Meggitt Aircraft Braking Systems Corporation

Michael J Suponcic

James L Hill

Kurt Burkhalter

Mark P Dyko

Dana J Fehr

John M Hall

Jamie B Clason

Michael B Eccles

Dennis M Ciccone

Matthew E Eplin

Dene W Glaznieks

Various embodiments of aircraft brake assembly structures are provided for achieving noise reduction during braking activity. In certain embodiments of the invention, the actual application of force to the pressure plate is regulated such that a different number of actuator pistons are used during low-energy stops than during high-energy stops. In other embodiments of the invention, the pressure plate or endplate is augmented as to surface area in some instances and as to a taper angle in others, again to achieve a desired increase in effective pressure application during low-energy stops. In other embodiments of the invention, the stator and/or rotor disks are characterized by slots to break up the propagation of noise waves.

Aircraft brake assembly structures for reducing noise

An electric brake power conversion and distribution system for use in aircraft is provided. An array of DC-DC converters is interposed between a DC power source and a plurality of aircraft electric brake actuators. Each of the DC-DC converters has a characteristic output voltage. The DC-DC converters are interconnected in an additive series of connections to provide an output voltage to the plurality of aircraft electric brake actuators that comprises the sum of the characteristic voltages of the DC-DC converters that are enabled at a particular point in time. A controller manipulates an array of switches interconnected with the array of DC-DC converts, such that the controller can selectively enable or inhibit selected ones of the DC-DC converters, as desired. Accordingly different voltages can be made available for the electric brake actuators depending upon aircraft activity, such as landing, taxiing, parking, or in flight. The invention reduces the size, weight, cost, and associated heat buildup of prior power conversion and distribution systems.

Aircraft electric power conversion and distribution system

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Akron, OH, United States of America

Michael J Suponcic