Plug Nozzle Thrust Reverser Panels for Reverse Thrust and Noise

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Solution Overview

Problem

Integrating exhaust nozzle structures that provide reverse thrust in supersonic aircraft while minimizing noise production is challenging, particularly due to size and shape constraints.

Innovation Solution

An exhaust nozzle design featuring a nozzle plug and thrust reverser with actuator-controlled panels that can switch between configurations to redirect exhaust gases for reverse thrust and noise reduction, utilizing an actuator system to pivot and translate panels relative to the outer nozzle case.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If exhaust nozzle structures are integrated to provide reverse thrust, then reverse thrust capability is improved, but noise production increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereverse thrustVSAvoidnoise

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The exhaust nozzle incorporates movable thrust reverser panels that can dynamically change configuration between forward flight and reverse thrust modes. The panels are actuated to pivot and translate, allowing the nozzle to adapt its geometry for different operational requirements, thereby achieving reverse thrust while managing noise characteristics through configuration changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The thrust reverser system is divided into multiple independent panels (first thrust reverser panel, second thrust reverser panel) that can be actuated separately or in coordination. This segmentation allows selective deployment of reverse thrust panels and enables different panel configurations to optimize the balance between reverse thrust generation and noise reduction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Force

If thrust reverser panels are deployed for reverse thrust, then reverse thrust capability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereverse thrustVSAvoidactuator system

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The actuator system integrates multiple functions into unified components. The same actuator mechanism that pivots the thrust reverser panels also translates them, and the panel links serve both structural and actuation purposes. This merging reduces the number of separate components needed compared to having independent actuators for each degree of freedom.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The thrust reverser panels serve multiple functions: they provide reverse thrust when deployed, form part of the exterior surface when stowed, and can be actuated through a unified mechanism that handles both pivoting and translation. The actuator system is designed to perform multiple operations (pivoting, translating, stowing) through integrated components rather than separate dedicated actuators for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20260028945A1Plug nozzle and thrust reverser for high mach gas turbine engines

Publication Date: 2026.01.29 ROLLS ROYCE NORTH AMERICAN TECHNOLOGIES INC

AI summary

An exhaust nozzle includes an outer nozzle case having an outer surface and an inner surface, a nozzle plug, and a thrust reverser coupled to the outer nozzle case and including a first thrust reverser panel coupled to the outer nozzle case and an actuator system coupled with the first thrust reverser panel and configured to move the first thrust reverser panel between and including a stored configuration and a reverse-thrust configuration. In the stored configuration, the first thrust reverser panel and a portion of the actuator system provide a portion of an exterior surface of the exhaust nozzle.