Actuator Support System for Thrust Reverser Aerodynamic Efficiency
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional thrust reverser systems for aircraft impose design limitations on the external profile and aerodynamic features, reducing overall efficiency due to the need for external support structures that affect the nacelle's envelope and create unnecessary load paths.
Innovation Solution
A cascade-type thrust reverser system with a first and second cascade operatively coupled by actuators, eliminating the need for an aft cascade ring by creating a continuous hoop load path through the cascades and track beams, allowing for minimized or eliminated supporting structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional thrust reverser support structures are used, then structural support is provided, but the external profile and aerodynamic features are affected, reducing overall efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator body integrates multiple functions: it serves as both the actuator housing and the support structure for coupling cascades. The first and second cascades are operatively coupled to the actuator body through flanges, eliminating the need for separate support structures like the aft cascade ring, thereby reducing external profile impact while maintaining structural support.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator body performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides actuation force, supports cascade coupling, and creates continuous hoop load paths. This multi-functionality reduces the number of additional supporting structures needed, minimizing aerodynamic drag while ensuring structural integrity.
2Stability of the object's composition
If external support structures like aft cascade ring are used, then structural stability is ensured, but the nacelle envelope is constrained and unnecessary load paths are created
Solution Approach 1:
The support function is merged into the actuator body itself. The flanges on the actuator body directly couple the cascades, eliminating the need for separate support structures. This integration maintains structural stability while reducing device complexity and unnecessary load paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The aft cascade ring support structure is extracted/removed from the design. Instead, the actuator body alone provides the necessary support and coupling functions, simplifying the overall structure while maintaining stability through the continuous hoop load path created by the flange connections.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A cascade support structure for a cascade type thrust reverser system (20) is provided. One or more cascades (24-1 to 24-3) may comprise one or more flanges (24A to 24C). One or more actuators (22-1 to 22-3) may also comprise one or more flanges (23A to 23D). The cascades (24-1 to 24-3) may be coupled to and/or supported by the actuators (22-1 to 22-3) via the flanges (24A to 24C, 23A to 23D). The cascades (24-1 to 24-3) and/or actuators (22-1 to 22-3) may also be configured to couple to one or more track beams (28, 28-1, 28-2) via the one or more flanges (24A to 24C, 23A to 23D).