Split Circumference Aircraft Wheel Assembly with Integrated Motor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current aircraft wheel designs do not efficiently support an integral drive motor assembly within the limited space of an aircraft wheel well, making it difficult to drive the aircraft on the ground without relying on main engines and complicating maintenance processes.
Innovation Solution
A split circumference wheel assembly with a demountable flange and locking ring structure that securely holds a compact motor driver assembly within the aircraft wheel well, allowing for easy installation and maintenance without the need for bolts or other fasteners, maximizing space for the motor and enabling efficient ground movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a motor assembly is integrated within the aircraft wheel to enable independent ground movement, then the ability to move aircraft without main engines is improved, but the available space within the wheel well is insufficient to accommodate the motor assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel assembly is divided into two separate sections: a first wheel section and a second wheel section. The motor assembly is positioned between these two sections, utilizing the space created by the segmentation. This allows the motor to be integrated within the overall wheel assembly while maintaining the structural integrity and functional requirements of the wheel.
Solution Approach 2:
The motor assembly is nested within the space defined by the wheel assembly structure. Specifically, the motor is positioned between the first and second wheel sections, effectively nesting the motor within the wheel's internal volume. This nesting approach allows the motor to be accommodated without increasing the external dimensions of the wheel assembly.
2Strength
If traditional bolted wheel sections are used, then structural strength is maintained, but maintenance complexity increases due to required tools and procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The traditional mechanical fastening system using bolts and nuts is replaced with a friction-based retention system. The second wheel section is retained on the axle by friction between the axle surface and the wheel section, eliminating the need for threaded fasteners. This substitution simplifies the maintenance process while maintaining structural integrity during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The wheel assembly design allows for self-retention through friction between the axle and wheel sections. The interference fit and frictional forces naturally hold the wheel sections in place during normal operation, eliminating the need for additional fastening components that would require complex maintenance procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
A split circumference wheel assembly is provided for an aircraft landing gear wheel configured to maximize the space available within a landing gear wheel well to support a motor driver assembly with drive means that drives the aircraft wheel on the ground. The split circumference wheel assembly includes separable inboard and outboard support walls that are spaced axially apart a maximized distance so that the motor driver assembly is completely contained within the maximized space defined. A preferred wheel assembly employs a demountable flange and a locking ring to integrally and removably support the motor driver assembly within the maximized wheel volume to drive one or more aircraft wheels and move the aircraft independently on the ground. The wheel and motor driver assembly described herein are designed to be retrofitted in an existing aircraft wheel.