Abstract: A method for aircraft brake wear optimization includes processes by which the actual instantaneous temperature of brakes can be determined during taxi braking operations. The invention is particularly applicable to carbon disc brakes in aircraft. In the system, the energy absorbed by the carbon disc brakes during taxiing operation is calculated and a conversion made from energy absorbed to disc temperature is made. The system uses less than a full complement of brakes during taxiing such that the brakes actually employed during taxiing are at elevated temperatures, which are characterized by improved brake wear. The system provides substantially instantaneous thermal information, in contrast to the prior art relying upon thermal measurements rather than energy calculations.

Abstract: A beam key and wheel assembly for aircraft brakes is presented. A beam key is pinned at one end to the aircraft wheel and is engaged proximate an opposite end to a pad on an outrigger flange of the wheel. The pad has a milled arcuate surface which is congruent with and nestingly receives a similar arcuate surface of a foot member. The foot has a channel formed therein on a side opposite the arcuate surface, the channel matingly receiving a base on a bottom surface of the beam key. A bolt passes through the beam key, foot, and pad on the outrigger flange to secure the elements together.

Abstract: An inflation valve having overpressure protection has an inflation core which is coaxial with an exhaust port, both of which are coaxial with an exhaust plenum maintained within a body portion of the inflation valve. The inflation core communicates with a circular chamber which also communicates with radial passages extending within the base portion to an annular chamber which communicates with radial passages which interconnect with the wheel entry port. The exhaust plenum is sealed from the wheel entry port and the pressure of the associated tire by a rupture disk. Exhaust ports extend through the body portion of the valve from the exhaust plenum to atmosphere. When an overpressure condition exists within the tire, exceeding the characteristic pressure of the rupture disk, the rupture disk opens and allows the pressure within the tire envelope to escape through the wheel entry port, exhaust plenum, and exhaust ports.

Abstract: A telescopic brake piston includes a cylindrical housing and a pair of concentric pistons. A first hydraulic cavity is provided between an outer piston and the housing, while a second hydraulic cavity, communicating with a source requesting the application of brake force, communicates with both pistons. Passages in the outer piston allow the two cavities to communicate with each other. As the associated brake disc stack wears, the outer piston progressively extends from the housing as the passages are exposed by the inner piston. The actual brake force is attained by the inner piston alone.