Wheel Heat Shield Retainer Layout for Wear and Distortion Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft wheel assemblies face issues with heat shield movement and distortion, leading to wear on the heat shield and wheel components due to lack of secure fastening, which can result in damage and inefficiency.
Innovation Solution
A heat shield retainer system with radially outward and inward surfaces, circumferential grooves, and bumper standoffs to secure the heat shield in place, using elastomer bumpers to maintain radial distance and prevent deflection, thereby minimizing contact with the wheel and ensuring proper alignment with the fuse plug.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering 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
Solution Approach 1:
The heat shield is divided into multiple segments that can move independently within controlled ranges, allowing the heat shield assembly to adapt to thermal expansion and structural deformations while maintaining overall stability through the retainer system
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer acts as an intermediary component between the heat shield segments and the wheel, providing controlled movement capabilities while preventing excessive distortion and wear through the bumper standoffs and retention structure
2Reliability
If heat shield retainers are added to secure the heat shield, then wear on heat shield and wheel components is reduced, but the number and weight of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer combines multiple functions into a single component structure: it provides circumferential retention through the wheel, radial positioning through bumper standoffs, and segment-to-segment connection, thereby securing the heat shield without requiring multiple separate fastening systems
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer serves multiple purposes simultaneously: it acts as a structural connector between heat shield segments, a positioning mechanism via bumper standoffs, a retention system through wheel attachment, and a wear prevention device, making it a multi-functional component that reduces overall system complexity
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
The system effectively stabilizes the heat shield, reducing wear and maintaining the shape and function of the wheel assembly by preventing direct contact and ensuring efficient airflow through the fuse plug, while minimizing the number and weight of components.
Implementation Method 1
At least one retainer bumper of the plurality of retainers bumpers may be formed from an elastomer material. The one or more shield bumpers and the at least one retainer bumper may be configured to maintain a predetermined radial distance between the heat shield and the wheel
Data Source
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AI summary
A heat shield for a wheel assembly may comprise a plurality of heat shield segments (122) and a plurality of heat shield retainers (130) 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.