Active Locking System for Aircraft Thrust Reverser Doors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thrust reverser locking systems for aircraft nacelles lack an active mechanism to assist in closing the doors and ensure secure locking in the direct jet position without relying on door position sensors, particularly for flexible or weakly actuated moving elements.
Innovation Solution
An active locking system with a mechanically linked actuator and passive unlocking mechanism, utilizing hooks and a cylinder actuator, which applies a closing force and locks the doors when they reach a predetermined position, ensuring secure locking in the direct jet position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If traditional locking systems with springs and hooks are used, then the locking function is provided, but the closing force for flexible or weakly actuated doors is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The locking system performs preliminary action by positioning the locking lever in the locked position before the door reaches the direct jet position. The actuator is pre-configured to engage the locking lever at the appropriate moment during door closure, ensuring that the locking function is ready to engage without requiring additional sensors or complex control sequences. This preliminary positioning enables reliable locking while providing sufficient closing force for flexible or weakly actuated doors.
2Measurement precision
If door position sensors are used to trigger locking, then precise locking control is achieved, but the system complexity and potential failure points increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking system implements self-service by using the door's own movement and position to automatically trigger the locking mechanism. The locking lever is mechanically linked to the door through the actuator, allowing the door's position to directly control the locking state without requiring external sensors or complex control systems. This self-triggering mechanism eliminates the need for door position sensors while maintaining precise locking control through the mechanical linkage between the door and locking lever.
3Device complexity
If the locking mechanism is simplified without active assistance, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to assist door closing for flexible elements is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The locking system merges the locking function with the door closing operation by integrating the locking lever into the actuator mechanism. The locking lever is positioned and controlled through the same actuator that drives the door closure, combining the locking and closing functions into a single integrated system. This merging provides active assistance for door closing while maintaining relatively simple device complexity, as the locking mechanism shares the actuator and control infrastructure with the door closing operation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The active locking system effectively assists in closing flexible or weakly actuated doors and ensures secure locking in the direct jet position, enhancing the reliability and safety of the thrust reverser operation by passively controlling the unlocking based on the movable element's position.
Implementation Method 1
an actuator (281) of the locking means (280) controlled by a locking command (C), a means for blocking the locking means (280) in the unlocked position (28), movable between a blocking position and an unlocking position
Implementation Method 2
a spring (284) arranged upstream of the obstacle (282a), designed to be compressed by the obstacle (282a) when the second connecting rod (18a) is driven by the door (12a) in the direct jet position)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to an active locking system (28) for a movable element (12a, 12b; 12'a, 12'b) for a thrust reverser (10) of an aircraft nacelle, the locking system (28) comprising: - An active locking means (280a, 280b) for the movable element, movable between a locked position and an unlocked position, - An actuator (281) for the locking means, controlled by an actuating control for the locking means (C), - A locking means (282a, 282b) for the locking means in the unlocked position, movable between a locked position and an unlocked position, - A displacement device (22a, 22b) for the locking means (282a, 282b), the actuating control being intended to close the movable element, and the displacement device for the locking means being intended to move the locking means to the unlocked position when the moving element is in a predetermined position.