Hidden Linkage Thrust Reverser Reducing Exhaust Drag

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional thrust reverser systems for turbine engines have linkage rods exposed in the engine exhaust flow path, increasing drag and reducing engine performance.

Innovation Solution

A thrust reverser system with a hidden linkage arrangement where the linkage rods are positioned within a cavity between the blocker door and the transcowl outer layer, allowing them to be out of the exhaust flow path, and are configured to fit within a predetermined distance ratio relative to the thrust reverser flowpath radius, ensuring they do not interfere with the engine exhaust.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If linkage rods are exposed in the engine exhaust flow path to connect the blocker door to the transcowl, then the mechanical coupling is achieved, but drag increases and engine performance decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanical couplingVSAvoiddrag

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The linkage rod is nested within a cavity formed by the blocker door and the inner surface of the transcowl outer layer. This nesting arrangement allows the linkage rod to maintain its mechanical coupling function while being hidden from the exhaust flow path, thereby eliminating the drag penalty associated with exposed linkage rods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Loss of energy

If linkage rods are positioned within a cavity to hide them from the exhaust flow path, then drag is reduced and engine performance improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovedragVSAvoidcavity structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cavity that houses the linkage rod is formed by merging the blocker door and the inner surface of the transcowl outer layer into a unified structural arrangement. This merging approach creates the necessary hiding space for the linkage rod without requiring separate, additional components, thereby minimizing the increase in device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Loss of energy

If the linkage rod is positioned at a specific distance ratio from the center plane to ensure it remains out of the exhaust flow path, then engine performance is optimized, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveengine performanceVSAvoidpositioning accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The invention specifies a parameter range for the distance ratio (X/R from 0.4 to 0.7) rather than a single precise value. This parameter change approach allows for manufacturing tolerances while ensuring the linkage rod remains positioned out of the exhaust flow path, thereby optimizing engine performance without imposing excessively strict manufacturing precision requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3450737B1Hidden linkage for a translating cowl thrust reverser and production method thereof

Publication Date: 2021.07.28 HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC

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AI summary

A system and method for an improved thrust reverser is provided. The provided thrust reverser employs hidden linkage assemblies to decrease drag in the engine exhaust flow and increase turbine engine performance. The hidden linkage assemblies are placed in a space between the blocker door and the transcowl, thereby not affecting the engine exhaust flow.