Aircraft brake system testing methods

• US 9,714,019 B2
• Filed: 10/30/2015
• Issued: 07/25/2017
• Est. Priority Date: 05/29/2014
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Goodrich Corporation (Rtx Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Goodrich Corporation (Rtx Corporation)
• Inventors: Cahill, Eric, Georgin, Marc
• Primary Examiner(s): Shaawat, Mussa A
• Assistant Examiner(s): JHA, ABDHESH K
• Application Number:
  US14/929,031
• Publication Number:
  US 20160052502A1
• Time in Patent Office: 634 Days
• Field of Search: None
• CPC Class Codes: B60T 17/221 Procedure or apparatus for checking or keeping in a correct functioning condition of brake systems hydraulic pressure systems in general F15B19/00, F15B21/04; testing structures or apparatus G01M
• CPC Class Codes: B60T 2270/406 Test-mode; Self-diagnosis
• CPC Class Codes: B60T 8/1703 for aircrafts
• CPC Class Codes: B60T 8/885 using electrical circuitry
• CPC Class Codes: B64C 25/42 Arrangement or adaptation of brakes
• CPC Class Codes: B64C 25/44 Actuating mechanisms

Abstract

Methods for testing the operation of an aircraft braking system utilize the steps of applying a predetermined electrical energy level to an electromechanical actuator attached to a brake assembly, followed by discontinuing electrical energy to the electromechanical actuator. In some test methods, an actuation level of the electromechanical actuator is determined and used to evaluate braking performance. In other tests, a voltage generated by an electric motor in an actuator is measured and used to evaluate braking performance.

Claims

1. A method for testing the operation of an aircraft braking system comprising:

applying a predetermined electrical energy level to an electromechanical actuator attached to a brake assembly, wherein the brake assembly comprises a brake stack;

discontinuing electrical energy to the electromechanical actuator;

after discontinuing electrical energy to the electromechanical actuator, measuring a voltage from a motor of the electromechanical actuator; and

evaluating braking performance by comparing the voltage from the motor of the electromechanical actuator after discontinuing electrical energy to the electromechanical actuator to a predetermined desired voltage;

wherein the measuring the voltage from the motor of the electromechanical actuator comprises receiving a voltage signal from the motor of the electromechanical actuator operating as a generator, wherein the a difference between the voltage produced by the motor and the predetermined value between about 1 volts and 1000 volts indicates a braking performance issue.

2. The testing method of claim 1, wherein the braking system comprises four electromechanical actuators.

3. The testing method of claim 2, wherein each of the electromechanical actuators are tested independently from one another.

4. The testing method of claim 2, wherein two or more of the electromechanical actuator are tested simultaneously.

5. The testing method of claim 4, wherein the evaluating the braking performance comprises comparing the voltage produced by the motor of the electromechanical actuator to a predetermined value.

6. The testing method of claim 1, wherein the testing method is performed on an aircraft as it is taxiing or parked.