GB2365393A

GB2365393A - Rotating aircraft wheels prior to landing

Info

Publication number: GB2365393A
Application number: GB0019361A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Peter John Ginn
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2000-08-07
Filing date: 2000-08-07
Publication date: 2002-02-20
Also published as: GB0019361D0

Abstract

An aircraft tyre or wheel is provided with pockets or ridges 6, which catch the airflow past the wheel and cause the wheel to rotate. The pockets/ridges may be formed in the tyre or an additional member for attachment to the wheel. Means may be provided for diverting air from a pocket into the wheel assembly for cooling purposes.

Description

<Desc/Clms Page number 1> AIRCRAFT WHEEL AND TYRE PERFORMANCE IMPROVER BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to the wheel and tyre assemblies of aircraft. In particular the performance of the assembly in landing. PROBLEMS THAT EXIST Currently on aircraft the wheels on the approach in landing are static and thus at the time of impact with the landing strip, huge forces are absorbed by the wheel assemblies, not just those endemic to the deflection of the mass of the aircraft and it's contents, but in addition the forces that are required to make the wheels rotate from static to hundreds of km/h instantly. The latter problem also affects the life of the tyre as the friction between the runway and the tyre causes them to be worn very quickly. OBJECTS OF INVENTION This invention will cause the tyres to rotate prior to landing, at close to the speed they will rotate at on touchdown. This will alleviate some of the problems that exist currently, including tyre wear, instances of blowouts, reduce the forces required to be absorbed by the wheel assemblies, and slow the rate of acceleration from static to hundreds of Km/h transition of the wheels. In addition it will make landings safer, and running costs cheaper. ESSENTIAL FEATURES The essential feature of this invention is that it causes the wheels to rotate when the undercarriage is lowered for landing prior to touchdown. IMPORTANT BUT NOT ESSENTIAL FEATURES Other features that are important considerations is that the invention should be lightweight, and made from or formed in a suitable material that will be both durable and weather resistant. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 1 X Aeroplane tyre standard X/C Modified tyre with pockets X/D Modified tyre with ridges.

2 y Shows handed versions i.e. pairs. 3 Z I Additional section with pockets. 4 Z2 Additional section with ridges 5 Z1) Handed cups 6 Z4 Cooling cross section

DEFINITIONS Below are definitions of words used herein.

CUPS (6) Cups means cup shaped openings or ridges or other protrusions or indents suitable to accomplish the effect desired on the wheel assembly of rotation by air flow over the same. Denoted in diagrams as 6 DETAILED DESCRIPTION In this description the drawings are referred to by their letters. Below there are more detailed descriptions of two examples of how the invention may be performed. The invention may be in the form of a moulded or otherwise fashioned addition to the wheel assembly, that is shaped to take advantage of the air flow coming from the front of the aircraft, due to its speed through the air. This addition may be held securely in place by the existing nuts or by some other means suitable to the purpose. The air effect on this addition would exert a force on the wheel while it is under minimal load causing it to rotate in one direction which would be The same direction that it will be required to rotate on contact with the landing site. The shape of this addition is governed by its suitability and two options are diagrams Z 1 & Z2, where the cups are shaped to encourage air resistance one way by exert minimal resistance when in opposition to the former. This would cause the wheel and tyre to rotate. The size of the cups may be altered to govern the acceleration of the rotation and terminal speed in relation to the aircraft's speed. The position of the cups in relation to the radius of the wheel may also be varied to best create the purpose of the invention. These additions as demonstrated in diagram Z3 would be handed to allow the wheels to rotate in the correct direction. Further to this the cups could in addition divert the air in to the assembly after utilising it for the intended purpose to cool the wheel assembly should it be necessary Diagram Z4 . This benefit would be relevant whilst the wheel was under braking strain when in contact with the landing surface also, should it be employed.

The second example of how the invention may be effected is a modification to the shape of a tyre as in Diagram X. Where the resistance on the tyre itself causes the desired effect. X / C. & X / D. show some possible variations on the shape of the modification of the tyres profile that would effect the sought results. These would preferably occur on the sidewall of the tyre so as to change little with use, i.e.. not an integral part of the tread which will reduce slightly the effects after each landing as the tread wore. Various modifications are contemplated and may obviously be resorted to by those skilled in the art without departing from the described invention, as hereinafter defined by the appended claims, as only a preferred embodiment thereof has been disclosed.

Claims

CLAIMS I Claim 1 An invention that causes the wheels to rotate when the undercarriage is lowered for landing prior to touchdown in aircraft. 2 An invention as in Claim 1 which is effected by the air flow over it. 3 An invention as in claim I & 2 which is a modification of the tyre walls. 4 An invention as in claim 2 which is effected by an additional piece affixed to the wheel assembly causing the effect of claim 1 5 An invention as claimed in any preceding claim made from plastic or metal or fabric or rubber or a combination of these materials. 6 An invention substantially as herein described and illustrated in the accompanying drawings and description.