Wheel-Cavity Brake Cooling Assembly With Onboard Fluid Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current brake systems require separate cooling systems set up and operated by ground crew personnel after landing, leading to tarmac delays and inefficiencies in airport operations due to the need for external cooling systems to manage high brake assembly temperatures.
Innovation Solution
A self-contained cooling system integrated with the vehicle, featuring a fan and distributor that supply cooling fluid to cooling channels within the brake assembly, allowing operators to initiate cooling without ground crew intervention, maintaining fluid connections during aircraft operations like landing gear movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If separate external cooling systems are used to cool brake assemblies after landing, then brake temperature can be reduced, but tarmac delays occur and ground crew intervention is required
Solution Approach 1:
The brake cooling system is integrated directly into the brake assembly, enabling the brake to cool itself without requiring external cooling equipment or ground crew intervention. The cooling channels are formed within the brake components themselves, allowing self-contained cooling operation.
Solution Approach 2:
Cooling channels are pre-formed within the brake assembly structure during manufacturing. These channels are ready to receive cooling fluid immediately after braking operation, eliminating the need for setup time and enabling immediate cooling action.
2Temperature
If separate external cooling systems are used for brake cooling, then cooling capability is provided, but device complexity and operational procedures increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling function is merged with the brake assembly structure itself. Cooling channels are formed within the brake components, combining the braking and cooling functions into a single integrated assembly rather than requiring separate external cooling equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The brake assembly serves multiple functions: it provides braking capability through friction and simultaneously provides cooling capability through its integrated cooling channels. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated external cooling systems.
3Productivity
If cooling channels are integrated into the brake assembly, then cooling efficiency improves and ground crew dependency reduces, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling channels are formed using additive manufacturing techniques that create porous or lattice structures within the brake components. This allows complex internal cooling passages to be manufactured directly as part of the brake assembly without requiring separate machining or assembly operations.
Solution Approach 2:
Additive manufacturing enables the creation of complex cooling channel geometries that would be difficult or impossible to achieve with traditional manufacturing methods. The manufacturing process parameters are changed to allow direct formation of internal channels within the solid brake components.
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 solution minimizes the need for external cooling setups, enabling rapid temperature reduction of brake assemblies and reducing tarmac delays by allowing onboard cooling control, thus enhancing operational efficiency and reducing dependency on ground crew support.
Implementation Method 1
The cooling channels are configured to discharge the cooling fluid to cause a heat transfer from the brake assembly (e.g., a disc stack of the brake assembly) to the cooling fluid
Data Source
AI summary
In some examples, a cooling system includes a brake assembly defining a plurality of cooling channels. The brake assembly is configured to be positioned within a wheel cavity of a wheel. The cooling system includes a distributor configured to receive a flow of cooling fluid and supply the cooling fluid to the plurality of cooling channels. One or more cooling channels are configured to receive the cooling fluid and discharge the cooling fluid into the wheel cavity of the wheel. The cooling system may include a fan configured to provide the cooling fluid to the distributor.