Aircraft Wheel Inflation Channel Layout for Motor Integration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft wheels face challenges in integrating a motor-driven system due to space constraints and the need to cool brakes, particularly because the inner half-rim is already filled with brake disks, and the presence of an inflation valve complicates the installation of drive members.
Innovation Solution
The design includes an inflation channel extending through the rim, with the inflation valve offset near the junction of the flange and the rim, allowing for the installation of drive members while maintaining access to the valve.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If the inner half-rim is filled with brake disks to provide braking function, then the braking capability is improved, but the space available for installing a motor and its coupling device is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention relocates the inflation valve from the web (central dimension) to the flange (peripheral dimension), and positions the motor in the space between the brake disks and the outer half-rim. This dimensional redistribution allows both the brake disks to maintain their braking function while creating available space for motor installation without interfering with the braking system.
2Ease of operation
If the inflation valve is positioned in the web to facilitate inflation operations, then the ease of operation is improved, but the complexity of installing drive members in the outer half-rim increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the inflation valve from its traditional position in the web and relocates it to the flange. This separation removes the conflict between valve accessibility and drive member installation, as the valve can now be accessed from the outer periphery while drive members are installed in the space between the brake disks and outer half-rim, eliminating the need for complex routing around a centrally positioned valve.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the inflation valve is offset to the vicinity of the flange to release volume for drive members, then the adaptability for motor integration is improved, but the access to the valve for inflation and pressure checking becomes more restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The flange serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the tire, creates space for motor installation by housing the inflation valve in its vicinity, and maintains accessibility for inflation operations. The offset positioning of the valve near the flange allows it to be accessed from the outer periphery, making the flange region a multi-functional zone that accommodates both drive member installation and inflation operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle wheel includes a rim having mounted thereon an inflation valve and a tire. The inflation valve is extended by an inflation channel extending through the rim and opening out into a volume of gas defined by the rim and the tire. The inflation valve is arranged in the vicinity of a flange of the rim.