Thrust Reverser Link Arm Fitting Design for Airflow Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing thrust reverser blocker door link arm fittings in gas turbine engines cause duct losses and increase thrust specific fuel consumption (TSFC) due to their design, which obstructs airflow and reduces efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A new fitting design for the thrust reverser link arm that is coupled to the inner fixed structure (IFS) without extending into the bypass flow path, allowing efficient airflow and featuring a removable member to transfer loads from the link arm to the IFS, thereby minimizing obstruction and optimizing thrust efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional fitting design is used for the thrust reverser link arm, then the link arm can be securely attached to the inner fixed structure, but the fitting obstructs the bypass flow path and causes duct losses
Solution Approach 1:
The fitting is redesigned to attach the link arm from a different spatial orientation - specifically from the inner fixed structure surface rather than extending into the bypass flow path. This dimensional repositioning allows secure attachment while eliminating flow obstruction, resolving the contradiction between attachment security and energy loss.
2Reliability
If a traditional fitting design is used for the thrust reverser link arm, then the link arm can be securely attached to the inner fixed structure, but the fitting increases thrust specific fuel consumption
Solution Approach 1:
By repositioning the fitting attachment point to the inner fixed structure surface and orienting it perpendicular to the bypass flow path, the design maintains secure link arm attachment while eliminating flow disturbance. This reduces the energy penalty and lowers thrust specific fuel consumption during both cruise and reverse thrust operations.
3Strength
If a fitting extends into the bypass flow path to provide secure attachment, then the link arm can be firmly connected, but airflow efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The fitting is repositioned to attach from the inner fixed structure surface in a direction perpendicular to the bypass flow path, rather than extending into the flow path. This spatial reconfiguration maintains strong mechanical connection while eliminating interference with airflow, thereby improving airflow efficiency without compromising connection strength.
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems for thrust reverser link arm connections are described herein. A fitting (202) for a thrust reverser link arm (256) may comprise a base plate (308) configured to be fastened to a proximal surface of an inner fixed structure (IFS) (126), a first wall (312) extending orthogonally from the base plate (308), a pin (304) extending orthogonally from the first wall (312), a second wall (314) extending orthogonally from the base plate (308), a removable member (306), a first column (316) located between the first wall (312) and the second wall (314), and a second column (318) located between the first wall (312) and the second wall (314). The removable member (306) may surround at least a portion of the pin (304). The removable member (306) may be removed from a radially outward side of the IFS (126).