Nacelle Thrust Reverser Single Unlocking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing double unlocking system for nacelles with movable cascade-type thrust reversers complicates maintenance access, increases weight, and enlarges the nacelle dimensions, making it cumbersome and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A single manual unlocking action allows access to the engine by securing the outer cowl and downstream frame together using connecting means, and then detaching them through rotational actuation of the half-cowls, eliminating the need for complex disconnection systems and reducing weight and dimensions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a double unlocking system is used to access the nacelle interior, then the nacelle can be opened for maintenance, but the device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the two separate unlocking operations into a single integrated action. The outer cowl and inner cowl are unlocked simultaneously through one manual operation, eliminating the need for sequential unlocking. This merging of functions reduces device complexity while maintaining ease of maintenance access.
Solution Approach 2:
The single unlocking mechanism serves multiple functions: it unlocks both the outer cowl and inner cowl, enables maintenance access, and allows the nacelle to be opened in different positions (fully open or partially open). This multi-functionality reduces the overall complexity of the system.
2Ease of operation
If a double unlocking system with disconnection means is implemented, then the half-cowls can be opened for access, but the nacelle weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the disconnection functions into the single unlocking action. When the unified unlocking mechanism is activated, both the outer cowl and inner cowl are disconnected simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate disconnection systems and reducing overall weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the complex disconnection system from the design by implementing a simpler unified unlocking mechanism that achieves the same functional result with less weight.
3Reliability
If connecting means are added to secure the outer cowl and downstream frame, then reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the connecting means into the existing unified unlocking mechanism. The same mechanism that unlocks the cowls also secures them to the downstream frame, eliminating the need for separate locking systems and maintaining reliability without increasing complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a turbojet engine nacelle equipped with at least one thrust reverser. The thrust reverser includes: two half-cowls forming an outer cowl which is articulated on hinges and translates between closed and open positions, a first actuator to translationally actuate a downstream frame, a second actuator to rotationally actuate each half-cowl, and a lock capable of locking or unlocking the half-cowls relative to one another. In particular, the thrust reverser includes cascades vanes supported at their upstream end by an upstream frame and at their downstream end by the downstream frame, and a connector between the downstream frame and the external cowl. The cascade vanes are enclosed in a shroud formed by a fan casing and a fan cowl.