Nested Telescopic Ballscrew Actuator for Shorter Nacelle Packaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aerospace thrust reverser actuation systems require actuators that can be fitted into a smaller installation envelope while maintaining performance, as new engine nacelle architectures and systems demand increased stow and deploy strokes within reduced space constraints.
Innovation Solution
A telescopic ballscrew actuator design utilizing two concentrically arranged ballscrew mechanisms, allowing for sequential translational and rotational movements to achieve a defined actuator stroke with reduced installation length, enabling the actuator to be fitted in a shorter space while maintaining performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If a conventional single ballscrew actuator is used, then the installation envelope is larger, but the stow and deploy strokes are insufficient for new nacelle architectures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a telescopic ballscrew mechanism where multiple ballscrew components are nested within each other. The first ballscrew mechanism is positioned within the second ballscrew mechanism, allowing compact packaging while maintaining extended stroke capability. This nesting arrangement enables the actuator to achieve long stow and deploy strokes without increasing the overall installation envelope, directly resolving the technical contradiction between stroke length and installation size.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator is divided into multiple independent ballscrew mechanisms (first and second ballscrew mechanisms) that can operate sequentially or independently. Each ballscrew mechanism contributes to the total stroke, allowing the system to achieve greater overall displacement than a single mechanism of comparable size. This segmentation enables the actuator to meet increased stroke requirements while maintaining a compact installation footprint.
2Length of stationary object
If the installation envelope is reduced to fit new nacelle architectures, then the actuator size is reduced, but the stroke length may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
By nesting the first ballscrew mechanism within the second ballscrew mechanism, the patent achieves compact packaging that reduces the installation envelope. The nested arrangement allows both mechanisms to occupy overlapping spatial volumes, minimizing the overall footprint while maintaining the cumulative stroke capability of both mechanisms combined.
Solution Approach 2:
The telescopic ballscrew mechanism utilizes radial dimensionality by arranging ballscrew components concentrically around a common axis. This dimensional arrangement allows multiple screw mechanisms to be packed in a compact radial space rather than requiring linear extension, thereby reducing the installation envelope while preserving stroke length.
3Length of stationary object
If a telescopic ballscrew mechanism is used to reduce installation length, then the actuator fits in smaller space, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The nested telescopic arrangement integrates multiple ballscrew mechanisms in a compact configuration where components share common structural elements and alignment features. This nesting reduces the number of separate mounting interfaces and alignment requirements compared to multiple independent actuators, thereby mitigating the increase in device complexity while achieving reduced installation length.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple ballscrew mechanisms into a single integrated telescopic assembly, sharing common support structures, sealing systems, and control interfaces. This merging approach consolidates what would otherwise be separate complex components into a unified mechanism, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining the space-saving benefits of the telescopic design.
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 telescopic ballscrew actuator design allows for a compact thrust reverser actuation system that fits within a smaller installation envelope, offering size benefits to the engine nacelle while maintaining performance characteristics, achieving the same stroke length as conventional systems but with reduced size.
Implementation Method 1
A first ballscrew mechanism is provided between the input shaft and the first component such that rotation of the input shaft causes movement of the first component in a direction of actuation. A second ballscrew mechanism is provided between the first component and the second component such that rotation of the first component causes movement of the second component in the direction of actuation.
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus (1) for a thrust reverser actuation system ("TRAS"), the apparatus comprising: an input shaft (10); a first component (20) located concentrically around the input shaft (10); a second component (30) located concentrically around the first component (20); a first ballscrew mechanism (22) between the input shaft (10) and the first component (20), and configured such that rotational movement of the input shaft (10) causes a translational movement of the first component (20) via the first ballscrew mechanism (22); and a second ballscrew mechanism (32) between the first component (20) and the second component (30), and configured such that rotational movement of the first component (20) causes a translational movement of the second component (30) via the second ballscrew mechanism (32).