Aircraft Nacelle Thrust Reverser With Longitudinal Deflectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing cascades in thrust reversal devices of aircraft nacelles have a non-negligible mass, which affects their efficiency and operational performance.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of longitudinal deflectors that are secant to transverse deflectors, oriented at an angle of less than 25° to the longitudinal direction, reduces the mass and enhances the efficiency of the orientation system by improving airflow diversion and orientation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If traditional cascades are used in the orientation system, then the structural strength and rigidity are sufficient, but the mass of the orientation system becomes non-negligible, reducing efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The orientation system is divided into multiple transverse deflectors and longitudinal deflectors that work together. Each deflector is a separate component that segments the airflow control function, allowing for reduced mass of individual components while maintaining overall structural effectiveness through their coordinated arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The deflectors are designed to be movable rather than fixed rigid structures. The transverse and longitudinal deflectors can adjust their positions dynamically to control airflow, replacing heavy static cascade structures with lighter dynamic components that achieve the same airflow orientation function with reduced mass.
2Weight of moving object
If the number of cascades is reduced to lower mass, then the mass of the orientation system decreases, but the efficiency of airflow orientation may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from traditional two-dimensional cascade arrangements to a three-dimensional configuration involving both transverse and longitudinal deflectors. This adds a longitudinal dimension to the airflow control mechanism, enabling more efficient airflow orientation with fewer components by utilizing spatial arrangement in multiple dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The longitudinal deflectors act as intermediaries that work in conjunction with the transverse deflectors. These intermediary components guide and refine the airflow between the primary transverse deflectors, enhancing the overall orientation efficiency without requiring a proportional increase in the number of main deflectors.
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 configuration reduces the mass of the orientation system while maintaining or improving the efficiency of airflow diversion and orientation, enhancing the thrust reversal device's performance.
Implementation Method 1
at least one longitudinal deflector which is secant to the transverse deflector(s) and which is orientated in a direction which forms an angle of less than 25° with the longitudinal direction
Data Source
AI summary
An aircraft nacelle provided with a thrust reversal device which comprises at least one diversion system which is configured to divert, in the activated state, an airflow channeled in the nacelle toward a lateral opening of the nacelle, at least one orientation system comprising at least one transverse deflector which is configured to orientate the airflow diverted by the diversion system in the radial directions and toward the upstream end of the nacelle, and at least one longitudinal deflector which is secant to the transverse deflector(s) and which is oriented in a direction which forms an angle of less than 25° with the longitudinal direction.