Wheel Heat Shield Segmented Retaining Ring Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heat shield assemblies for aircraft wheels are difficult to maintain due to complex attachment mechanisms and require removal of drive keys for segment replacement, leading to increased maintenance time and costs.
Innovation Solution
A segmented heat shield assembly with radiused segments and a retaining ring mechanism, where each heat shield segment includes tabs that secure to a retaining ring within the wheel, allowing for easy assembly and removal without dissembling the drive keys.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If heat shield segments are secured to drive keys using complex attachment mechanisms, then the heat shield is securely retained in position, but the maintenance time and difficulty increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The heat shield is divided into multiple removable segments that can be independently installed and removed. Each segment has tabs that engage with corresponding slots in the drive keys, allowing for simple attachment and detachment without complex fastening mechanisms. This segmentation enables quick maintenance by allowing individual segment replacement without removing entire drive keys.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment mechanism is extracted from the drive keys themselves and implemented through separate tabs on the heat shield segments that engage with slots in the drive keys. This separation allows the heat shield segments to be removed independently from the drive keys, eliminating the need to disassemble drive keys during heat shield maintenance.
2Ease of repair
If heat shield segments are individually removable without removing drive keys, then maintenance ease is improved, but the attachment mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heat shield is divided into multiple removable segments that can be independently installed and removed. Each segment has tabs that engage with corresponding slots in the drive keys, allowing for simple attachment and detachment without complex fastening mechanisms. This segmentation enables quick maintenance by allowing individual segment replacement without removing entire drive keys.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment mechanism uses simple, inexpensive tabs and slots instead of complex fasteners or permanent connections. The tabs are designed to be easily inserted and removed, providing a simple, low-cost solution that prioritizes ease of maintenance over long-term durability of the attachment mechanism itself.
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
Facilitates easy assembly and maintenance of heat shield segments, reducing heat transfer to the wheel while minimizing the need for additional fasteners or complex mechanisms, thus lowering maintenance costs and time.
Implementation Method 1
The heat shield is provided to limit conduction and radiation heat transfer from the discs to the wheel assembly
Implementation Method 2
The drive keys may be spaced from the interior of the wheel to reduce conduction heat transfer from the brake to the wheel. In this way the heat shield segments are spaced from the wheel, thereby providing an air-filled insulation layer between the heat shield and the wheel.
Data Source
AI summary
A heat shield segment includes at least one tab extending from an outboard end, the tab adapted to secure the heat shield segment against radial and axial movement. The at least one tab is received over a retaining ring positioned within a tube well of a wheel. The retaining ring is received in recesses formed in the inner surface of drive keys spaced around the interior of the tube well. The heat shield segment is secured at the inboard end by a fastener, and is spaced from the tube well by a spacer positioned between the heat shield segment and the tube well. The at least one tab of the heat shield segment allows for easy assembly and maintenance of the heat shield assembly formed by a plurality of the heat shield segments.