Nacelle Panel Locking System for Gas Turbine Engine
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increased pressure differential between the core engine compartment and the bypass duct in gas turbine engines leads to outward deflection of nacelle panels, causing gaps and excessive loads on latching systems, which complicates the maintenance and stability of the engine nacelle structure.
Innovation Solution
An electrically actuated locking system is integrated into the nacelle structure, featuring a locking pin that can be moved between locked and unlocked positions using a solenoid or electric motor, with a manual override option, to prevent panel opening and maintain panel position during operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanically actuated locking devices with mechanical linkages are used to prevent panel opening, then panel position is maintained, but weight and structural complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical linkages extending from the core engine to the fan case with a simplified electrically actuated locking device. The lock includes an electric actuator (motor or solenoid) that directly moves a locking pin between locked and unlocked positions, eliminating the need for extensive mechanical linkages and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliable panel position control
2Reliability
If mechanically actuated locking devices with mechanical linkages are used to prevent panel opening, then panel position is maintained, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes heavy mechanical linkages with a lightweight electrically actuated locking mechanism. The electric actuator (motor or solenoid) combined with a simple locking pin and blocker replaces the weight-intensive mechanical linkage system, significantly reducing the moving weight of the nacelle structure while maintaining the ability to securely hold panel position against pressure differentials
3Strength
If the nacelle structure is designed to accommodate pressure differentials, then structural integrity is maintained, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent simplifies the locking system by replacing complex mechanical linkages with an electrically actuated lock that uses a motor or solenoid to move a locking pin. This electrical system requires fewer mechanical components and less complex structural accommodations, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining the ability to secure panels against pressure differential forces
Solution Approach 2:
The electric actuator automatically positions the locking pin in response to electrical signals, eliminating the need for complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms. The system includes control logic that automatically manages the locking and unlocking sequences, reducing the complexity of mechanical adjustment and positioning mechanisms
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 locking system effectively reduces complexity and maintains panel position, mitigating the effects of pressure differentials and preventing unwanted opening of the nacelle panels, thereby enhancing the structural integrity and operational reliability of the gas turbine engine.
Implementation Method 1
the electric actuator comprises a solenoid for moving the pin between the locked and unlocked positions
Implementation Method 2
the electric actuator comprises an electric motor for moving the pin between the locked and unlocked positions
Data Source
AI summary
A nacelle structure for a gas turbine engine includes an outer nacelle surrounding a fan section and defining an outer boundary of a bypass flow passage and an inner nacelle surrounding a core engine section and defining an inner boundary of the bypass flow passage. A panel of the inner nacelle is moveable between an open position providing access to the core engine section and a closed position. A lock is supported within the inner nacelle proximate the panel. The lock includes an electric actuator for moving a locking pin between a locked position and an unlocked position. The lock prevents opening and limits deflection of the panel when in the locked position.