Divots for Thrust Reverser Blocker Door Gaps
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing gas turbine engine thrust reverser systems experience performance losses due to gaps between the blocker doors and the bull nose when in the stowed position, disrupting airflow and reducing efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The integration or attachment of divots, which are triangular in shape and match the size and shape of the gaps, to the bull nose or fan duct, creates a seal and improves airflow dynamics by filling these gaps when the blocker doors are closed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If blocker doors are used in thrust reverser system, then thrust reversal function is achieved, but gaps between blocker doors and bull nose disrupt airflow and cause performance losses
Solution Approach 1:
Divots are introduced as intermediary elements that fill the gaps between the blocker doors and the bull nose. These divots act as mediators to seal the gaps, ensuring smooth airflow and preventing performance losses while maintaining the thrust reversal function of the blocker doors.
Solution Approach 2:
The divots are specifically positioned at the gap locations between the blocker doors and the bull nose, providing localized sealing only where needed. This local quality approach maintains the overall structure and function of the thrust reverser system while addressing the specific airflow disruption problem at the gap regions.
2Ease of manufacture
If gaps exist between blocker doors and bull nose, then easier manufacturing and assembly are achieved, but airflow dynamics are disrupted and efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The divots serve as intermediary components that can be separately manufactured and then attached to seal the gaps. This approach maintains the ease of manufacturing individual components while eliminating the negative effects of gaps on airflow efficiency through the sealing function of the divots.
3Adaptability or versatility
If blocker doors are deployed, then airflow direction is changed for thrust reversal, but gaps cause aerodynamic losses
Solution Approach 1:
The divots act as intermediary sealing elements that prevent aerodynamic losses through the gaps while allowing the blocker doors to maintain their adaptability in directing airflow for thrust reversal. The divots ensure that the aerodynamic losses are minimized without restricting the functional movement of the blocker doors.
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 divots enhance aerodynamic shape and reduce performance losses by ensuring a smooth airflow over the blocker doors in the stowed position, improving the overall efficiency of the thrust reverser system.
Implementation Method 1
The divots are configured to direct airflow over the blocker doors when the blocker doors are in the stowed position
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
A gas turbine engine includes a thrust reverser including a plurality of blocker doors moveable between a deployed position and a stowed position. A gap is defined between adjacent blocker doors when in the stowed position. A plurality of divots are mounted forward of the plurality of blocker doors to substantially cover the gap between the adjacent blocker doors when in the stowed position.