Blended Wing Thrust Reverser Assembly With Partial Outlet Coverage

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional aircraft designs face challenges in providing thrust reversal for blended wing aircraft configurations where engines are mounted on the body, which complicates the integration of thrust reverser assemblies.

Innovation Solution

A thrust reverser assembly with a deployable structure extending less than 360 degrees around the engine outlet, integrated with the outer nacelle, allows for effective thrust reversal by redirecting exhaust airflow without obstructing the engine's exhaust path, utilizing a clamshell or scalloped design to manage heat and airflow efficiently.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If engines are mounted on the body of blended wing aircraft, then aerodynamic efficiency is improved, but thrust reversal capability becomes difficult to achieve

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaerodynamic efficiencyVSAvoidthrust reversal capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The thrust reverser assembly employs a deployable structure that can transition between retracted and deployed positions. The structure includes movable components such as doors or panels that rotate or translate to redirect exhaust airflow, enabling the system to adapt between forward thrust and reverse thrust modes while maintaining the engine's mounted position on the aircraft body.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The thrust reverser assembly is divided into multiple functional components including a deployable structure, redirecting components, and mounting mechanisms. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for its specific function while collectively achieving the overall thrust reversal capability without compromising the aerodynamic benefits of the engine mounting configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If a traditional 360-degree thrust reverser is used, then thrust reversal is achieved, but mechanical complexity and drag increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethrust reversal capabilityVSAvoidmechanical complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of implementing a complete 360-degree rotating thrust reverser, the invention employs a deployable structure that extends less than 360 degrees around the engine outlet. This partial action approach provides sufficient thrust reversal capability for the aircraft's operational requirements while significantly reducing the mechanical complexity, weight, and aerodynamic drag associated with a full 360-degree system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Device complexity

If a deployable structure extending less than 360 degrees is used, then mechanical complexity is reduced, but thrust reversal effectiveness may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanical complexityVSAvoidthrust reversal effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The thrust reverser assembly concentrates its redirecting capability at specific strategic locations around the engine outlet rather than uniformly distributing it. The deployable structure is positioned and configured to intercept and redirect exhaust airflow in the most effective directions, maximizing thrust reversal effectiveness while using minimal structural extent around the outlet.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The deployable structure utilizes curved or scalloped geometries in its design, allowing it to efficiently redirect exhaust airflow along curved paths rather than requiring straight-line extensions. This curved approach enables the structure to achieve effective thrust reversal with a more compact radial footprint, maintaining reliability while reducing mechanical complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

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 solution enables effective thrust reversal and enhanced braking capabilities for blended wing aircraft, improving operational efficiency and reducing mechanical complexity and drag.

Implementation Method 1

A thrust reverser assembly with a deployable structure extending less than 360 degrees around the engine outlet, allows for effective thrust reversal by redirecting exhaust airflow

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMomentum change: Conservation of Momentum

Implementation Method 2

utilizing a clamshell or scalloped design to manage heat and airflow efficiently

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Convection

Data Source

PatentUS12595066B1Blended wing aircraft

Publication Date: 2026.04.07 GENERAL ELECTRIC CO

AI summary

A blended wing aircraft is provided, including a body having a fuselage and a pair of wings extending outward from the fuselage; and an aircraft engine defining an outlet and including a thrust reverser assembly, the thrust reverser assembly including a deployable structure extending less than 360 degrees around the outlet.