Threaded Adapter Fuse Plug for Aircraft Wheel Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plugs and valves in aircraft wheel systems fail to maintain air sealing effectively during extreme heat and pressure conditions, leading to excessive air evacuation during landing and rejected takeoff events.
Innovation Solution
A threaded adapter and fuse plug system featuring a copper-zinc alloy annular body with a retention feature and a fusible material within an annulus, allowing for improved sealing and air venting by melting and ejecting to release pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional plugs and valves are used in wheel systems, then the structure is simple, but the air sealing effectiveness deteriorates during extreme heat and pressure conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separate functional components: an adapter assembly with retention features and a separate fuse plug with fusible material. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall system reliability during extreme conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The fuse plug incorporates fusible material (low melting point alloy) combined with a retaining structure, creating a composite component that provides both sealing and pressure relief functions. The adapter uses copper-zinc alloy construction with integrated retention features, combining structural integrity with thermal response capabilities.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If plugs and valves are subjected to heat cycling and rolling stresses, then the operational experience is extended, but the sealing performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The fuse plug is pre-positioned within the adapter assembly with retention features that secure it before extreme conditions occur. The retention features (protrusions fitting into recesses) ensure the plug remains properly positioned during heat cycling and rolling stresses, maintaining sealing performance throughout the operational lifecycle.
3Reliability
If the retention feature obstructs the passage completely, then the fuse plug is securely retained, but the air venting capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The retention feature is designed with selective obstruction: the protrusion obstructs the passage at the location of the fuse plug to secure retention, while allowing air flow paths to remain open in other areas. The fusible material is positioned to melt and create venting channels when activated, providing localized quality changes that satisfy both retention and venting requirements.
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
Enhances air retention and venting efficiency during high-temperature and pressure events, improving durability and reducing air leakage across heat cycles and rolling stresses.
Implementation Method 1
A fusible material may be disposed within the annulus... allowing for improved sealing and air venting by melting and ejecting to release pressure
Implementation Method 2
a ring seal configured to sealably engage the annular body... Enhances air retention and venting efficiency
Data Source
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AI summary
A plug system is provided. The plug system may comprise an adapter having an annular body (120) oriented about an axis, a passage (162) defined by the annular body (120), and a retention feature (158) protruding radially from the annular body (120). The retention feature (158) may be configured to obstruct the passage (162). A threaded surface may at least partially define an outer diameter of the annular body (120). A fuse plug (110) may be configured for insertion into the passage (162), and the retention feature (158) may be configured to at least partially retain the fuse plug (110).