Heat Shield Tab Mounting for Aircraft Brake Thermal Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Aircraft wheel and brake assemblies face thermal damage due to high temperatures generated during brake actuation, and existing heat shield assemblies without radially extending tab portions are insufficient in providing adequate protection.

Innovation Solution

A heat shield assembly with a circumferential heat shield and radially inward extending tab members, featuring apertures for mounting to the wheel, is introduced, which includes axially extending portions connected to the heat shield and radially inward portions configured for secure attachment, along with torque bars for additional support.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a heat shield is attached directly to the wheel without radially extending tab portions, then the structure is simpler, but the heat shield cannot be securely mounted to the wheel

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting securityVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The tab member is divided into two distinct portions: an axially extending first portion that connects to the heat shield, and a radially inward extending second portion that mounts to the wheel. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The tab member extends in multiple dimensions from the heat shield: axially (first portion) and radially inward (second portion). This multi-dimensional extension provides both secure connection to the heat shield and proper positioning for wheel mounting, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and mounting security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the tab member uses a single strip of material extending radially inward, then the manufacturing is simpler, but the mounting flexibility is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting flexibilityVSAvoidmanufacturing simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The tab member can be configured in different ways (single strip, multiple arms, integral or separate components) depending on the specific mounting requirements. This dynamic adaptability allows the design to be optimized for different wheel types and mounting scenarios while maintaining ease of manufacture through standardized construction methods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Strength

If the first portion of the tab member is formed integrally with the heat shield, then the assembly is more robust, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The first portion of the tab member is formed integrally with the heat shield, merging two components into one robust assembly. This integral construction eliminates potential failure points at the connection interface and provides superior structural integrity while still allowing for practical manufacturing through processes like stamping or forming.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Reliability

If multiple arms form the tab member with individual apertures, then the mounting reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting reliabilityVSAvoidcomponent complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The tab member is divided into multiple arms, each with its own aperture for mounting. This segmentation provides multiple independent mounting points, significantly improving mounting reliability by distributing the mounting loads and providing redundancy. Each arm can be independently positioned and secured to the wheel.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3480072B1Shield attachment device
Publication Date: 2020.05.13 GOODRICH CORP
  • EP3480072B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP3480072B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP3480072B1 patent drawingFigure 2A

AI summary

A heat shield assembly for a braking system is provided. The heat shield assembly includes a circumferential heat shield (304,354,504,554,604) having a first end and a second end spaced from the first end along a central axis. A tab member (212,302,352,402,502,552,602) is disposed proximate the second end of the circumferential heat shield (304,354,504,554,604). The tab member (212,302,352,402,502,552,602) has a radially extending portion with an aperture extending therethrough. The aperture is configured for mounting the circumferential heat shield (304,354,504,554,604) to a wheel.