Rotary Thrust Reverser Lock Prevents Accidental Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aircraft thrust reverser locking mechanisms are heavy, mechanically complex, and prone to accidental deployment, posing safety risks during ground maintenance and flight, due to their weight and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A simpler rotary-type locking mechanism replaces the conventional two-piece jaws-type lock, utilizing a single moving piece with a rotary mechanism and rotationally asymmetrical probe and receiver design, which is lighter and less complex, ensuring reliable locking and unlocking of the thrust reverser.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional two-piece jaws-type lock mechanism is used, then the thrust reverser can be locked, but the mechanism becomes heavy and mechanically complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the two-piece jaws-type lock mechanism into a single integrated rotary lock member. The lock member combines the functions of both jaws into one rotating component that engages with a single probe, eliminating the need for separate moving and stationary jaws while maintaining locking reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the complex mechanical jaws-type locking system with a simpler rotary mechanism. The rotary lock member uses rotational motion to engage and disengage the probe, replacing the sliding and pivoting motions of the conventional jaws mechanism, thereby reducing mechanical complexity.
2Reliability
If a conventional two-piece jaws-type lock mechanism is used, then the thrust reverser can be locked, but the mechanism adds excessive weight to the aircraft
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the two-piece jaws-type lock mechanism into a single integrated rotary lock member. The lock member combines the functions of both jaws into one rotating component that engages with a single probe, eliminating the need for separate moving and stationary jaws while maintaining locking reliability.
3Device complexity
If a rotary mechanism is used instead of jaws-type lock, then the device becomes lighter and less complex, but the locking mechanism must ensure reliable engagement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs rotationally asymmetrical features on the lock member and probe. The lock member has a specific rotational profile with engagement surfaces at particular angles, and the probe has corresponding asymmetrical features. This asymmetry ensures that the probe can only engage with the lock member in a specific rotational position, preventing accidental disengagement while maintaining simple rotary motion.
4Ease of repair
If a simpler rotary mechanism is used, then maintenance requirements are reduced, but the mechanism must still prevent accidental deployment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs rotationally asymmetrical features on the lock member and probe. The lock member has a specific rotational profile with engagement surfaces at particular angles, and the probe has corresponding asymmetrical features. This asymmetry ensures that the probe can only engage with the lock member in a specific rotational position, preventing accidental disengagement while maintaining simple rotary motion.
Data Source
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AI summary
The subject matter of this specification can be embodied in, among other things, a thrust reverser tertiary lock apparatus (1400) that includes a probe (1410) affixed to an aircraft engine frame and having a shaft (1420) having a barb (1440) at a first end and configurable to a first configuration and a second configuration, and a receiver affixed to a thrust reverser transcowl slider configured to accommodate the barb and having an end wall with an aperture defined therein, the aperture shaped to permit escapement of the barb (1440) in the first configuration and prevent escapement of the barb in the second configuration.