Lock Ring Wheel Interface Angles for Torque Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft wheels with large wheel bases experience wheel-skid issues due to high torque application, leading to the tire and side rim rolling while the wheel base is locked, which existing lock ring assemblies fail to prevent effectively.
Innovation Solution
A lock ring assembly with a radially outward frustoconical surface and a side rim with a radially inward frustoconical surface, creating a concentrated line of contact and a gap that increases in width, along with a cross-sectional profile featuring a rounded portion and flange, to enhance torque transfer and prevent movement, made from materials like steel, poly matrix composite, or aluminum alloy, and a method for assembling the wheel assembly to ensure reliable torque transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a conventional lock ring assembly is used in large wheel bases, then the wheel base can be locked to the brake for applying torque, but wheel-skid occurs where the tire and side rim continue to roll while the wheel base is locked
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the lock ring by introducing a frustoconical radially outward surface with a specific angle (α) relative to the axial centerline. This angular parameter modification creates a concentrated line contact with the side rim, transforming the torque transfer mechanism to prevent wheel-skid while maintaining effective torque application to the brake.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock ring is designed with non-uniform surface geometry, specifically a frustoconical radially outward surface that concentrates contact to a specific line or small area on the side rim. This localized contact quality enhancement creates high friction and mechanical interlocking at the contact line, preventing relative motion between the lock ring and side rim during braking operations.
2Ease of manufacture
If the lock ring contacts the side rim over a broad area, then assembly is easier, but torque transfer is less effective and wheel-skid is more likely
Solution Approach 1:
By modifying the contact geometry from a broad area to a concentrated line contact through the frustoconical surface design, the patent achieves optimal torque transfer efficiency. The specific angle (α) of the frustoconical surface is parameterized to balance torque transfer effectiveness with assembly feasibility, creating a sharp but manufacturable geometric feature.
3Ease of manufacture
If the lock ring and side rim interfaces are designed with traditional flat surfaces, then manufacturing is simpler, but torque transfer is insufficient under high torque conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces flat surfaces with a frustoconical curved surface on the lock ring. This curvature modification creates a line contact geometry that concentrates mechanical stress and friction forces, significantly enhancing torque transfer strength under high torque conditions while remaining compatible with conventional manufacturing processes.
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 solution effectively reduces the likelihood of wheel-skid by concentrating the line of contact and improving torque transfer, ensuring reliable operation under high torque conditions and high speeds, while also preventing galling and air leakage.
Implementation Method 1
A lock ring is typically placed in between the wheel base and the side rim for retaining the side rim to the wheel base and for transferring torque from the wheel base to the side rim
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems and methods disclosed herein may be useful for use in a wheel assembly. In this regard a wheel assembly (10) may comprise a wheel base (12) with a center axis, a side rim (14) disposed about a circumference of the wheel base (12), wherein the side rim (14) includes a frustoconical radially inward surface, and a lock ring (22) comprising a single unitary member. The lock ring (22) may secure the side rim (14) onto the wheel base (12), the lock ring (22) preventing the side rim (14) from sliding axially with respect to the wheel base, wherein a frustoconical radially outward surface of the lock ring (22) comprises a first angle with respect to the frustoconical radially inward surface of the side rim (14).