Dual Turn Thrust Reverser Cascade Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current aircraft thrust reversers, particularly those with cascades, face inefficiencies in airflow deflection and reverse thrust generation due to limitations in design, such as weight, drag, and complexity, which affect the overall performance and efficiency of reverse thrust operation.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a thrust reverser cascade with straight vanes orthogonal to the engine axis, a blocker door, and a turning door, which work together to maximize airflow deflection and reverse thrust by allowing airflow to exit in a direction opposite to the aircraft's travel, with the option for independent or simultaneous movement of these components, and a controller to manage their positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If traditional curved cascade vanes are used in thrust reversers, then airflow deflection capability is improved, but device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional curved vane design by using straight cascade vanes that are orthogonal to the engine axis. This inversion simplifies the vane geometry while maintaining effective airflow deflection through the combined action of straight vanes and turning doors, resolving the contradiction between complexity and performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The thrust reverser system is segmented into distinct functional components: straight cascade vanes for initial airflow redirection, turning doors for additional deflection, blocker doors for flow path control, and drag links for coordinated movement. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while working together to achieve effective airflow deflection.
2Force
If larger thrust reverser exit area is implemented, then reverse thrust generation is enhanced, but drag increases
Solution Approach 1:
The turning doors are designed to move dynamically between different positions to optimize the exit area of the thrust reverser. When reverse thrust is needed, the turning doors rotate to increase the effective exit area for airflow deflection. When not in use, they return to their original positions to minimize drag, thus resolving the contradiction between reverse thrust enhancement and drag reduction.
3Ease of operation
If blocker door and turning door are coupled via drag links for simultaneous movement, then operational coordination is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The drag links are designed to automatically coordinate the movement of blocker doors and turning doors through mechanical coupling. The system uses the aerodynamic forces and mechanical interactions inherent in the airflow and door movement to achieve synchronized operation without requiring complex external control mechanisms, thus improving operational coordination while limiting complexity increases.
4Ease of manufacture
If straight cascade vanes orthogonal to engine axis are used, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but airflow deflection efficiency may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of straight cascade vanes and turning doors to achieve effective airflow deflection. The straight vanes provide initial redirection of airflow orthogonal to the engine axis with simple geometry, while the turning doors add the necessary deflection angle to direct exhaust gases opposite to the aircraft's direction of travel, combining simplicity with effectiveness.
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
This configuration increases the exit area of the thrust reverser, enhances reverse thrust generation, reduces weight and drag, and simplifies the propulsor design, leading to fuel savings and reduced production costs while maintaining or improving thrust reversing capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
the turning door in the first turning door position is configured to deflect airflow from the cascade vanes to a direction with a component opposite that of airflow within the bypass flow path
Implementation Method 2
the blocker door in the first blocker door position blocks at least a portion of the bypass flow path
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided for a thrust reverser system with a straight vane thrust reverser cascade. The thrust reverser system may also include a blocker door and a turning door. The blocker door may divert air flowing within a bypass flow path of the aircraft propulsor to flow through the thrust reverser cascade. The turning door may then deflect air flowing from the thrust reverser cascade to provide reverse thrust. The straight vane thrust reverser cascade may allow for increased reverse thrust and/or a smaller, more efficient, aircraft propulsor.