Wheel Heat Shield Retainer Layout for Wear-Resistant Brake Assemblies

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Solution Overview

Problem

Aircraft wheel and brake assemblies experience wear due to the movement and distortion of heat shields, which are not directly fastened to the wheel, leading to potential damage on the heat shield and wheel components.

Innovation Solution

A heat shield retainer system is introduced, featuring a first and second bumper standoff with openings for retainer bumpers, and a flange configuration to secure the heat shield segments, maintaining alignment and preventing deflection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the heat shield is not fastened directly to the wheel, then the heat shield can move radially and circumferentially, but this movement and distortion leads to wear on the heat shield and wheel components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheat shield movement capabilityVSAvoidwear resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A retainer system is introduced as an intermediary component between the heat shield and the wheel. The retainer includes a radially outward surface with shield grooves that engage the heat shield segments, and bumper standoffs with bumpers that contact the wheel's inner circumferential surface. This intermediary structure allows the heat shield to maintain its movement capability while preventing excessive distortion and wear through controlled engagement points.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If multiple bumpers are used to stabilize the heat shield, then wear is reduced, but the number and weight of components increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewear resistanceVSAvoidheat shield assembly weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The retainer is divided into multiple functional segments: a radially outward surface for mounting, shield grooves for engaging heat shield segments, and multiple bumper standoffs positioned at different locations. Each bumper standoff includes an attachment portion and a bumper portion. This segmentation allows the system to provide stabilization at multiple points while keeping each individual component lightweight and manageable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The retainer structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it engages the heat shield segments through shield grooves, provides stabilization through bumpers contacting the wheel, and maintains proper positioning. The bumper standoffs both attach the retainer to the radially outward surface and provide the bumper function, combining mounting and stabilization roles in a single component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12515476B2Heat shield retainers and heat shield bumper placement

Publication Date: 2026.01.06 GOODRICH CORP

AI summary

A heat shield for a wheel assembly may comprise a plurality of heat shield segments and a plurality of heat shield retainers coupled to the plurality of heat shield segments. A plurality of shield bumpers may be coupled to a radially outward surface of each heat shield segment of the plurality of arcuate heat shield segments. A first retainer bumper may be located over a first radially outward surface of each heat shield retainer of the plurality of heat shield retainers.