Aircraft Blocker Door Actuation via Translating Sleeve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Thrust reverser systems with drag link systems introduce aerodynamic inefficiencies and noise in fan air ducts due to mounting hardware, affecting nacelle design and performance.
Innovation Solution
A blocker door actuation system comprising a translating sleeve, a gear, a screw shaft, and a link, where the gear translates along a rack and the screw shaft moves within the gear, reducing the need for drag links and associated mounting hardware, thereby improving aerodynamic efficiency and minimizing noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a drag link system is used to actuate the blocker door, then the blocker door can be actuated reliably, but aerodynamic inefficiencies and noise are introduced in the fan air duct
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the drag link system and its mounting hardware from the fan air duct environment. Instead, it uses a translating sleeve mechanism that moves linearly within the engine casing, actuating the blocker door through direct mechanical coupling without requiring external drag links. This extraction of the problematic components eliminates the source of aerodynamic inefficiencies and noise while maintaining reliable blocker door actuation.
2Ease of operation
If drag link mounting hardware is installed in the fan air duct, then blocker door actuation is achieved, but nacelle aerodynamic performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent nests the blocker door actuation mechanism within the existing translating sleeve structure of the thrust reverser system. The gear and screw shaft assembly is contained within the translating sleeve, which itself is integrated into the engine casing. This nested arrangement eliminates the need for separate drag link mounting hardware in the fan air duct, preserving nacelle aerodynamic performance while providing reliable blocker door actuation.
3Ease of operation
If a traditional drag link system is used, then the blocker door can be actuated, but the device complexity increases due to additional mounting hardware
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the blocker door actuation function with the existing translating sleeve mechanism of the thrust reverser system. The gear is integrated into the translating sleeve, and the screw shaft is coupled to the same translating sleeve that actuates the thrust reverser. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate drag link systems and mounting hardware, reducing device complexity while maintaining blocker door actuation capability.
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 enhances aerodynamic efficiency and reduces noise in the nacelle by eliminating drag link-related inefficiencies and noise sources, optimizing the nacelle's design and performance.
Implementation Method 1
The screw shaft may be configured to translate within the gear in response to gear translating along the rack
Data Source
AI summary
A blocker door actuation system for use in an aircraft thrust reverser is provided. The blocker door actuation system may comprise a rack, a gear, a gear housing, a screw shaft, and a link. The blocker door actuation system may be mounted to a translating sleeve in an aircraft nacelle. In response to the thrust reverser being activated and the translating sleeve moving aft, the blocker door actuation system may move the blocker door from a stowed position to a deployed position in a fan air duct.