Electric Brake Actuator Layout for Lighter Aircraft Parking Brakes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft electric brake systems are heavier and more complex due to the inclusion of electric brake actuators and parking brake mechanisms, which complicates their design and increases weight, affecting overall aircraft performance.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a dual electric brake actuator system where one subset includes a parking brake mechanism and another subset does not, allowing a controller to manage both sets to apply braking forces efficiently, with the parking brake mechanism engaging to lock wheels without continuous electrical input, reducing weight and complexity by eliminating unnecessary wiring and mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electric brake actuators with parking brake mechanisms are installed in all brake assemblies, then reliable parking brake functionality is achieved, but system weight and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The brake system is divided into two distinct subsets: a first subset of brake assemblies equipped with electric brake actuators including parking brake mechanisms, and a second subset with electric brake actuators excluding parking brake mechanisms. This segmentation allows the parking brake functionality to be distributed only where necessary, reducing overall system weight while maintaining reliable parking brake capability through the first subset.
2Reliability
If electric brake actuators with parking brake mechanisms are installed in all brake assemblies, then parking brake reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The brake system is segmented into two functional groups: brake assemblies with full parking brake capability (first subset) and those without (second subset). This segmentation simplifies the overall system architecture by allowing controllers to manage different subsets differently, reducing wiring complexity and control logic requirements compared to a fully redundant system.
Solution Approach 2:
The electric brake actuators in the first subset serve dual functions: providing braking force during normal operation and providing parking brake functionality when engaged. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate parking brake mechanisms in those assemblies, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliable parking brake capability.
3Reliability
If parking brake mechanisms are included in all electric brake actuators, then parking brake reliability is ensured, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The brake system is divided into a first subset of brake assemblies that include parking brake mechanisms and a second subset that excludes them. This segmentation strategy places parking brake mechanisms only in locations where they are strictly necessary for safety and functionality, thereby minimizing total system weight while ensuring adequate parking brake reliability through the first subset.
4Weight of moving object
If electric brake actuators are configured with different subsets for parking brake functionality, then weight and complexity are reduced, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The brake system is segmented into two controllable subsets: a first subset with parking brake mechanisms and a second subset without. Controllers are configured to send appropriate commands to each subset based on operational requirements. This segmentation approach actually reduces control complexity compared to managing fully redundant systems, as the control logic can be simplified to recognize which assemblies respond to parking brake signals and which do not.
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 overall weight and complexity of the aircraft's braking system while maintaining effective braking and parking brake functionality, allowing for lighter and more efficient electric brake systems.
Implementation Method 1
The first electric brake actuator may include a parking brake mechanism. The parking brake function performed by the electric brake actuators may include applying electric power to apply a percentage of the maximum force of the electric brake actuator
Implementation Method 2
The brake systems generally employ a brake stack comprising a series of friction disks that may be forced into sliding contact with one another during brake actuation to slow or stop the aircraft
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2
AI summary
In one aspect the invention relates to a brake assembly including a plurality of stator disks (124), a plurality of rotor disks (122) interleaved with the plurality of stator disks (124) and configured to apply a braking force to the wheel, a pressure plate (118) disposed adjacent a rotor disk of the plurality of rotor disks (122), a first electric brake actuator disposed adjacent the pressure plate (118) and configured to apply the braking force to the pressure plate (118), the first electric brake actuator including a parking brake mechanism, and a second electric brake actuator disposed adjacent the pressure plate (118) and configured to apply the braking force to the pressure plate (118). In a further aspect the invention relates to a method for applying a parking brake.