Meggitt Aircraft Braking Systems Corporation

Michael P Osburn

Kurt Burkhalter

Kevin M Dalton

Harold R Booher

A flexible wheel drive for aircraft onboard taxi systems is provided. In association with an aircraft wheel assembly there is provided a drive gear assembly that is adapted to be driven by a motor mounted to an aircraft. A flexible drive flange is secured about an inboard rim of the aircraft wheel assembly and a flexible ring is interconnected between the drive gear assembly and the flexible drive flange. Preferably, the flexible ring is made of a metal textile or high-temperature composite and the drive flange is of a high-strength stainless steel.

Flexible wheel drive for aircraft onboard taxi systems

An electric brake actuator for the brake system of an aircraft is presented. A brake actuator includes a piston driven by a cylindrical nut and screw arrangement, driven by an appropriate motor of the actuator. Application of brake force results in a reactionary force that deflects the top cover of the actuator. The axial component of this deflection correlates directly with the brake force applied. A beam is interposed between this cover and a top cap, such that deflection of the beam correlates to applied brake face. Piezo-resistive devices are connected to the beam and, through a whetstone bridge, provide an electrical output signal correlating to applied brake force.

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Canton, OH, United States of America

Michael P Osburn