Slotted Torque Barrel Structure for Aircraft Brake Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft brake systems face challenges in dynamic stability, heat dissipation, and structural asymmetry, which affect the performance and efficiency of torque plates and barrels in brake assemblies.
Innovation Solution
The design of a torque barrel with strategically placed longitudinal holes and splines, along with a torque plate, enhances dynamic stability and convective cooling, reducing operating temperatures and stress concentrations while maintaining structural integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a solid torque barrel structure is used, then structural strength is maintained, but heat dissipation efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The torque barrel is segmented by introducing longitudinal holes that extend axially through its structure. These holes divide the solid barrel into multiple sections while maintaining overall structural integrity through the spline engagement features. This segmentation creates channels for improved convective cooling airflow while preserving the necessary structural strength for brake assembly support.
Solution Approach 2:
The torque barrel incorporates a porous-like structure through the longitudinal holes, transforming it from a solid monolithic component to one with internal voids. These holes allow cooling airflow to pass through the barrel, significantly enhancing heat dissipation from the brake assembly while the remaining material structure maintains sufficient strength through optimized geometry and spline engagement.
2Temperature
If cooling holes are added to the torque barrel, then heat dissipation is improved, but structural asymmetry increases
Solution Approach 1:
The design intentionally introduces asymmetry through strategically positioned longitudinal holes and splines on the torque barrel. Rather than maintaining perfect symmetry, the asymmetric configuration optimizes cooling airflow patterns and heat dissipation efficiency. The asymmetric spline placement and hole distribution are designed to create favorable convective cooling while maintaining dynamic stability during brake operation.
3Temperature
If longitudinal holes are introduced in the torque barrel, then convective cooling is enhanced, but stress concentration may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The torque barrel design incorporates preliminary reinforcement features such as splines and optimized hole geometries that are built into the structure before operation. These features are strategically positioned to preemptively address potential stress concentration issues by distributing loads away from the hole regions. The splines engage with corresponding features in the brake assembly to provide load paths that bypass the weakened areas around the longitudinal holes.
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
This design improves the cooling efficiency of the brake mechanism, reduces operating temperatures, and increases dynamic stability without significant increases in stress or weight, enhancing the overall performance of the aircraft brake system.
Implementation Method 1
The design of a torque barrel with strategically placed longitudinal holes and splines, along with a torque plate, enhances dynamic stability and convective cooling
Data Source
AI summary
A torque barrel for use with a brake system may comprise a torque barrel having a cylindrical structure including an inner surface, an outer surface, a first opening at a first end, and a second opening at an opposing second end; and a longitudinal hole disposed through the outer surface of the barrel between a first spline of the plurality of splines and a second spline of the plurality of splines.