Sealed Brake Assembly for Low-Pressure Particle Containment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional braking systems for maglev vehicles face performance and operational lifetime issues when used in low-pressure environments, and they produce particulate matter that can contaminate the operational space.

Innovation Solution

A sealed brake assembly with a brake stack and actuation assembly, where the brake stack is disposed within a sealed brake cavity in fluidic isolation from the ambient environment, and a ventilation assembly that purges particulate matter and controls temperature, humidity, and pressure within the brake cavity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional braking systems are used in low-pressure environments, then braking function is provided, but brake performance and operational lifetime deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebrake performance and operational lifetimeVSAvoidlow-pressure environment effects

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the inert atmosphere principle by creating a sealed brake cavity filled with inert gas (nitrogen or air) that isolates the brake components from the low-pressure ambient environment. The cover sealingly engages with the wheel rim to define this contained environment, allowing conventional braking systems to operate reliably without direct exposure to external low-pressure conditions that would otherwise degrade performance and lifespan

Inventive Principle:

Principle #39Inert atmosphere (Inert environment)

2Object-generated harmful factors

If conventional braking systems are used, then braking function is provided, but particulate matter is generated that contaminates the operational space

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveparticulate matter from brakingVSAvoidcontamination of operational space

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-generated harmful factorsVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the harmful particulate matter generation process from the ambient environment by containing it within a sealed brake cavity. The braking operation occurs in isolation, with the cover preventing particulate matter from escaping into the operational space. Additionally, a ventilation assembly with filter can remove particulates from the sealed environment, further eliminating contamination while maintaining the braking function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Reliability

If brake components are exposed to ambient environment, then braking operation is simple, but brake components suffer from contamination and environmental degradation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebrake component durabilityVSAvoidbrake assembly structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent protects brake components from environmental degradation by enclosing them in a sealed cavity filled with inert gas, isolating them from contaminants in the ambient environment. This containment approach improves component durability while the modular design with a sealing cover keeps the structural complexity manageable

Inventive Principle:

Principle #39Inert atmosphere (Inert environment)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary sealed cavity environment between the brake components and the ambient environment. This intermediate space, filled with inert gas and controlled by the cover seal, acts as a protective barrier that shields brake components from harmful external conditions while allowing the braking system to function normally

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 sealed brake assembly maintains the cleanliness of the operational environment by isolating brake components from ambient contamination, improves brake performance and longevity by controlling environmental conditions, and effectively manages particulate matter and gas flow within the brake system.

Implementation Method 1

a cover sealingly engages with the rim of the wheel to at least partially define a fluidic barrier between a brake cavity and an ambient environment. The brake stack is disposed within the sealed brake cavity in fluidic isolation from the ambient environment.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluidic isolation:

Implementation Method 2

a ventilation assembly that purges particulate matter and controls temperature, humidity, and pressure within the brake cavity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGas flow:

Implementation Method 3

controls temperature, humidity, and pressure within the brake cavity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTemperature control:

Implementation Method 4

controls temperature, humidity, and pressure within the brake cavity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHumidity control:

Implementation Method 5

controls temperature, humidity, and pressure within the brake cavity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure control:

Data Source

PatentUS12287016B2Brake assembly with contained brake environment

Publication Date: 2025.04.29 SAFRAN LANDING SYSTEMS

AI summary

A brake assembly is configured for use with a wheel in an ambient environment. The wheel includes a rim rotatably mounted to an axle. The brake assembly includes a brake stack and an actuation assembly configured to selectively apply a force to the brake stack. A cover sealingly engaged the rim to at least partially define a fluidic barrier between a brake cavity and the ambient environment. The brake stack is located within the brake cavity.