Dual Lock Ring Assembly for Aircraft Wheel Skid Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft wheels with single lock rings are prone to wheel-skid events, especially in applications with large wheel bases, where the tire and side rim continue to roll while the wheel base is locked to the brake, leading to instability during torque application.
Innovation Solution
A lock ring assembly comprising an inner diameter (ID) lock ring and an outer diameter (OD) lock ring, both with 'V' configurations, are placed within the gap between the wheel base and side rim, providing multiple torque paths and a dampening effect to reduce the likelihood of wheel-skid by having different frictional potentials with the wheel base and side rim.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single lock ring is used in large wheel bases, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability deteriorates due to wheel-skid events
Solution Approach 1:
The single lock ring is segmented into two separate lock rings (inner diameter lock ring and outer diameter lock ring) that can independently contact different surfaces of the wheel base and side rim. This segmentation allows each lock ring to engage with specific surfaces having different frictional potentials, thereby preventing wheel-skid events while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular design
2Reliability
If multiple lock rings are added to prevent wheel-skid, then the reliability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The inner diameter lock ring and outer diameter lock ring are nested within the gap between the wheel base and side rim, with the ID lock ring positioned closer to the center and the OD lock ring positioned farther out. This nested arrangement allows multiple lock rings to occupy the same spatial envelope without significantly increasing the overall device complexity, while still providing multiple torque paths and improving reliability
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 dual lock ring assembly effectively resists wheel-skid by providing multiple torque paths and a slipping interface between the lock rings, minimizing slip between the side rim and wheel base, thereby enhancing torque transfer and stability during high torque changes.
Implementation Method 1
The ID lock ring has two surface contacts with the wheel base and one surface contact with the side rim. The OD lock ring has two surface contacts with the side rim and one surface contact with the wheel base.
Implementation Method 2
providing multiple torque paths and a dampening effect to reduce the likelihood of wheel-skid by having different frictional potentials with the wheel base and side rim
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods disclosed herein may be useful for use in a lock ring assembly. In this regard, a lock ring assembly is provided comprising a wheel base having a side rim disposed about a circumference of the wheel base, an ID lock ring and an OD lock ring disposed within a gap between the wheel base and the side rim. The ID lock ring has two surface contacts with the wheel base and one surface contact with the side rim. The OD lock ring has two surface contacts with the side rim and one surface contact with the wheel base. In various embodiments, the ID lock ring and the OD lock ring are in contact.