Adjustable Nacelle Locking Flange with Sliding Groove
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing assemblies for holding the interface of a turbojet engine casing and thrust reverser are not adaptable to nacelles with varying circumference dimensions, leading to increased production costs and complexity due to the need for specific locking elements for each nacelle size.
Innovation Solution
A holding assembly with a connecting flange that includes an actuating handle and a connecting rod with a pivotable and slidable axis, featuring a groove and set screw for adjustable clearance, allowing for variable stroke and invariable handle movement, enabling secure locking and unlocking across different nacelle sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If specific locking elements are used for each nacelle size, then secure locking is achieved, but device complexity and production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element is designed with a universal structure that can accommodate multiple nacelle circumference dimensions. The groove in the connecting rod can receive different diameter protruding elements, allowing a single locking element design to work across various nacelle sizes without requiring size-specific variants.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element utilizes adjustable parameters through the groove geometry and protruding element dimensions to adapt to different nacelle circumferences. By varying the groove width and protruding element diameter within the same basic design, the locking element can securely lock different nacelle sizes while maintaining structural integrity.
2Ease of repair
If the connecting flange is made detachable for maintenance, then ease of repair is improved, but reliability of connection may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting flange is divided into two half-rings that can be separated to provide access to the nacelle for maintenance operations. These half-rings can be detached and reattached using the locking mechanism, allowing convenient access while maintaining a secure connection when assembled.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element acts as an intermediary component between the two half-rings of the connecting flange. It provides a reliable mechanical connection that ensures the half-rings remain securely joined during operation while still allowing for intentional detachment during maintenance.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the groove length is increased to accommodate larger nacelles, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The groove is designed with a curved geometry that allows dynamic adjustment to different protruding element diameters. The curved shape enables the groove to accommodate varying nacelle circumferences through a single continuous design, avoiding the need for multiple discrete groove configurations or complex adjustment mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a holding assembly to hold a front frame of a thrust reverser to a turbojet engine casing. The assembly includes at least one connecting flange connecting the front frame to the turbojet engine casing, and also a system for locking the connecting flange. The system includes an actuating handle pivotally mounted on one of two facing ends of the connecting flange, and a connecting rod interposed between the other end of the two facing ends and a portion of the actuating handle. The system locks together the two facing ends, and the actuating handle includes a support provided with a groove and a screw for adjusting a free length of the groove. Furthermore, the connecting rod has, at its one end, an axis pivoting and sliding in the groove.