Castellated Flange Thrust Reverser Connection for O-Duct Nacelles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional connecting devices for thrust reversers to fan casings are bulky, heavy, and unsuitable for 'O-Duct' nacelle configurations, requiring complex installation and lacking in maintenance efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A castellated flange and annular part with complementary slotted crown design that securely locks through rotation, allowing for quick connection and disconnection, suitable for 'O-Duct' configurations, and featuring radial and axial prestressing with inclined surfaces and chamfers for enhanced stability and aerodynamic sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a conventional linking device with a deep J- or V-shaped groove is used to connect the front frame to the blower housing, then radial and axial forces are effectively absorbed, but the device size and weight increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The connection interface is segmented into discrete crenellations (protrusions and recesses) on both the flange and crown, replacing the continuous deep groove structure. This segmentation allows force transmission through multiple discrete contact points, maintaining structural integrity while significantly reducing the bulk and weight of the linking device.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection mechanism transitions from a primarily radial groove-based design to a multi-dimensional engagement system where crenellations provide both radial and axial locking through their geometric shape. The crenellations engage in a way that distributes forces across multiple dimensions, eliminating the need for a deep single-dimension groove.
2Ease of manufacture
If a conventional linking device requiring opening installation is used, then the connection can be made, but it is incompatible with monobloc 'O-Duct' type rear parts
Solution Approach 1:
The connection device incorporates a dynamic locking mechanism where the crown can rotate relative to the annular piece to transition between locked and unlocked states. This dynamic feature allows the thrust reverser to be quickly connected and disconnected without requiring complex installation procedures, making it compatible with monobloc O-Duct configurations while maintaining ease of assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The slotted ring acts as an intermediary element between the flange and the annular piece, providing a rotation mechanism that enables the locking action. This intermediary component facilitates the connection process by allowing the crown to rotate and engage the crenellations, enabling quick attachment without complex installation procedures.
3Productivity
If a simple connection mechanism is used to reduce complexity, then installation is faster, but the ability to absorb radial and axial forces effectively is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The connection interface is segmented into multiple crenellations distributed around the circumference, allowing force transmission through multiple discrete contact points. This segmentation maintains structural integrity and force absorption capability while enabling a simpler, faster connection mechanism compared to a continuous deep groove structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The crenellations are pre-configured in specific geometric patterns on both the flange and crown, allowing the connection to be made quickly by simply bringing the components together. The pre-configured geometry ensures proper alignment and immediate engagement of force-bearing surfaces, eliminating the need for complex alignment procedures while maintaining strong force absorption.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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Figure 6~8
AI summary
This device for connecting a thrust reverser front frame to a fan casing (1) comprises: - a crenulated flange (3) secured to said front frame, - an annular component (11) to accept this flange (3), secured to said fan casing (1), and - a crenulated annulus (13) of a shape that complements that of said flange (3), pivot-mounted on said annular component (11). Said crenulated flange (3), said annular component (11) and said crenulated annulus (13) are configured in such a way that a rotation of said annulus (13) with respect to said annular component (11) has the effect of locking this flange (3) against this annular component (11) through the collaboration between the respective crenulations of said flange (3) and of said annulus (13).