Closure Membrane Thrust Reverser for Aircraft Propulsion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thrust reversers with connecting rods and flaps introduce aerodynamic disturbances and are complex and costly, while those with doors have antagonistic efficiency and performance, and increased mass.
Innovation Solution
A thrust reverser using a closure membrane that deflects air flow through a radial evacuation structure, which is movable between direct and reverse jet positions, reducing aerodynamic disturbances and simplifying the design and maintenance by eliminating flaps and connecting rods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If connecting rods and flaps are used to switch between direct jet and reverse jet positions, then the thrust reverser can redirect air flow, but aerodynamic disturbances are introduced that reduce propulsion unit efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the connecting rods from the system entirely. Instead of using connecting rods to switch flaps between direct and reverse jet positions, the invention uses a membrane that can be directly actuated to redirect airflow, eliminating the aerodynamic disturbances caused by the connecting rods while maintaining the thrust reversal function
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a membrane (thin film structure) to replace the rigid flap and connecting rod mechanism. This membrane can be deformed or positioned to redirect airflow for thrust reversal without introducing the aerodynamic disturbances associated with rigid mechanical components extending through the airflow path
2Ease of operation
If multiple flaps and connecting rods are used to achieve thrust reversal, then the thrust reverser can redirect air flow, but the mechanism becomes complex and costly in terms of assembly and maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the complex system of multiple flaps and connecting rods, replacing it with a single membrane structure that achieves the same thrust reversal function with significantly reduced complexity and lower assembly and maintenance costs
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the functions of multiple flaps and connecting rods into a single integrated membrane structure, simplifying the mechanism while maintaining the ability to redirect airflow for thrust reversal
3Ease of operation
If heavy doors are used to redirect both cold and hot air flows, then the thrust reverser can provide thrust reversal, but the overall mass of the aircraft propulsion unit increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a lightweight membrane (flexible thin film) to replace the heavy door structure, achieving thrust reversal functionality with significantly reduced mass while still being capable of redirecting airflow
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 closure membrane-based thrust reverser minimizes aerodynamic disturbances, improves airflow efficiency, and simplifies the design and maintenance by reducing the number of parts, while providing acoustic treatment and enhanced resistance to pressure forces.
Implementation Method 1
resistance to pressure forces exerted by the air flow
Data Source
AI summary
An improved thrust reverser for an aircraft propulsion assembly includes redirection of the air flow for performing the thrust reversal by one or more closure membranes, i.e. by thin and flexible structures deployed across the propulsion assembly. The improved thrust reverser includes at least one closure membrane arranged to deflect at least one portion of the air flow in the direction of the evacuation structure when the thrust reverser is in the reverse jet position and an intermediate structure movable in rotation relative to the fixed structure.