U.S. patent application number 14/976744 was filed with the patent office on 2017-06-22 for torque tube damping devices and assemblies.
This patent application is currently assigned to Goodrich Corporation. The applicant listed for this patent is Goodrich Corporation. Invention is credited to Todd Rook.
Application Number | 20170175830 14/976744 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 57681283 |
Filed Date | 2017-06-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170175830 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Rook; Todd |
June 22, 2017 |
TORQUE TUBE DAMPING DEVICES AND ASSEMBLIES
Abstract
The present disclosure provides a torque tube comprising a
barrel portion disposed between a flange and a back leg, the flange
extending radially inward towards an axis of rotation and the back
leg extending radially outward from the barrel portion. The torque
tube further comprises a channel defined by a channel wall and
disposed in at least one of the barrel portion and the flange, the
channel being configured to receive a sacrificial member.
Inventors: |
Rook; Todd; (Tipp City,
OH) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Goodrich Corporation |
Charlotte |
NC |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Goodrich Corporation
Charlotte
NC
|
Family ID: |
57681283 |
Appl. No.: |
14/976744 |
Filed: |
December 21, 2015 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B64C 25/42 20130101;
F16D 55/36 20130101; F16D 65/0006 20130101; B64C 25/58
20130101 |
International
Class: |
F16D 65/00 20060101
F16D065/00; B64C 25/58 20060101 B64C025/58; B64C 25/42 20060101
B64C025/42 |
Claims
1. A torque tube comprising: a barrel portion disposed between a
flange and a back leg, the flange extending radially inward towards
an axis of rotation and the back leg extending radially outward
from the barrel portion; and a channel defined by a channel wall
and disposed in at least one of the barrel portion and the flange,
the channel being configured to receive a sacrificial member; and a
torque tube foot disposed on an inner diameter of the barrel
portion, the torque tube foot comprising at least one of a groove
or an aperture configured to receive the sacrificial member.
2. (canceled)
3. The torque tube of claim 1, wherein the channel wall comprises
an obtuse-angled edge.
4. The torque tube of claim 1, wherein the channel wall comprises
an acute-angled edge.
5. The torque tube of claim 1, wherein the channel is disposed in
an outer diameter of the barrel portion.
6. The torque tube of claim 5, wherein the channel extends in an
axial direction at least partially between the flange and the back
leg.
7. The torque tube of claim 6, further comprising: a first spline
disposed on the outer diameter of the barrel portion; and a second
spline disposed on the outer diameter of the barrel portion and
substantially parallel to the first spline, wherein the channel
extends in a radial direction at least partially between the first
spline and the second spline.
8. A torque tube assembly comprising: a torque tube having a barrel
portion disposed between a flange and a back leg, the flange
extending radially inward towards an axis of rotation and the back
leg extending radially outward from the barrel portion; and a
sacrificial member disposed on at least one of the flange and a
torque tube foot, the torque tube foot being disposed on an inner
diameter of the barrel portion, wherein a friction face of the
sacrificial member is in frictional contact with the inner diameter
of the barrel portion.
9. The torque tube assembly of claim 8, wherein the sacrificial
member comprises a carbon composite material.
10. The torque tube assembly of claim 8, further comprising a rivet
configured to couple the sacrificial member to at least one of the
flange and the torque tube foot.
11. The torque tube assembly of claim 8, wherein the sacrificial
member is disposed on the flange and extends in an axial direction
at least partially between the flange and the torque tube foot.
12. The torque tube assembly of claim 11, further comprising: a
channel defined by a channel wall and disposed in the flange,
wherein the sacrificial member is at least partially disposed in
the channel.
13. The torque tube assembly of claim 12, wherein the channel wall
comprises an obtuse-angled edge.
14. The torque tube assembly of claim 12, wherein the channel wall
comprises an acute-angled edge.
15. The torque tube assembly of claim 8, wherein the sacrificial
member is disposed on the torque tube foot and extends in an axial
direction at least partially between the torque tube foot and the
flange.
16. A torque tube assembly comprising: a torque tube comprising a
barrel portion disposed between a flange and a back leg, the back
leg extending radially outward from the barrel portion, and a
channel defined by a channel wall and disposed in an outer diameter
of the barrel portion; and a sacrificial member disposed in the
channel, wherein a friction face of the sacrificial member is in
frictional contact with the channel, and wherein the channel wall
comprises an obtuse-angled edge.
