Roller Traction Drive System for an Aircraft Drive Wheel Drive System

摘要

A roller traction drive system integral with a non-engine drive means and a clutch assembly in an aircraft drive wheel drive system capable of moving an aircraft autonomously on the ground is provided. The roller traction drive system is selectively activated by the clutch assembly into and out of actuating contact with the non-engine drive means to drive the aircraft drive wheel. Roller traction drive system components are made of materials designed to enable dry running and operation at the torques, drive means speeds, and reduction ratios required to actuate a drive means and drive a drive wheel for autonomous aircraft ground movement. Roller traction drive materials may be selected to maintain effective torque transfer between roller traction drive system components and the non-engine drive means as well as to minimize undesirable thermal expansion.

主权项

1. A roller traction drive system operatively integral with an aircraft drive wheel drive system designed to efficiently move an aircraft autonomously during ground operations comprising:
a. at least one drive wheel rotatably mounted on an aircraft nose or main landing gear to move an aircraft autonomously during ground travel without reliance on aircraft engines or external vehicles; and b. a drive wheel drive system mounted completely within and operably connected to said drive wheel to control rotation of said drive wheel, wherein said drive wheel drive system comprises non-engine drive means in driving contact with said drive wheel to power rotation of said drive wheel at a desired speed and torque, a roller traction drive system in actuating contact with said non-engine drive means, and a clutch assembly controllable to selectively engage and disengage said roller traction drive system into and out of said actuating contact with said non-engine drive means, wherein said roller traction drive system comprises a plurality of rollers in rolling traction force contact between spaced circumferential races, and wherein each of said rollers and said races is formed of a material selected to establish and maintain effective torque transfer between said rollers and said races and with said non-engine drive means.