Articulating Pivot Post-Exit Thrust Reverser

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pivot door thrust reversers for turbofan gas turbine engines face challenges in efficiently redirecting exhaust streams for effective aircraft braking, particularly in terms of aerodynamic efficiency and space constraints within the exhaust duct.

Innovation Solution

The design incorporates a thrust reverser system with oppositely rotating reverser doors and a unique pivot point arrangement, allowing for aft movement and offset positioning of pivot points, which enables efficient deployment and stowage within shorter duct loft lines, enhancing reverser efficiency and tailorable efflux.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of moving object

If post-exit pivot door thrust reversers are used with trailing edges forming the exit plane, then the reverser can be deployed within shorter duct loft lines, but the aerodynamic efficiency and exhaust stream redirection capability are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveduct loft line lengthVSAvoidaerodynamic efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The pivot point is made movable rather than fixed, allowing it to translate in the aft direction during door deployment. This dynamic pivot point enables the door to achieve a more optimal deployment angle and position, improving aerodynamic efficiency while maintaining compatibility with shorter duct loft lines

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The thrust reverser system is divided into multiple interconnected components: the movable pivot point, the door assembly, and the link assembly. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each component's function, enabling the pivot point to move for aerodynamic efficiency while the door structure maintains structural integrity for effective exhaust redirection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Device complexity

If the pivot point is fixed, then the door deployment geometry is simplified, but the ability to independently modify performance parameters and reduce leakage is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedoor deployment geometryVSAvoidperformance parameter modification
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The pivot point is designed to move in the aft direction during door deployment, transforming from a static geometric constraint to a dynamic performance parameter. This movement allows independent adjustment of door angle, deployment timing, and exhaust stream redirection characteristics without changing the overall reverser structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The link assembly acts as an intermediary mechanism between the actuator and the door, translating actuator motion into door deployment while accommodating pivot point movement. This intermediary structure enables complex door trajectories and performance optimization without requiring direct actuator-door coupling

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

This configuration allows for improved reverse thrust efficiency, reduced leakage, and independent modification of performance parameters, enabling effective aircraft braking while maintaining a seamless aerodynamic surface.

Implementation Method 1

the first reverser door and the second reverser door rotate in opposite directions to one another about the first pivot point

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRotation:

Implementation Method 2

the thrust reverser capable of redirecting the mixed exhaust stream from a rearward direction to, at least partially, a forward direction thus producing a rearward thrust that may serve to decelerate forward motion of an aircraft

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMomentum: Conservation of Momentum

Data Source

PatentEP3564516B1Articulating pivot point post-exit thrust reverser
Publication Date: 2021.06.23 ROHR INC
  • EP3564516B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3564516B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP3564516B1 patent drawingFigure 2C

AI summary

A thrust reverser (200) may comprise a frame (206), a first reverser door (202) being movable relative to the frame (206), and a second reverser door (204) being movable relative to the frame (206) and rotationally movable relative to the first reverser door (202) via a first pivot point (214), the first pivot point (214) being movable relative to the frame (206) via a first link (215) rotationally mounted to the frame (206) via a second pivot point (212).