Nacelle Latching System Forward Positioning for Load Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current latch systems for gas turbine engine nacelles face challenges in resisting load events like burst Environmental Control System (ECS) ducts and are limited by mechanical and electrical systems, making it difficult to run cables and position latches along the lower bifurcation, which restricts maintenance access and aerodynamic efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A latching system positioned forward of the intermediate case, with handles and linking members disposed within the inner diameter cowl, allowing latches to be closer to the engine core and avoiding the tight envelope of the lower bifurcation, thus enhancing resistance to load events and facilitating independent door operation for maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If latches are positioned along the lower bifurcation, then the latch system can couple the two cowl halves, but the tight envelope makes it difficult to run cables and position latches
Solution Approach 1:
The latch system is repositioned from the traditional lower bifurcation area to the forward end of the nacelle doors, utilizing the forward direction dimension. This spatial relocation eliminates the tight envelope constraints of the lower bifurcation while maintaining effective latch coupling between cowl halves.
2Reliability
If latches are positioned at the lower bifurcation, then the nacelle can be latched together, but maintenance access is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
By positioning the latch system at the forward end of the nacelle doors rather than at the lower bifurcation, the design opens up the lower bifurcation area for maintenance access while maintaining secure latching functionality at the forward position.
3Strength
If latches are positioned closer to the engine core, then resistance to load events is enhanced, but the envelope space is more limited
Solution Approach 1:
The latch system is positioned at the forward end of the nacelle doors, utilizing the forward direction space rather than radial envelope space. This allows the latches to be closer to the engine core for improved load event resistance while avoiding the tight radial envelope constraints.
4Productivity
If the latch system is positioned forward of the intermediate case, then aerodynamic efficiency is improved, but the mechanical and electrical systems become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The latch system is extracted from the traditional lower bifurcation positioning and relocated to the forward end of the nacelle doors. This separation allows the latch system to be positioned for aerodynamic efficiency while the mechanical and electrical cable routing can be independently optimized through the forward end access.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
A nacelle for a gas turbine engine includes a upper and lower bifurcations, an inner diameter cowl and a first latch system. The inner diameter cowl extends between the upper and lower bifurcations and the first latch system is mounted on the inner diameter cowl. The first latch system is spaced along the inner diameter cowl between the upper and lower bifurcations.