Aircraft Wheel Hub Protector With Internal T-Bar Guide
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aircraft wheel protectors do not adequately protect the internal components, such as wheel bearings, from damage during shipping and installation, as they do not have features to prevent misalignment and dislodgment of unretained bearings, and the T-bar can cause scratches and grease transfer during installation.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates internal protective protrusions that guide the T-bar during installation, preventing it from contacting the wheel bearings and ensuring proper alignment, thus protecting the internal surfaces and preventing dislodgment of unretained bearings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the T-bar is used to tie both halves of the cover together, then the cover is secured in place, but the metal T-bar contacts the internal metal surfaces of the aircraft wheel causing nicks or scratches and transferring grease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary component (protective cover extension or guide feature) between the T-bar and the wheel's internal surfaces. This intermediary prevents direct contact between the metal T-bar and the wheel bearing surfaces, eliminating the harmful effects of nicks, scratches, and grease transfer while still allowing the T-bar to perform its securing function
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary protective measures by designing the cover to extend or feature guide elements before the T-bar installation process begins. This preliminary configuration prevents the T-bar from contacting sensitive surfaces during the securing operation, addressing the potential damage before it can occur
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the protective cover extends over internal and external surfaces, then external protection is provided, but the internal components are not directly protected from the T-bar
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the protective cover into the internal dimension of the wheel assembly, specifically adding features that protrude inward toward the bearing surfaces. This dimensional extension allows the cover to provide direct protection to internal components from the T-bar, complementing the existing external surface protection
3Adaptability or versatility
If unretained bearings rely on proper wheel installation, then bearing retention is achieved, but misalignment or dislodgment can occur during cover installation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates guide features or alignment elements in advance of the T-bar installation process. These preliminary guide features ensure that the T-bar is properly aligned before contact with the bearings occurs, preventing misalignment and dislodgment of unretained bearings during the cover installation process
Data Source
AI summary
An aircraft wheel hub protector is adapted to engage an aircraft wheel including an aircraft tire on a rim. The aircraft wheel hub protector having two or more cover sections with a protective protrusion and coupling mechanism guide extending from the a first cover section and passing through a bearing race and internal surface within a hub of the rim of the aircraft wheel in such a fashion so as to provide a void within the protective protrusion. The second cover section is engaged with an opposed side of the aircraft wheel from the first cover section. A coupling mechanism passes through the void in the protective protrusion without having contact with the bearing race and internal surfaces within the hub of the rim and coupling the first cover section and securing the aircraft wheel hub protector to the aircraft wheel.