17. (canceled)
18. The torque tube assembly of claim 16, wherein the channel wall
comprises an acute-angled edge.
19. The torque tube assembly of claim 16, wherein the channel
extends in an axial direction at least partially between the flange
and the back leg.
20. The torque tube assembly of claim 16, further comprising: a
first spline disposed on an outer diameter of the barrel portion;
and a second spline disposed on the outer diameter of the barrel
portion and substantially parallel to the first spline, wherein the
channel extends in a radial direction at least partially between
the first spline and the second spline.
21. A torque tube assembly comprising: a torque tube comprising a
barrel portion disposed between a flange and a back leg, the back
leg extending radially outward from the barrel portion, and a
channel defined by a channel wall and disposed in an outer diameter
of the barrel portion; and a sacrificial member disposed in the
channel, wherein a friction face of the sacrificial member is in
frictional contact with the channel, and wherein the channel wall
comprises an acute-angled edge.
22. The torque tube assembly of claim 21, further comprising: a
first spline disposed on an outer diameter of the barrel portion;
and a second spline disposed on the outer diameter of the barrel
portion and substantially parallel to the first spline, wherein the
channel extends in a radial direction at least partially between
the first spline and the second spline.
Description
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0001] The present disclosure relates to torque tubes and torque
tube assemblies, and more particularly, to vibration damping
aircraft brake torque tubes and torque tube assemblies.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0002] Aircraft brake systems typically employ a series of rotors
and stators that, when forced into contact with each other, help to
stop the aircraft. Stators splined to a non-rotating torque tube
are interspersed with rotors splined to the rotating wheel.
Compression of the rotating rotors against the stationary stators
causes torque to react through the stators to the torque tube,
causing twisting and vibration of the torque tube.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0003] In various embodiments, the present disclosure provides a
torque tube comprising a barrel portion disposed between a flange
and a back leg, the flange extending radially inward towards an
axis of rotation and the back leg extending radially outward from
the barrel portion. In various embodiments, the torque tube further
comprises a first spline disposed on an outer diameter of the
barrel portion, a second spline disposed on an outer diameter of
the barrel portion and substantially parallel to the first spline,
and a channel defined by a channel wall and disposed in at least
one of the barrel portion and the flange, the channel being
configured to receive a sacrificial member.
[0004] In various embodiments, the torque tube may further comprise
a torque tube foot disposed on an inner diameter of the barrel
portion, the torque tube foot comprising at least one of a groove
or an aperture configured to receive a sacrificial member. In
various embodiments, the channel wall may comprise an obtuse-angled
edge. In various embodiments, the channel wall may comprise an
acute-angled edge. In various embodiments, the channel may be
disposed in an outer diameter of the barrel portion. In various
embodiments, the channel may extend in an axial direction at least
partially between the flange and the back leg. In various
embodiments, the channel may extend in a radial direction at least
partially between the first spline and the second spline.
[0005] In various embodiments, the present disclosure provides a
torque tube assembly comprising a torque tube having a barrel
portion disposed between a flange and a back leg, the flange
extending radially inward towards an axis of rotation and the back
leg extending radially outward from the barrel portion. In various
embodiments, the torque tube assembly further comprises a
sacrificial member disposed on at least one of the flange and a
torque tube foot, the torque tube foot being disposed on an inner
diameter of the barrel portion, wherein a friction face of the
sacrificial member is in frictional contact with the inner diameter
of the barrel portion.
[0006] In various embodiments, the sacrificial member may comprise
a carbon composite material. In various embodiments, the torque
tube assembly may further comprise a rivet configured to couple the
sacrificial member to at least one of the flange and the torque
tube foot. In various embodiments, the sacrificial member may be
disposed on the flange and extends in an axial direction at least
partially between the flange and the torque tube foot. In various
embodiments, the torque tube assembly may further comprise a
channel defined by a channel wall and disposed in the flange,
wherein sacrificial member is at least partially disposed in the
channel. In various embodiments, the channel wall may comprise an
obtuse-angled edge. In various embodiments, the channel wall may
comprise an acute-angled edge. In various embodiments, the
sacrificial member may be disposed on the torque tube foot and
extends in an axial direction at least partially between the torque
tube foot and the flange.
