No-back Arrangement with Load Limiting for Thrust Reverser

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing no-back devices for thrust reverser systems are oversized and heavy when designed to handle high aerodynamic loads during rejected take-off, risking damage from excessive temperatures and requiring increased motor power, which is undesirable in aerospace applications.

Innovation Solution

A no-back arrangement with a friction disc compressed by a disc spring pack, featuring a limit means to cap the braking load and a load limiter device to manage excessive tensile loads, preventing damage and allowing controlled cowl movement during high-load conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If the no-back device is designed to withstand high aerodynamic loads during rejected take-off, then the braking load capacity is improved, but the size and weight of the no-back device increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebraking load capacityVSAvoidweight of no-back device
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the parameter of spring compression by introducing a limit means that allows the spring to be compressed only to a predetermined maximum extent. This limits the braking load to a safe level during rejected take-off, preventing the no-back device from needing to be oversized while still protecting against excessive temperatures and damage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Force

If the gain of the no-back device is increased to resist higher tensile loads during rejected take-off, then the braking load capacity is improved, but the power, weight and size of the associated motor and control circuits increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebraking load capacityVSAvoidmotor power
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the parameter of spring compression by introducing a limit means that allows the spring to be compressed only to a predetermined maximum extent. This limits the braking load to a safe level during rejected take-off, preventing the no-back device from needing to be oversized while still protecting against excessive temperatures and damage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Weight of moving object

If a no-back device sized for normal landing conditions is used, then the weight and size are reduced, but the device is unable to hold the cowl against movement under high tensile loads during rejected take-off, causing temperature rise and potential damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveweight of no-back deviceVSAvoidreliability under rejected take-off conditions
Core Design Contradiction:
Weight of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies beforehand cushioning by introducing a limit means that prevents the spring from being compressed beyond a predetermined extent. This cushioning mechanism protects the no-back device from excessive temperatures and damage during rejected take-off by limiting the braking load to a safe level, ensuring reliability without requiring an oversized device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

4Force

If the spring arrangement is allowed to compress freely under high tensile loads, then the braking load capacity is improved, but the operating temperature rises excessively causing damage or failure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebraking load capacityVSAvoidoperating temperature
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the parameter of spring compression by introducing a limit means that allows the spring to be compressed only to a predetermined maximum extent. This limits the braking load to a safe level during rejected take-off, preventing the no-back device from needing to be oversized while still protecting against excessive temperatures and damage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 solution prevents excessive operating temperatures and damage, enabling controlled cowl deployment without the need for oversized no-back devices or motors, maintaining system reliability and reducing weight and size.

Implementation Method 1

The no-back device comprises a friction disc compressed by a disc spring pack

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Implementation Method 2

a friction disc compressed against a no-back disc by a spring arrangement

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP2306041B1No-back arrangement
Publication Date: 2020.01.15 GOODRICH ACTUATION SYST
  • EP2306041B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2306041B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

A no-back arrangement is disclosed for use in applying a braking load to a rotary actuator member (10), the no-back arrangement comprising a no-back device (26) operable to apply a braking load to the rotary actuator member (10) when the rotary actuator member (10) is subject to a tensile loading, and limit means (28) operable to limit the magnitude of the applied braking load.