Detachable Thrust Inverter Front Frame for Turbojet Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current thrust inverter structures for turbojet engine nacelles face difficulties during maintenance, as they require lengthy and risky disassembly of cascade vanes and access panels, leading to potential incorrect reassembly and limited access to the engine core.
Innovation Solution
A detachable front frame connected to the air blower housing via a blade/groove system, allowing translation along guiding members, which forms a single-unit assembly with diversion means, facilitating easier access and reassembly by reducing the need for complete disassembly of the front frame and surrounding elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the front frame is permanently fixed to the air blower housing using a blade/groove system, then the mechanical connection and force transmission are optimized, but the maintenance access and reassembly operations become complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The front frame is divided into multiple detachable segments that can be separated from the air blower housing during maintenance. Each segment can be independently removed while maintaining the overall structural integrity when assembled, allowing easy access to the engine core without compromising the mechanical connection strength during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The front frame transitions from a static fixed connection to a dynamic detachable connection. The blade/groove system incorporates quick-release mechanisms that allow the front frame to be rapidly detached and reattached, changing the connection state from permanent to temporary based on operational needs.
2Productivity
If the cascade vanes are tightly integrated with the front frame structure, then the flow diversion efficiency is improved, but the disassembly and reassembly operations become risky and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The cascade vanes are segmented into modular units that can be independently removed from the front frame. Each vane segment is designed with standardized connection interfaces that guide proper reassembly, reducing the risk of incorrect installation while maintaining flow diversion efficiency during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
Standardized intermediate connection components are introduced between the cascade vanes and front frame. These intermediaries serve as guides and alignment tools during reassembly, ensuring that parts are correctly positioned without requiring complex manual alignment procedures.
3Area of stationary object
If the front frame and surrounding elements require complete disassembly for maintenance access, then the access to engine core is maximized, but the maintenance time and operational downtime increase
Solution Approach 1:
The front frame is segmented into removable sections that can be selectively detached to provide access to the engine core. Only the necessary segments are removed for each maintenance task, rather than requiring complete disassembly, thus maintaining maximum access area while minimizing maintenance time.
Solution Approach 2:
Specific front frame segments are extracted and removed only when maintenance access is required, rather than permanently disassembling the entire structure. The extracted segments are stored and can be quickly reinstalled, providing temporary access while minimizing operational downtime.
Data Source
AI summary
A thrust inverter for a turbojet engine nacelle includes an outer movable cowl and a front frame. The outer movable cowl translates between a closed position and a thrust inversion position and also moves to a supporting position in which the outer movable cowl is hinged and guided by a guiding member located on a pylon. In particular, the front frame holding cascade vanes is mounted downstream from an air blower housing, and part of the front frame is detachably connected to the air blower housing. The front frame is translatable along the guiding member once the front frame is detached from the air blower housing.