Composite Thrust Reverser Gimbal Assembly With Integrated Pivot Bosses
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Solution Overview
Problem
Actuator gimbals in thrust reverser actuation systems face space envelope constraints due to the need for mechanical fasteners and tools for assembly, which increases the overall size and weight of the gimbal assembly.
Innovation Solution
A gimbal assembly with a body and outer case made from carbon fibre-reinforced polymer matrix composite material, where pivot bosses are integral and located within cavities of the outer case, eliminating the need for mechanical fasteners and allowing for a reduced space envelope and weight savings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If mechanical fasteners and tools are used to assemble the gimbal to the actuator body, then the assembly is structurally sound, but the space envelope and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the gimbal and actuator body into a single integrated component by directly forming the pivot bosses on the actuator body and receiving them in cavities of the gimbal outer case. This eliminates the need for separate mechanical fasteners (pins, straps, bolts) and reduces the assembly to a compact integrated unit, resolving the contradiction between structural integrity and space envelope.
Solution Approach 2:
The outer case of the gimbal is formed from carbon fibre-reinforced polymer matrix composite material, which provides high strength-to-weight ratio. This composite material enables the gimbal to maintain structural integrity while significantly reducing weight compared to traditional metallic fastener systems.
2Reliability
If mechanical fasteners are used to join the gimbal to the body, then the connection is secure, but the part count and assembly complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate components (gimbal, actuator body, pivot pins, straps, bolts) into an integrated assembly where the pivot bosses are directly formed on the actuator body and received in cavities of the gimbal outer case. This merging eliminates numerous separate parts and simplifies the assembly structure while maintaining secure connection through the integrated design.
3Strength
If traditional metallic materials are used for the gimbal outer case, then the structural strength is sufficient, but the weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The outer case of the gimbal is constructed from carbon fibre-reinforced polymer matrix composite material instead of traditional metallic materials. This composite material provides equivalent or superior structural strength while significantly reducing the weight of the gimbal assembly, directly addressing the contradiction between strength and weight.
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2d
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
A gimbal assembly (150) comprises a body (152), comprising at least one pivot boss (160) projecting radially outwards along a first pivot axis (V) from an outer surface of the body (152); a gimbal (154), comprising an outer case (156) surrounding the body (152) and at least one hole (157) projecting radially outwards along a second pivot axis (H) to receive a pivot pin to pivotally couple the gimbal (154) to a fixed structure. The second pivot axis (H) is perpendicular to the first pivot axis (V) and the outer case (156) is formed at least partially from carbon fibre-reinforced polymer matrix composite material. The outer case (156) comprises at least one cavity (162) on its inner surface in which the at least one pivot boss (160) is located to pivotally couple the gimbal (154) to the body (152), such that the body (152) can pivot relative to the gimbal (154) about the first pivot axis (V) and the gimbal assembly (150) can pivot relative to the fixed structure about the second pivot axis (H).