[0007] In various embodiments, the present disclosure provides a
torque tube assembly comprising a torque tube comprising a barrel
portion disposed between a flange and a back leg, the back leg
extending radially outward from the barrel portion, a first spline
disposed on an outer diameter of the barrel portion, a second
spline disposed on an outer diameter of the barrel portion and
substantially parallel to the first spline, and a channel defined
by a channel wall and disposed in an outer diameter of the barrel
portion. In various embodiments, the torque tube assembly further
comprises a sacrificial member disposed in the channel, wherein a
friction face of the sacrificial member is in frictional contact
with the channel.
[0008] In various embodiments, the channel wall may comprise an
obtuse-angled edge. In various embodiments, the channel wall may
comprise an acute-angled edge. In various embodiments, the channel
may extend in an axial direction at least partially between the
flange and the back leg. In various embodiments, the channel may
extend in a radial direction at least partially between the first
spline and the second spline.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further
understanding of the present disclosure and are incorporated in,
and constitute a part of, this specification, illustrate various
embodiments, and together with the description, serve to explain
the principles of the disclosure.
[0010] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of portions of a wheel
and brake assembly in accordance with various embodiments;
[0011] FIG. 2a illustrates a perspective cut-away view of a torque
tube assembly in accordance with various embodiments;
[0012] FIG. 2b illustrates a perspective cut-away view of a torque
tube assembly in accordance with various embodiments;
[0013] FIG. 2c illustrates a perspective cut-away view of a torque
tube assembly in accordance with various embodiments; and
[0014] FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded perspective view of a torque
tube assembly in accordance with various embodiments.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0015] The detailed description of various embodiments herein makes
reference to the accompanying drawings, which show various
embodiments by way of illustration. While these various embodiments
are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the
art to practice the disclosure, it should be understood that other
embodiments may be realized and that logical, chemical, and
mechanical changes may be made without departing from the spirit
and scope of the disclosure. Thus, the detailed description herein
is presented for purposes of illustration only and not of
limitation.
[0016] For example, the steps recited in any of the method or
process descriptions may be executed in any order and are not
necessarily limited to the order presented. Furthermore, any
reference to singular includes plural embodiments, and any
reference to more than one component or step may include a singular
embodiment or step. Also, any reference to attached, fixed,
connected, or the like may include permanent, removable, temporary,
partial, full, and/or any other possible attachment option.
Additionally, any reference to without contact (or similar phrases)
may also include reduced contact or minimal contact.
[0017] For example, in the context of the present disclosure,
systems and methods may find particular use in connection with
aircraft brake torque tubes. However, various aspects of the
disclosed embodiments may be adapted for optimized performance with
a variety of torque tubes and/or torque tube assemblies. As such,
numerous applications of the present disclosure may be
realized.
[0018] In accordance with various embodiments and with reference to
FIG. 1, a wheel and brake assembly 100 may comprise a wheel 102 at
least partially surrounding a brake assembly. In various
embodiments, the brake assembly comprises a brake stack 120
oriented about axis of rotation 112. Brake stack 120 may comprise a
plurality of alternating stators 126 and rotors 122. In various
embodiments, the brake assembly may further comprise one or more
torque bars 108 configured to engage with rotors 122 as wheel 102,
torque bars 108, and rotors 122 rotate about axis of rotation
112.
[0019] In various embodiments, stators 126 may be stationary and
may be coupled to torque tube 128. In various embodiments, torque
tube 128 may be coupled to an axle sleeve and/or axle 104 via a
bushing. In various embodiments, torque tube 128 may comprise at
least one spline 130 on its outer diameter. In various embodiments,
the at least one spline 130 may be configured to couple stators 126
to torque tube 128, thereby preventing rotation of stators 126. In
various embodiments, compression of rotating rotors 122 against
stationary stators 126 may cause torque to react through stators
and into torque tube 128. FIG. 1 provides a general understanding
of portions of a wheel and brake assembly, and is not intended to
limit the disclosure.
