Aircraft Wheel Rim Torque Transfer via Assembly Bolts

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing aircraft wheel drive systems require modifications to the wheel rims for integration, which is inefficient and costly, especially when using half-rims assembled by bolts.

Innovation Solution

A method that transfers driving torque to the aircraft wheel via the assembly bolts of the rim, using a coupling ring to adapt the drive member to the existing bolts, allowing for torque transmission and damping of jerks without modifying the half-rims, and optionally incorporating a reducer for enhanced efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the drive member is connected to the wheel rim using traditional methods, then the torque transmission is reliable, but the rim requires specific modifications including yokes and special production

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverim productionVSAvoidrim structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention makes the existing rim assembly bolts serve a dual function: their original function of joining half-rims and a new function of transmitting drive torque. This eliminates the need for specialized yokes or modified rims, as the universal bolt interface can handle both structural and drivetrain functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The existing rim assembly bolts are made to serve themselves by transmitting torque without requiring additional components. The bolts that originally only joined the half-rims now also function as torque transmission elements, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating the need for separate torque transmission mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If the rim is modified to include yokes for drive member integration, then the drive connection is secure, but the manufacturing cost and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrive connectionVSAvoidrim production
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The bolt interface is designed to universally serve both structural joining and torque transmission functions. This eliminates the need for specialized yokes while maintaining secure drive connection, as the same bolts that join the half-rims also transmit the drive torque reliably.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses the existing bolt assembly as an intermediary element that mediates between the drive member and the wheel hub. Rather than requiring direct connection through modified rims, the bolts act as intermediaries that transmit torque from the drive member to the wheel through the existing half-rim assembly interface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of manufacture

If existing bolts are used for torque transmission, then no additional modifications are needed, but the torque transmission capability must be verified

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverim productionVSAvoidtorque transmission capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the operational parameters of the existing bolts by subjecting them to torque transmission loads they were not originally designed for. This requires verifying and potentially adjusting bolt specifications, preloads, and material properties to ensure they can safely transmit the drive torque while maintaining their structural joining function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention performs preliminary verification and assessment of the existing bolt capacity before implementing torque transmission through them. This includes checking bolt strength, thread engagement, and preload characteristics to ensure they can handle the additional torque loads without failure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 the rotation of aircraft wheels with minimal modification to existing rims, improving efficiency and reducing costs by leveraging the existing bolt system for torque transfer and damping, while maintaining compatibility with standard rim designs.

Implementation Method 1

The drive torque is transferred to the wheel via the rim assembly bolts

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTorque transmission: Torque

Implementation Method 2

The coupling ring carries out both the transmission of the torque and the damping of transmission jerks

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDamping: Damping

Data Source

PatentEP2982602B1Transmission of torque to the wheel via the rim assembly bolts
Publication Date: 2019.07.03 SAFRAN LANDING SYSTEMS
  • EP2982602B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2982602B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP2982602B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for rotating an aircraft wheel, the wheel being equipped with a rim comprising two half-rims assembled by bolts (5), in which a drive element is controlled to generate a drive torque of the wheel, characterized in that the method includes the transfer of the drive torque to the wheel via the rim assembly bolts.