Thrust Reverser Link Arm Fitting Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing thrust reverser blocker door link arm and fitting 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 nacelle design with a removable member and a fitting system comprising a base plate, orthogonal supporting walls, and a pin allows the link arm to pivotally rotate, reducing obstruction and enabling efficient airflow by positioning the fitting to avoid the bypass flow-path, with fasteners accessible from both radially inward and outward sides for easy installation and removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the link arm and fitting are designed to enable thrust reverser operation, then the thrust reverser functionality is achieved, but duct losses increase and TSFC deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The fitting is extracted from the bypass flow-path area and positioned on the proximal surface of the IFS, removing the source of airflow obstruction. This extraction eliminates the harmful interaction between the fitting and bypass air while preserving the thrust reverser linkage functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The fitting is repositioned from a location within the bypass flow-path to the proximal surface of the IFS, changing its spatial dimension and location. This dimensional relocation allows the fitting to perform its mechanical function without interfering with the airflow in the bypass path.
2Ease of operation
If the fitting is positioned to enable link arm rotation, then thrust reverser operation is achieved, but airflow obstruction increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fitting is extracted from the bypass flow-path and repositioned on the proximal surface of the IFS, removing the obstruction from the airflow path while maintaining link arm rotation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The fitting is relocated to a different spatial dimension (proximal surface of IFS) where it can perform rotation without intersecting the bypass flow-path, eliminating airflow obstruction.
3Ease of manufacture
If fasteners are positioned for easy installation, then assembly ease is improved, but device complexity may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The base plate serves multiple functions: it provides a mounting surface for fasteners, structural support for the pin, and positioning features for the link arm. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components while facilitating easy installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The fitting is segmented into distinct functional elements (base plate, pin, supporting walls) that can be manufactured separately and assembled, simplifying the manufacturing process and enabling easy fastener installation from accessible locations.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems for thrust reverser link arm connections are described herein. A linkage system for a nacelle may comprise a thrust reverser link arm and a fitting. The fitting may comprise a base plate configured to be fastened to a proximal surface of an inner fixed structure (IFS), a first wall extending orthogonally from the base plate, a second wall extending orthogonally from the base plate, and a pin extending orthogonally from the first wall and extending orthogonally from the second wall. A first end of the thrust reverser link arm may comprise a removable member, the removable member having an inner surface comprising a semi-circle, the inner surface configured to seat against the pin. The removable member may be removed from the linkage system from a radially outward side of the IFS.