[0020] In various embodiments, and with reference to FIG. 2a, a
torque tube assembly 200a may comprise a torque tube 201a and a
sacrificial member 250a. In various embodiments, torque tube 201a
may be oriented about an axis of rotation 112. In various
embodiments, the torque tube 201a may comprise a barrel portion
210a disposed between a flange 202a and a back leg 204a. In various
embodiments, flange 202a may be disposed on a first axial end of
torque tube 201a and may extend radially inward from barrel portion
210a towards axis of rotation 112. In various embodiments, back leg
204a may be disposed on a second axial end of torque tube 201a and
extend radially outward from barrel portion 210a.
[0021] In various embodiments, torque tube 201a may further
comprise at least one spline 230 disposed on an outer diameter of
barrel portion 210a. In various embodiments, spline 230 may extend
axially along the outer diameter of barrel portion 210a at least
partially between flange 202a and back leg 204a. In various
embodiments, torque tube 201a may comprise a plurality of splines
disposed radially about the outer diameter of barrel portion 210a.
In various embodiments, each spline 230 of the plurality of splines
may be disposed substantially parallel to the others.
[0022] In various embodiments, torque tube 201a may comprise a
torque tube foot 260a configured to couple torque tube 201a to
wheel axle 104 (with momentary reference to FIG. 1). In various
embodiments, torque tube foot 260a may be disposed on, and
extending circumferentially about, an inner diameter of barrel
portion 210a. In various embodiments, torque tube foot 260a may be
disposed axially between flange 202a and back leg 204a. In various
embodiments, torque tube foot 260a may extend radially inward from
barrel portion 210a. In various embodiments, torque tube foot 260a
and barrel portion 210a may be disposed relative to one another so
as to define a circumferential groove 262a therebetween. In various
embodiments, circumferential groove 262a may be configured to
receive a sacrificial member 250a. In various embodiments, torque
tube foot 260a may comprise at least one aperture 264a extending
axially from a first axial end of torque tube foot 260a to a second
axial end of torque tube foot 260a. In various embodiments,
aperture 264a may be configured to receive a sacrificial member
250a.
[0023] In various embodiments, torque tube 201a may further
comprise a channel 240. In various embodiments, channel 240 may
comprise a slot, channel, depression, or the like and may be
configured to receive a sacrificial member 250a (described below).
In various embodiments, channel 240 may be disposed in flange 202a.
In various embodiments, channel 240 may be disposed in an inner
diameter of barrel portion 210a.
[0024] In various embodiments, channel 240 may be defined by
channel wall 242 and/or a channel base 244. In various embodiments,
channel wall 242 may define a depth of channel 240 extending
radially outward into a surface of flange 202a and/or the inner
diameter of barrel portion 210a. In various embodiments, channel
wall 242 may define a profile or shape of channel 240. In various
embodiments, channel wall 242 and channel base 244 may define a
profile or shape of channel 240. In various embodiments, channel
240 may comprise a rectangular, prismatic, cylindrical, elliptical,
or pyramidal shape. However, in various embodiments, channel 240
may comprise any shape suitable for use in torque tube 201a.
[0025] In various embodiments, channel wall 242 and channel base
244 may be disposed perpendicular to one another. In various
embodiments, channel wall 242 and channel base 244 may be disposed
relative to one another such that an obtuse angle theta (.theta.)
is disposed therebetween. Stated differently, in various
embodiments, channel 240 may comprise at least one obtuse-angled
edge. In various embodiments, channel 240 may be configured such
that a sacrificial member 250a is not restricted from inward radial
movement by any portion of torque tube 201a.
[0026] In various embodiments, channel wall 242 and channel base
244 may be disposed relative to one another such that an acute
angle alpha (.alpha.) is disposed therebetween. Stated differently,
in various embodiments, channel 240 may comprise at least one
acute-angled edge. In various embodiments, channel 240 may be
dove-tailed such that the acute-angled edge limits or restricts
inward radial movement of sacrificial member 250a.
