Thrust Reverser Blocker Door Lock Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thrust reverser linkages in turbofan engines obstruct the bypass airflow duct, necessitating an improvement to reduce obstruction and enhance propulsion efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A blocker door lock mechanism with a projecting arm and a roller-guided lock mechanism that engages and disengages based on the blocker door's position, allowing for unobstructed airflow during both forward and reverse propulsion, and utilizing turning vanes to divert airflow effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional drag links are used to connect the blocker door to the translating structure, then the mechanical linkage is robust and reliable, but the bypass airflow duct becomes obstructed and propulsion efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the traditional drag link from the bypass airflow duct, extracting the obstructing element while maintaining the mechanical connection between the blocker door and translating structure through an alternative linkage path that does not interfere with airflow
Solution Approach 2:
The linkage mechanism is repositioned or reconfigured to operate in a different spatial dimension or plane, allowing the mechanical connection to be made without the linkage extending into the bypass airflow path, thus eliminating obstruction while preserving mechanical reliability
2Reliability
If the lock mechanism arm extends through the translating structure when the blocker door is in the deployed state, then the lock mechanism can effectively secure the blocker door, but it creates additional obstruction in the bypass airflow duct
Solution Approach 1:
The lock mechanism arm is designed to dynamically change its position or configuration based on the blocker door state. When the blocker door is deployed, the arm retracts or assumes a configuration that minimizes its projection into the bypass airflow duct, while still maintaining effective locking engagement with the translating structure
3Reliability
If a complex linkage system is used to achieve smooth transition between propulsion states, then the transition reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into integrated components. The locking mechanism and linkage elements are merged into a unified system where the same structural elements that provide mechanical connection also provide locking and guiding functions, eliminating the need for separate complex linkage components while maintaining smooth transition reliability
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3~4
AI summary
A thrust reverser (40) of a nacelle (24) for a turbofan engine (20) has a translating structure (52) and a blocker door device (62) capable of diverting a bypass flowpath (34) for reversing propulsion direction. The translating structure (52) moves axially between a forward position and a rearward position and thereby drives a compound motion of a blocker door (64) of the blocker door device (62) that moves between respective stowed and deployed states. A lock mechanism (110) of the thrust reverser (40) may be utilized in combination with a link-less linkage (66) and is orientated between the blocker door (64) and a stationary member (106) that may include vanes (108) that divert bypass flow (109).