Aircraft Thrust Reverser Deflector for Flow Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional thrust reversers for aircraft propulsive nacelles experience instability and reduced controllability during landing due to asymmetrical air flow distribution when doors are open, leading to air undernourishment of certain regions and potential loss of stability and control.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a deflector mechanism connected to the doors and fixed structure that obstructs lateral openings, redirecting fluid flow to improve stability and controllability by blocking lateral fluid flow and redirecting it to contribute to counter-thrust during thrust reversal, while folding to maintain direct thrust performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the thrust reverser doors are opened to enable thrust reversal, then counter-thrust is generated for braking during landing, but asymmetrical air flow distribution occurs causing air starvation to certain regions and loss of stability
Solution Approach 1:
A deflector is introduced as an intermediary element between the door and the lateral opening. This deflector mediates the air flow by blocking the lateral opening and redirecting the air stream that would otherwise cause asymmetrical flow and air starvation, thereby maintaining stability while enabling thrust reversal
Solution Approach 2:
The harmful lateral opening is extracted and blocked by the deflector. By removing the direct path for asymmetrical air flow through the lateral opening, the patent eliminates the source of instability while preserving the beneficial counter-thrust function
2Adaptability or versatility
If the door is opened to create a reversing opening, then thrust reversal capability is achieved, but lateral opening remains unobstructed allowing lateral fluid flow that disrupts air flow distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The deflector serves as a mediator that blocks the lateral opening without interfering with the door's ability to create the reversing opening. It selectively intercepts the harmful lateral flow while allowing the beneficial reverse thrust flow to proceed
Solution Approach 2:
The deflector applies local obstruction only at the lateral opening where harmful flow occurs, while leaving the main reversing opening unobstructed. This localized intervention targets the specific problem area without compromising the overall thrust reversal function
3Stability of the object's composition
If a deflector is added to block lateral openings, then air flow balance and stability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The deflector is merged with the door assembly and fixed structure, combining multiple functions into a single integrated component. This merging approach minimizes additional complexity by making the deflector an inherent part of the existing structure rather than a separate add-on
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 deflector mechanism enhances aircraft stability and controllability by ensuring balanced air flow and improves thrust reversal performance by utilizing blocked fluid for braking, while maintaining efficient direct thrust capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
the unfolded deflector obstructing a lateral opening defined between the fixed structure and a lateral end of the open door
Implementation Method 2
the deflector connected to both the door and the fixed structure so as to fold when the door is closed and to unfold when the door is open
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a thrust reverser (40) comprising doors (46, 47) and at least one flexible deflector (60A-60D) that closes a lateral opening in the reverser (40) when the doors (46, 47) are open. Such a deflector (60A-60D) makes it possible to better control the air flow in the thrust reversal mode and to maximize the counter-thrust force.