[0027] In various embodiments, channel 240 may be configured to
receive sacrificial member 250a. In various embodiments,
sacrificial member 250a may be configured to be in frictional
contact with portions of torque tube 201a so as to damp vibration
of torque tube 201a. In various embodiments, the vibration may
comprise squeal vibration, or torsional motion of the non-rotating
brake parts about the axle. In various embodiments, the vibration
may comprise whirl mode vibration, or a wobble outside the
rotational plane between torque tube 201a and back leg 204a. In
various embodiments, relative motion of torque tube 201a and
sacrificial member 250a dissipates, and thereby damps, the
vibration. In various embodiments, relative motion of torque tube
201a and sacrificial member 250a causes wear and/or degradation of
sacrificial member 250a but does not cause wear, degradation,
and/or damage to torque tube 201a.
[0028] In various embodiments, sacrificial member 250a may comprise
a carbon composite material. In various embodiments, sacrificial
member 250a may comprise carbon fiber-reinforced carbon, a
composite material consisting of carbon fiber reinforced by a
matrix of graphite. However, in various embodiments, sacrificial
member 250a may comprise any material suitable for damping
vibration of torque tube 201a.
[0029] In various embodiments, sacrificial member 250a may be
disposed in channel 240. In various embodiments, sacrificial member
250a may comprise a shape complimentary to channel 240. In various
embodiments, sacrificial member 250a may be disposed and/or
friction fit in channel 240. In various embodiments, sacrificial
member 250a may be coupled to at least one of channel 240 or flange
202a by at least one of a rivet 270a, bolt, clamp, or other
mechanical fastener. In various embodiments, sacrificial member
250a may extend from flange 202a in an axial direction, partially
towards torque tube foot 260a. In various embodiments, sacrificial
member 250a may extend between, and be disposed at least partially
in both channel 240 and circumferential groove 262a.
[0030] In various embodiments and with reference to FIG. 2b,
sacrificial member 250b may be disposed in circumferential groove
262b. In various embodiments, sacrificial member 250b may comprise
a shape complimentary to circumferential groove 262b. In various
embodiments, sacrificial member 250b may be disposed and/or
friction fit in circumferential groove 262b. In various
embodiments, sacrificial member 250b may be coupled to at least one
of circumferential groove 262b or torque tube foot 260b by at least
one of a rivet 270b, bolt, clamp, or other mechanical fastener. In
various embodiments, sacrificial member 250b may extend from torque
tube foot 260b in an axial direction at least partially towards
flange 202b.
[0031] In various embodiments, sacrificial member 250b may be
configured to be in frictional contact with portions of torque tube
201b so as to damp vibration of torque tube 201b. In various
embodiments, the vibration may comprise squeal vibration, or
torsional motion of the non-rotating brake parts about the axle. In
various embodiments, the vibration may comprise whirl mode
vibration, or a wobble outside the rotational plane between torque
tube 201b and back leg 204b. In various embodiments, relative
motion of torque tube 201b and sacrificial member 250b dissipates,
and thereby damps, the vibration. In various embodiments, relative
motion of torque tube 201b and sacrificial member 250b causes wear
and/or degradation of sacrificial member 250b but does not cause
wear, degradation, and/or damage to torque tube 201b.
[0032] In various embodiments, sacrificial member 250b may comprise
a carbon composite material. In various embodiments, sacrificial
member 250b may comprise carbon fiber-reinforced carbon, a
composite material consisting of carbon fiber reinforced by a
matrix of graphite. However, in various embodiments, sacrificial
member 250b may comprise any material suitable for damping
vibration of torque tube 201b.
[0033] In various embodiments and with reference to FIGS. 2a and
2c, sacrificial member 250a, 250c may be disposed at least
partially in aperture 264. In various embodiments, sacrificial
member 250a, 250c may comprise a shape complimentary to aperture
264a, 264c. In various embodiments, sacrificial member 250a, 250c
may be floated and/or friction fit in aperture 264a, 264c. In
various embodiments, sacrificial member 250a, 250c may extend
through aperture 264a, 164c in an axial direction at least
partially towards back leg 204a, 204c.
[0034] In various embodiments, sacrificial member 250a, 250c may
comprise a friction face 280a, 280c disposed on a portion of
sacrificial member 250a, 250c in frictional contact with the inner
diameter of barrel portion 210a, 210c. In various embodiments,
friction face 280a, 280c may be configured to damp vibration of
torque tube 201a, 210c through interfacial friction between
friction face 280a, 280c and the inner diameter of barrel portion
210a, 210c. In various embodiments, friction face 280a, 280c may
comprise a shape complimentary to the inner diameter of barrel
portion 210a, 210c. In various embodiments, friction face 280a,
280c may comprise a radius of curvature substantially equal to a
radius of curvature of the inner diameter.
