Locking Actuator Direct Sensor Coupling for Thrust Reverser
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thrust reverser actuation systems in aircraft engines lack a robust and reliable mechanism for indicating the lock status of the locking actuator, which is crucial for preventing inadvertent transition to the reverse thrust configuration, leading to potential safety issues during landing.
Innovation Solution
A locking actuator is designed with a direct coupling of the sensor target to the lock mechanism, allowing for a more reliable lock status indication through a non-contact proximity sensor, enabling accurate detection of the lock assembly's state independent of the extension element's position, thereby enhancing safety and reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a sensor target is coupled to the lock mechanism indirectly via a lever mechanism, then the lock status indication may be provided, but the reliability and robustness of the lock status indication is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the intermediate lever mechanism from the coupling between the sensor target and lock mechanism. The sensor target is now directly coupled to the lock mechanism, eliminating the intermediary component that reduced reliability and added complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor target and lock mechanism are merged into a directly coupled system where the sensor target moves with the lock mechanism without intermediate components. This integration improves reliability by reducing the number of potential failure points in the indication system.
2Ease of operation
If the lock assembly and extension element are transitioned simultaneously, then the actuation process is simplified, but the ability to independently control lock status indication is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The actuation system is segmented into two independently controllable components: the lock assembly and the extension element. This allows the lock assembly to be transitioned independently for accurate status indication, while the extension element can be transitioned separately for actuation, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock assembly is transitioned to the unlocked state before the extension element is actuated. This preliminary action ensures that the lock status indication is established and verified before the main actuation occurs, improving measurement precision without significantly complicating the overall process.
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
The solution provides a robust and reliable lock status indication, ensuring the thrust reverser actuation system operates safely by preventing unintended transitions to the reverse thrust configuration, thus improving aircraft safety and reducing the risk of accidents.
Implementation Method 1
a lock status identifier that utilizes a non-contact proximity sensor to determine a relative position of a portion of the lock mechanism
Data Source
AI summary
Locking actuators for thrust reverser actuation systems, engines and aircraft including the same, and associated methods. A locking actuator includes an actuator housing, an extension element, and a lock assembly. The extension element is configured to translate along an actuator axis to transition between a retracted state and an extended state. The lock assembly transitions between a locked state and an unlocked state independent of transitioning the extension element between the retracted and extended states. In examples, a thrust reverser actuation system includes an actuator assembly with the locking actuator and a hydraulic control assembly. In examples, an engine includes a thrust generator, a nacelle, a transcowl, and the thrust reverser actuation system. In examples, a method of operating a thrust reverser actuation system includes transitioning a lock assembly from a locked state to an unlocked state and transitioning an extension element from a retracted state to an extended state.