Wheel Heat Shield Clasp Structure for Retainer Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft wheel assemblies face issues with heat shield retainers becoming loose and migrating from their proper position, leading to increased wheel temperatures and potential debris hazards.
Innovation Solution
A wheel assembly design featuring a retention clasp formed into the heat shield panel, which interlocks with a U-channel seam on the retainer plate, secured by a mushroom feature and fasteners, preventing the heat shield retainer from migrating and ensuring proper positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the heat shield retainer becomes loose and migrates, then the heat shield may not be in the proper location causing increased wheel temperatures, but adding more complex retention mechanisms increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The retention clasp is formed integrally with the heat shield panel as a single piece, eliminating the separate retainer component. The clasp extends from the panel and engages with the torque bar, combining the heat shield function and retention function into one unified structure that cannot separate or migrate independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention clasp is formed from the heat shield panel itself, making the heat shield self-retaining. The panel creates its own retention feature through the integrally formed clasp that engages with the existing torque bar structure, eliminating the need for separate retainers or complex multi-component retention systems.
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A
AI summary
A wheel assembly is disclosed herein. The wheel assembly includes a torque bar (138) extending in a first direction, a retainer plate (204) coupled to the torque bar, the retainer plate having a first side formed into a first U-channel, the first U-channel formed in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, a heat shield panel (206) having a first side formed into a second U-channel, the second U-channel of the heat shield panel being formed in a third direction opposite the second direction, and a retention clasp (218) formed from a portion of the heat shield panel, the retention clasp formed over an open end of the second U-channel.