[0035] In various embodiments, sacrificial member 250c may be
configured to be in frictional contact with portions of torque tube
201c so as to damp vibration of torque tube 201c. In various
embodiments, the vibration may comprise squeal vibration, or
torsional motion of the non-rotating brake parts about the axle. In
various embodiments, the vibration may comprise whirl mode
vibration, or a wobble outside the rotational plane between torque
tube 201c and back leg 204c. In various embodiments, relative
motion of torque tube 201c and sacrificial member 250c dissipates,
and thereby damps, the vibration. In various embodiments, relative
motion of torque tube 201c and sacrificial member 250c causes wear
and/or degradation of sacrificial member 250c but does not cause
wear, degradation, and/or damage to torque tube 201c.
[0036] In various embodiments, sacrificial member 250c may comprise
a carbon composite material. In various embodiments, sacrificial
member 250c may comprise carbon fiber-reinforced carbon, a
composite material consisting of carbon fiber reinforced by a
matrix of graphite. However, in various embodiments, sacrificial
member 250c may comprise any material suitable for damping
vibration of torque tube 201c.
[0037] In various embodiments and with reference to FIG. 3, a
torque tube assembly 300 may comprise a torque tube 301 and a
sacrificial member 350. In various embodiments, torque tube 301 may
be oriented about an axis of rotation 112. In various embodiments,
the torque tube 301 may comprise a barrel portion 310 disposed
between a flange 302 and a back leg 304. In various embodiments,
flange 302 may be disposed on a first axial end of torque tube 301
and may extend radially inward from barrel portion 310 towards axis
of rotation 112. In various embodiments, back leg 304 may be
disposed on a second axial end of torque tube 301 and extend
radially outward from barrel portion 310.
[0038] In various embodiments, torque tube 301 may further comprise
at least one spline 330a, 330b disposed on an outer diameter of
barrel portion 310. In various embodiments, spline 330a, 330b may
extend axially along the outer diameter of barrel portion 310 at
least partially between flange 302 and back leg 304. In various
embodiments, torque tube 301 may comprise a plurality of splines
disposed radially about the outer diameter of barrel portion 310.
In various embodiments, each spline 330a, 330b of the plurality of
splines may be disposed substantially parallel to the others.
[0039] In various embodiments, torque tube 301 may further comprise
a channel 340. In various embodiments, channel 340 may comprise a
slot, channel, depression, or the like and may be configured to
receive a sacrificial member 350. In various embodiments, channel
340 may be disposed in an outer diameter of barrel portion 310.
[0040] In various embodiments, channel 340 may be defined by
channel wall 342 and/or a channel base 344. In various embodiments,
channel wall 342 may define a depth of channel 340 extending
radially inward from the outer diameter of barrel portion 310. In
various embodiments, channel wall 342 may define a profile or shape
of channel 340. In various embodiments, channel wall 342 and
channel base 344 may define a profile or shape of channel 340. In
various embodiments, channel 340 may comprise a rectangular,
prismatic, cylindrical, elliptical, or pyramidal shape. However, in
various embodiments, channel 340 may comprise any shape suitable
for use in torque tube 301.
[0041] In various embodiments, channel wall 342 and channel base
344 may be disposed perpendicular to one another. In various
embodiments, channel wall 342 and channel base 344 may be disposed
relative to one another such that an obtuse angle theta (.theta.)
is disposed therebetween. Stated differently, in various
embodiments, channel 340 may comprise at least one obtuse-angled
edge. In various embodiments, channel 340 may be configured such
that a sacrificial member 350 is not restricted from outward radial
movement by any portion of torque tube 301.
[0042] In various embodiments, channel wall 342 and channel base
344 may be disposed relative to one another such that an acute
angle alpha (.alpha.) is disposed therebetween. Stated differently,
in various embodiments, channel 340 may comprise at least one
acute-angled edge. In various embodiments, channel 340 may be
dove-tailed such that the acute-angled edge limits or restricts
outward radial movement of sacrificial member 350.
