Spring-Loaded Compression Rod Engagement for Thrust Reverser Vibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
In gas turbine propulsion systems, the existing compression rod designs face challenges in ensuring precise engagement with thrust reverser halves during varying pressure conditions, leading to potential loose fits, rattling, and vibration, which can result in wear or damage.
Innovation Solution
A compression rod engagement apparatus featuring an engagement feature, an engagement feature pin, and a mounting member with spring forces that resist axial travel, ensuring consistent contact and preventing vibration by using multiple springs to maintain the engagement feature in a home position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a compression rod is used to react pressure loads between IFS halves, then the structural strength is improved, but the engagement precision deteriorates leading to loose fits and vibration
Solution Approach 1:
The spring applies a pre-load force to the engagement feature pin before operational loads are applied, ensuring that the pin is already in contact with the compression rod and maintaining precise engagement. This preliminary action prevents loose fits and vibration by eliminating clearance between mating parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring changes the force parameter applied to the engagement feature pin, transforming it from a passive, clearance-prone connection to an active, pre-loaded connection. This parameter change ensures consistent contact pressure and prevents vibration during operation.
2Manufacturing precision
If rigid engagement features are used, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to wear and damage from vibration
Solution Approach 1:
The spring acts as a cushioning element that absorbs shocks and vibrations before they can cause damage to the rigid engagement features. By providing this beforehand cushioning, the rigid precision engagement features are protected from wear and damage, maintaining both precision and reliability.
3Device complexity
If traditional compression rod designs are used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the productivity deteriorates due to time-consuming rigging processes
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded engagement feature automatically self-adjusts and self-loads during assembly, eliminating the need for manual rigging processes. The spring applies the necessary pre-load force automatically, allowing workers to simply install the component without time-consuming adjustment procedures, thereby improving assembly efficiency.
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 solution ensures reliable engagement of the compression rod with thrust reverser halves, reducing wear and vibration, and eliminating the need for time-consuming rigging processes by maintaining consistent contact and pre-load.
Implementation Method 1
axial travel of the engagement feature pin along a lengthwise axis away from the home position in either axial direction is resisted by at least one spring force
Data Source
AI summary
A compression rod engagement apparatus is provided that includes an engagement feature, an engagement feature pin, and a mounting member. The engagement feature is attached to the engagement feature pin. The engagement feature pin is engaged with the mounting member in a home position and axial travel of the engagement feature pin along a lengthwise axis away from the home position in either axial direction is resisted by at least one spring force.