Segmented Heat Shield Panel for Thermal Expansion Flatness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heat shields for vehicle wheels, particularly aircraft, deform and deflect due to differential thermal expansion of inner and outer layers, leading to potential damage and wheel abrasion, especially under high stress and temperature conditions.
Innovation Solution
A heat shield panel design with a segmented inner layer allowing relative movement between segments, aligned outer edges, and optional additional fixation at inner edges to prevent deformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If the heat shield is made from thin metal sheets to minimize weight, then the weight of the heat shield is reduced, but the heat shield becomes more prone to deformation and deflection under high temperature and stress
Solution Approach 1:
The inner heat shield layer is divided into multiple segments that can move relative to each other, allowing each segment to independently accommodate thermal expansion without causing deformation of the entire panel. This segmentation maintains structural stability while keeping the overall heat shield lightweight.
2Strength
If the inner and outer layers of the heat shield are securely connected at the seams, then the structural integrity of the heat shield is improved, but the differential thermal expansion between layers causes deformation and buckling
Solution Approach 1:
The inner layer is segmented into multiple sections that can expand and contract independently. The connectors join these segments to the outer layer in a way that accommodates differential thermal expansion, preventing buckling while maintaining structural integrity through the secured connections at the seams.
3Reliability
If the heat shield panels are formed as complete cylindrical units, then the protective coverage is improved, but the complexity of manufacturing and assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heat shield is divided into multiple arcuate panels that can be manufactured separately and then assembled into a complete cylindrical structure. This segmentation simplifies manufacturing by allowing each panel to be produced independently and reduces assembly complexity compared to forming a complete cylinder as a single unit, while still providing comprehensive protective coverage.
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
Reduces deformation and maintains panel flatness under high temperatures, minimizing damage to the wheel and heat shield.
Implementation Method 1
the inner layer will tend to become hotter than the radially outer layer(s) and will, therefore, undergo a different thermal expansion
Data Source
AI summary
A heat shield panel comprising an inner heat shield layer and an outer heat shield layer, the inner heat shield layer and the outer heat shield layer each having two outer edges wherein the outer edges of the inner heat shield layer and the outer edges of the inner heat shield layer are substantially aligned and are affixed to each other to form heat shield panel edges, and wherein the inner heat shield layer is formed of two or more segments each having an inner edge, the inner edges of the segments being arranged to move relative to each other.