[0043] In various embodiments, channel 340 may extend from flange
302 in an axial direction partially towards torque tube foot back
leg 304. In various embodiments, channel 340 may extend in an axial
direction from the first axial end of torque tube 301 to the second
axial end of torque tube 301. In various embodiments, channel 340
may extend in a radial direction from a first spline 330a partially
towards a second spline 330b. In various embodiments, channel 340
may extend in a radial direction from the first spline 330a to the
second spline 330b.
[0044] In various embodiments, channel 340 may be configured to
receive sacrificial member 350. In various embodiments, sacrificial
member 350 may be configured to be in frictional contact with
portions of torque tube 301 so as to damp vibration of torque tube
301. In various embodiments, the vibration may comprise squeal
vibration, or torsional motion of the non-rotating brake parts
about the axle. In various embodiments, the vibration may comprise
whirl mode vibration, or a wobble outside the rotational plane
between torque tube 301 and back leg 304. In various embodiments,
relative motion of torque tube 301 and sacrificial member 350
dissipates, and thereby damps, the vibration. In various
embodiments, relative motion of torque tube 301 and sacrificial
member 350 causes wear and/or degradation of sacrificial member 350
but does not cause wear, degradation, and/or damage to torque tube
301.
[0045] In various embodiments, sacrificial member 350 may comprise
a carbon composite material. In various embodiments, sacrificial
member 350 may comprise carbon fiber-reinforced carbon, a composite
material consisting of carbon fiber reinforced by a matrix of
graphite. However, in various embodiments, sacrificial member 350
may comprise any material suitable for damping vibration of torque
tube 301.
[0046] In various embodiments, sacrificial member 350 may be
disposed in channel 340. In various embodiments, sacrificial member
350 may comprise a shape complimentary to channel 340. In various
embodiments, sacrificial member 350 may be floated and/or friction
fit in channel 340. In various embodiments, sacrificial member 350
may be coupled to torque tube 301 by at least one of a rivet 370,
bolt, clamp, or other mechanical fastener.
[0047] In various embodiments, sacrificial member 350 may comprise
a friction face 380 disposed on a portion of sacrificial member 350
in frictional contact with channel 340. In various embodiments,
friction face 380 may be configured to damp vibration of torque
tube 301 through interfacial friction between friction face 380 and
channel 340. In various embodiments, friction face 380 may comprise
a shape complimentary to channel 340.
[0048] Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have
been described herein with regard to specific embodiments.
Furthermore, the connecting lines shown in the various figures
contained herein are intended to represent exemplary functional
relationships and/or physical couplings between the various
elements. It should be noted that many alternative or additional
functional relationships or physical connections may be present in
a practical system. However, the benefits, advantages, solutions to
problems, and any elements that may cause any benefit, advantage,
or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be
construed as critical, required, or essential features or elements
of the disclosure. The scope of the disclosure is accordingly to be
limited by nothing other than the appended claims, in which
reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean
"one and only one" unless explicitly so stated, but rather "one or
more." Moreover, where a phrase similar to "at least one of A, B,
or C" is used in the claims, it is intended that the phrase be
interpreted to mean that A alone may be present in an embodiment, B
alone may be present in an embodiment, C alone may be present in an
embodiment, or that any combination of the elements A, B and C may
be present in a single embodiment; for example, A and B, A and C, B
and C, or A and B and C. Different cross-hatching is used
throughout the figures to denote different parts but not
necessarily to denote the same or different materials.
[0049] Devices and methods are provided herein. In the detailed
description herein, references to "one embodiment", "an
embodiment", "various embodiments", etc., indicate that the
embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure,
or characteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarily include
the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover,
such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment.
Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is
described in connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it
is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to affect such
feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other
embodiments whether or not explicitly described. After reading the
description, it will be apparent to one skilled in the relevant
art(s) how to implement the disclosure in alternative
embodiments.
[0050] Furthermore, no element, component, or method step in the
present disclosure is intended to be dedicated to the public
regardless of whether the element, component, or method step is
explicitly recited in the claims. No claim element herein is to be
construed under the provisions of 35 U.S.C. 112(f) unless the
element is expressly recited using the phrase "means for." As used
herein, the terms "comprises", "comprising", or any other variation
thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that
a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of
elements does not include only those elements but may include other
elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method,
article, or apparatus.
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