Composite Translating Cowl for Thrust Reverser Weight Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional thrust reverser systems for turbine engines are heavy and do not adequately address the need for reduced weight while maintaining performance requirements, particularly in the transition between forward and reverse thrust states.

Innovation Solution

A composite translating cowl assembly for thrust reverser systems, comprising an outer skin made of a first composite material for aerodynamic continuity and an inner skin with a contoured depression for blocker door clearance, along with metallic brackets to distribute structural loads and attach to the actuation system, optimizing weight reduction and performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Weight of moving object

If traditional metallic thrust reverser systems are used, then structural strength and reliability are ensured, but weight is excessive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveweight of thrust reverser systemVSAvoidstructural strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Weight of moving objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies composite materials (fiberglass reinforced plastic) to manufacture the translating cowl assembly, replacing traditional metallic materials. This resolves the contradiction by providing sufficient structural strength through composite material properties while achieving significant weight reduction, making the thrust reverser system lighter without compromising structural integrity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Weight of moving object

If the translating cowl is made lighter with composite materials, then weight is reduced, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveweight of translating cowlVSAvoidmanufacturing ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Weight of moving objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The translating cowl assembly is segmented into multiple components including outer skin panels, inner skin panels, and support structures. These segments can be manufactured separately using composite material techniques and then assembled together, resolving the contradiction by reducing overall weight through material selection while managing manufacturing complexity through modular construction

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Weight of moving object

If composite materials are used for the transcowl, then weight is reduced, but structural load distribution becomes more challenging

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveweight of transcowl assemblyVSAvoidstructural load distribution

Core Design Contradiction:

Weight of moving objectVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates pre-designed support structures and reinforcement elements within the composite transcowl assembly before final assembly. These preliminary structural features are integrated into the composite construction to ensure proper load distribution throughout the assembly, resolving the contradiction by achieving weight reduction while maintaining adequate structural load handling capacity through advance structural planning

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS10859035B2Composite translating cowl assembly for a thrust reverser system

Publication Date: 2020.12.08 HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC

AI summary

An improved translating cowl (transcowl) assembly for a thrust reverser system for a turbine engine is provided. The transcowl assembly comprises an outer skin comprised of a first composite material and an inner skin comprised of a second composite material. The inner skin is configured to couple circumferentially within the outer skin and creates a flow path for engine exhaust flow. The inner skin comprises a contoured depression configured to provide clearance for movement of a blocker door. A metallic bracket is disposed between the inner skin and outer skin.