Pivoting Track Lock for Turbine Engine Thrust Reverser
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing track lock systems in turbine engine thrust reverser systems are bulky and encroach on adjacent components, necessitating a more compact solution to prevent accidental deployment of the translating sleeve.
Innovation Solution
A track lock assembly comprising a pivoting lock arm and ramp, where the lock arm pivots in a plane normal to the axis of translation, engaging the ramp to secure the translating sleeve against movement, allowing for compact integration without encroaching on other engine components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional track lock system is used to prevent accidental deployment of the translating sleeve, then the safety function is achieved, but the system becomes bulky and encroaches on adjacent engine components
Solution Approach 1:
The lock arm is designed to pivot dynamically between a locked position (engaging the ramp to prevent deployment) and an unlocked position (allowing deployment). This dynamic mechanism provides the necessary safety function while occupying minimal space when not in use, resolving the contradiction between reliability and volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock arm pivots in a plane normal to the axis of translation of the translating sleeve, utilizing a different spatial dimension for the locking motion. This dimensional approach allows the lock mechanism to function effectively without encroaching on the translation path or adjacent components, reducing the overall volume occupied by the track lock system.
2Volume of moving object
If a compact track lock design is implemented to avoid encroaching on adjacent components, then the space issue is resolved, but the locking reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The ramp serves as an intermediary element between the lock arm and the translating sleeve. When the lock arm pivots to the locked position, it engages the ramp, which in turn prevents the translating sleeve from deploying. This intermediary mechanism ensures reliable locking with a compact design, as the ramp provides a secure engagement surface that maintains locking reliability without requiring a bulky lock system.
3Volume of moving object
If the lock arm pivots in a plane normal to the translation axis to achieve compact integration, then the space efficiency is improved, but the complexity of the pivoting mechanism increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pivoting lock arm mechanism is designed to be self-actuating through the interaction with the ramp. When the translating sleeve attempts to deploy, the ramp automatically engages the lock arm and pivots it to the locked position without requiring external actuation. This self-service characteristic simplifies the control system while maintaining compact integration, as the mechanism uses the motion of the translating sleeve itself to trigger the locking action.
Data Source
AI summary
The track lock assembly may comprise a translating sleeve, a track beam, a pivoting lock assembly, and a ramp. The pivoting lock assembly may be mounted to the translating sleeve, wherein in response to the pivoting lock being mounted to the translating sleeve, the ramp is mounted to the track beam. The pivoting lock assembly may be mounted to the track beam, wherein in response to the pivoting lock being mounted to the track beam, the ramp is mounted to the translating sleeve.