Seal Mechanism for Wheel Assemblies

Aircraft landing gear is continually exposed to environmental elements, allowing contaminants such as debris and moisture to damage bearing rollers and wheel assemblies. Additionally, the pressurized water used to wash the aircraft can displace the protective bearing grease and introduce condensation, causing corrosion of the assembly steel bearing and rolling elements. These corroded elements pose a significant safety risk and must be rejected and replaced immediately when discovered. Replacing landing gear is expensive and time consuming and directly impacts aircraft operations.

To address this issue, researchers at the US Coast Guard created the Seal Mechanism for Wheel Assemblies (SMWA). This innovative solution protects landing gear components from environmental contaminants, pressurized water, and related condensation. The robust seal material can withstand the forces and high temperatures that occur within landing gear wheels without obstructing the axle’s turning clearance. 

For a more detailed description download the PDF below.