Aircraft Wheel Inflation Channel Layout for In-Wheel Drive Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Equipping aircraft wheels with motor-driven rotation systems is challenging due to space constraints and interference from the tire inflation valve, which complicates the installation of drive members and access to the valve for pressure control.
Innovation Solution
The design features a wheel with an inflation channel extending from the rim's volume to the outside near the valve, allowing the valve to be offset and inclined, and includes a protective ring to facilitate drive member installation and airflow management, while maintaining access for inflation operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the valve is positioned at the level of the disc to facilitate inflation operations, then access for inflation is improved, but the installation of drive members is complicated due to space constraints and valve interference
Solution Approach 1:
The inflation channel is repositioned from the traditional disc level to the rim level, utilizing the vertical dimension of the wheel structure. The channel extends through the rim vertically, allowing the valve to be accessed from the outer periphery rather than through the disc center, thereby resolving the spatial conflict between valve access and drive member installation
Solution Approach 2:
The inflation channel is extracted from the disc area and relocated to the rim structure. This separation removes the valve access pathway from the problematic disc region where drive members need to be installed, eliminating the interference between inflation operations and drive system integration
2Adaptability or versatility
If the inner half-rim is filled with brake discs to provide braking capability, then braking function is improved, but space for motor and coupling device is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The inflation channel utilizes the radial dimension of the rim structure, extending from the outer periphery toward the center but stopping before interfering with the brake disc assembly. This three-dimensional routing allows the channel to coexist with the brake discs in the limited space of the wheel hub region
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the valve extends in axial projection from the web of the outer half-rim to protect it from impacts and air flow, then protection is improved, but access to the valve is complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The valve access function is extracted from the protected web region and relocated to the outer rim periphery. The inflation channel provides a new access pathway that bypasses the protected but inaccessible web area, allowing valve operations while maintaining the protective positioning of the valve body
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The invention relates to a wheel (1, 1') comprising a rim (20a, 20b) on which an inflation valve (10) and a tyre (6) are mounted. The inflation valve (10) is extended by an inflation channel (11) extending through the rim and opening into a gas volume (V) delimited by the rim and the tyre. The inflation valve (10) is arranged in the vicinity of a rim flange (24b). The invention also relates to a landing gear and an aircraft provided with such a wheel.