Movable Cascade Thrust Reverser With Guided Flexible Sealing Membranes
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing movable cascade thrust reversers suffer from aerodynamic disturbances and the inability to install acoustic panels due to the presence of blocker doors, which are not suitable for movable configurations and lack reliability in deployment.
Innovation Solution
A thrust reverser design incorporating sealing membranes guided by flexible attachment means and guided by front and rear vane support structures, ensuring aerodynamic and acoustic performance, with reliable deployment through cables and connecting rods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If blocker doors are used in movable cascade thrust reversers, then the secondary flow can be diverted towards the vanes, but aerodynamic disturbances occur and acoustic panels cannot be installed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces rigid blocker doors with flexible sealing membranes that can be stored flat against the vanes during normal operation and deployed to block the secondary flow path during reverse thrust. This eliminates aerodynamic disturbances from protruding doors while maintaining flow diversion effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing membranes are designed to be dynamic rather than static - they can be positioned in different locations depending on operational mode. During direct thrust, the membranes are retracted; during reverse thrust, they are deployed to block the secondary flow path, adapting to the operational requirements without creating permanent aerodynamic disturbances.
2Productivity
If blocker doors are used in movable cascade thrust reversers, then the secondary flow can be diverted towards the vanes, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex rigid blocker door mechanisms with simpler flexible sealing membranes that can be stored flat and deployed as needed. This reduces the overall structural complexity while maintaining the flow diversion function.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing membranes are stored nested against the vanes during normal operation, similar to how blocker doors would be stowed. This nested configuration allows the membranes to be integrated into the existing reverser structure without requiring separate complex storage mechanisms.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If sealing membranes are used in fixed cascade reversers, then aerodynamic performance is improved, but deployment reliability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates preliminary action by providing guiding means that ensure the sealing membranes are properly positioned and oriented before deployment. The guiding means pre-align the membranes with the secondary flow path, ensuring reliable deployment when reverse thrust is activated.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms through the guiding means that monitor and adjust the position of the sealing membranes during deployment. This feedback ensures that the membranes are correctly positioned to block the secondary flow path, enhancing deployment reliability.
4Length of moving object
If movable cascade structure is used, then the nacelle length and mass are reduced, but the complexity of membrane guidance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The guiding means are designed with multi-functionality, serving both to guide the sealing membranes during deployment and to provide structural support for the movable cascade assembly. This universal design reduces the need for separate guidance components, lowering overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the guidance function with the existing structural components of the movable cascade reverser. The guiding means are integrated into the vane support structures and cowling, combining multiple functions into unified components rather than adding separate guidance systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A thrust reverser for an aircraft propulsion assembly, including at least one sealing membrane designed to deflect at least one portion of the secondary flow towards a set of cascades when the movable structure of the reverser is in the retracted thrust reversal position, the reverser also including a first flexible hook connecting a first end of the membrane to the fixed structure of the reverser, a second hook connecting a second end of the membrane to the fixed structure or to the movable structure, the second hook being fixed to the radially inner delimiting wall of the secondary vein, or guided by an internal guide fixed to the same radially inner delimiting wall.