Differential emergency/park electric brake system

Abstract

A system, apparatus and method provide emergency differential braking for effecting braked steering of an aircraft. A brake input device is provided that not only allows for emergency and parking brake functions, but also enables differential braking. The brake input device (e.g., a parking and/or emergency brake lever, pedal, handle, etc.) can be used in a brake system including a brake system control unit (BSCU), one or more electro-mechanical actuator controllers (EMACs) and a brake assembly including one or more electrical actuators. Each EMAC is electrically coupled to one or more of the actuators so as to provide electrical power for driving the actuators. Each EMAC is also communicatively coupled to the BSCU so as to receive braking data therefrom. In an emergency, the input device sends braking signals directly to the brake actuators.

1 . (canceled) 
     
     
         2 . An emergency brake input device for providing emergency braking signals to at least two brake assemblies, the device comprising:
 an input member movable in a first direction corresponding to a braking magnitude and movable in a second direction corresponding to a relative distribution of the braking magnitude between first and second brake signals for the control of the at least two brake assemblies,   wherein the first and second brake signals are configured to be modulated during emergency braking so as to apply differential braking to separate wheels of an aircraft; and   wherein the input member comprises a leg and a handle portion, the leg and handle portion configures in a T shape,   wherein the leg is moveable in at least one of a forward and aft direction to indicate braking magnitude,   wherein the handle portion is rotatable about a pivot axis to indicate relative distribution of the braking magnitude, the pivot axis disposed through the leg.   
     
     
         3 . An emergency brake input device as set forth in  claim 2 , wherein the first brake signal and the second brake signal are electric.