Hinged Fan Cowl and Thrust Reverser Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing aircraft propulsion system architecture is limited by the presence of gooseneck fittings, which restrict the integration of components under the fan cowl due to their size, necessitating a solution that eliminates the need for these fittings.
Innovation Solution
An assembly comprising a 12 o'clock beam, a 6 o'clock beam, a front curved beam, and a rear curved beam, where the 12 o'clock beam is hinged to the pylon for rotation, allowing the fan cowl and thrust reverser to be fixed to the same structure, eliminating the need for gooseneck fittings and enabling easier maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If gooseneck fittings are used to hinge the fan cowl to the pylon, then the fan cowl can be raised for maintenance, but the size of the fittings limits the integration of components under the fan cowl
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the fan cowl and thrust reverser into a single integrated assembly that hinges as one unit to the pylon. This eliminates the need for separate gooseneck fittings for each component, thereby freeing up space under the fan cowl while maintaining maintenance accessibility through the unified hinge mechanism.
2Ease of repair
If separate panels are used for fan cowl and thrust reverser, then each component can be accessed independently, but maintenance efficiency is reduced due to multiple separate operations
Solution Approach 1:
The fan cowl and thrust reverser are combined into a single hinged assembly, allowing both components to be accessed and maintained through one unified opening operation. This integrates two separate maintenance procedures into a single efficient operation while preserving the ability to access both components independently when needed.
3Ease of operation
If gooseneck fittings are installed, then the fan cowl can rotate for maintenance, but the structural complexity increases due to additional fittings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates multiple hinge mechanisms into a single integrated hinge structure that controls the rotation of both the fan cowl and thrust reverser as one assembly. This reduces the number of separate gooseneck fittings and hinge components while maintaining the rotational capability needed for maintenance operations.
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 allows for improved access and reduced weight by eliminating gooseneck fittings, enabling the fan cowl and thrust reverser to be moved between positions without the need for separate panels, enhancing maintenance efficiency and structural stiffness.
Implementation Method 1
the 12 o'clock beam is mounted so as to be able to rotate on the pylon about an axis of rotation making the assembly rotatable between a closed position and a raised position
Implementation Method 2
the 6 o'clock beam carries locks intended to perform a locking function in the closed position
Implementation Method 3
a mover designed to move the thrust reverser from the forward position to the backward position and vice versa
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly includes a structure with 6 o'clock and 12 o'clock beams and front and rear curved beams, in which the 12 o'clock beam is mounted to be able to rotate on a pylon of an aircraft between a closed position and a raised position, a fan cowl fixed to the structure, a thrust reverser with a rear cowl and that is able to move in translation along the 6 o'clock and 12 o'clock beams between a forward position and a backward position, cascades fixed to the thrust reverser, and a mover for moving the thrust reverser. With such an arrangement, the fan cowl and the thrust reverser are fixed to the same structure, and it is this structure that is hinged to the pylon.