environment to the external inspection point. This intermediary component shields the measurement mechanism from environmental contaminants while maintaining measurement accuracy and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces traditional mechanical wear pins with a measurement mechanism coupled to a displacement sensor. This substitution introduces a more precise measurement system that can accurately track wear displacement while being protected from environmental factors through the extended visual indicator design.
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
Enables accurate and convenient measurement of brake wear on the exterior of the aircraft brake housing, tolerating harsh conditions and providing redundancy for reliable monitoring, allowing inspection during any time without disassembly, and minimizing weight and space constraints.
Implementation Method 1
A displacement sensor is operatively coupled to the measurement mechanism. Movement of the moveable member is converted by the measurement mechanism into a displacement sensed by the displacement sensor.
Implementation Method 2
The displacement sensor may be fitted with a scraper that engages the measurement mechanism and removes contaminants and debris from a measured surface of the measurement mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
A brake measurement system comprising a measurement mechanism for measuring brake wear operatively coupled to a moveable member of a brake assembly is provided. The system further includes a displacement sensor and a visual indicator. The displacement sensor is operatively coupled to the measurement mechanism, wherein movement of the moveable member is converted by the measurement mechanism into a displacement sensed by the displacement sensor. The visual indicator is operatively connected to the measurement mechanism, wherein the visual indicator displays the movement of the moveable member and consequently the wear of the brake stack at a point on the exterior of an aircraft brake housing for inspection.