Movable-Grid Thrust Reverser with Tensioned Cowl Connections

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing thrust reversers with moving grids suffer from unsatisfactory maintenance of the connection between cowls and grids due to dynamic loads, particularly in the forward, rearward, and intermediate positions, which can compromise safety and reliability.

Innovation Solution

A thrust reverser design featuring connecting means with tabs and grooves, enhanced by tension members that apply a plating stress to maintain the connection between cowls and grids, ensuring secure coupling during all phases of operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If connecting means comprising tabs and grooves are used to connect cowls and grids, then the structure enables movable coupling between forward and retracted positions, but the connection is not sufficiently maintained under dynamic loads

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemovable couplingVSAvoidconnection maintenance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Tension members are pre-installed and pre-tensioned to apply a plating stress on the tabs before operation. This preliminary action ensures that the connection between cowls and grids is maintained under dynamic loads during thrust reversal operations, preventing disengagement while preserving the movable coupling functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Stability of the object's composition

If locks are used to hold cowls in closed position, then the structure provides positional stability, but the connection between hoods and grilles is still not sufficiently maintained under dynamic loads

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositional stabilityVSAvoidconnection maintenance

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges two functions into a single integrated system: the locks provide positional stability for the closed position, while the tension members simultaneously provide continuous connection maintenance under dynamic loads. This combination ensures both stability and reliability without requiring separate mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of manufacture

If knife and groove connecting means are used for assembly, then the structure enables simple assembly, but the connection does not ensure satisfactory maintenance under dynamic loads

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly simplicityVSAvoidconnection maintenance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Tension members are pre-installed and pre-tensioned during assembly to apply a plating stress on the tabs before the component enters service. This preliminary action ensures that the simple knife-and-groove assembly structure also maintains reliable connection under dynamic loads during operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4288652B1Thrust reverser comprising movable grids and cowls assembled by recessing

Publication Date: 2025.08.27 SAFRAN NACELLES

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AI summary

The invention relates to a thrust reverser with movable grids, comprising means for connecting, by recessing, a front frame (52) of an outer cowl and a rear frame (53) of the grids. The reverser comprises loading means configured to exert a stress pressing against the connecting means, under the action of a circumferential pull of the front frame (52) of the outer cowl or of a tightening band (60) supported by said front frame (52).