Segmented Torque Tube Assembly for Aircraft Brake Vibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft disk brake systems experience vibration transfer through the reaction plate and torque tube during braking operations, leading to unpleasant sensations.
Innovation Solution
A torque tube design featuring a barrel with axially extending tabs and a foot with spokes and a lip, which are configured to interface with each other, creating additional contact surfaces to convert vibration energy into heat, thereby reducing vibration transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a traditional single-piece torque tube is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but vibration transfers through the torque tube causing unpleasant sensations
Solution Approach 1:
The torque tube is divided into multiple separate components: a barrel portion and a backleg portion with foot. These segments are connected through an interference fit arrangement where the foot is inserted into the barrel, creating multiple contact surfaces that dissipate vibration energy. This segmentation allows each component to independently manage vibration, reducing overall vibration transfer to the aircraft structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The foot acting as an intermediary element between the barrel and reaction plate creates additional contact surfaces and interfaces. The interference fit between the foot and barrel, along with the connection to the reaction plate, introduces intermediate zones that absorb and dissipate vibration energy, preventing direct transmission from the friction disks to the aircraft structure.
2Loss of energy
If multiple contact surfaces are created to reduce vibration, then vibration energy is converted to heat, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the torque tube into manufacturable portions (barrel and backleg), each component can be manufactured using standard processes. The segmentation allows for easier manufacturing of individual parts while the assembly process creates the desired multiple contact surfaces for vibration energy conversion through interference fit and precise mating surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The interference fit parameters between the foot and barrel are carefully controlled to optimize vibration energy conversion. By adjusting dimensional parameters such as the fit tolerance, contact pressure, and material properties, the system converts vibration energy to heat effectively while maintaining manufacturability through standard machining tolerances and assembly procedures.
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 design effectively absorbs and converts vibration energy into heat, reducing the amount of vibration that exits the disk brake system, enhancing the braking experience by minimizing unpleasant sensations.
Implementation Method 1
the barrel includes a plurality of tabs extending axially away from the tubular structure and each of the plurality of tabs are configured to be received by one of the plurality of slots such that each of the plurality of spokes is in contact with two of the plurality of tabs
Data Source
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AI summary
A torque tube (24) for use in a disk brake system in accordance with various embodiments includes a backleg (45) having a reaction plate (34) and a foot (212) extending axially away from the reaction plate (34). The torque tube (24) also includes a barrel (25) having a tubular structure (200) having an axis and an inner surface (209) configured to receive the foot (212).