Single Actuator Variable Area Fan Nozzle Linkage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Typical variable area fan nozzle (VAFN) systems require multiple actuators for synchronization to prevent binding and jamming, which complicates the actuation mechanism and increases maintenance needs.

Innovation Solution

A single actuator VAFN system with an actuation linkage is used to translate the VAFN panel forward and aft, eliminating the need for synchronization between multiple actuators and simplifying the mechanism.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple actuators are used to translate the VAFN panel, then the panel can be deployed and stowed, but the system complexity increases due to synchronization requirements between actuators

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of binding and jammingVSAvoidactuation mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple actuators into a single actuator that directly translates the VAFN panel along the track beams. This eliminates the need for synchronization mechanisms between multiple actuators, reducing device complexity while maintaining reliable operation without binding or jamming.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent removes the synchronization mechanism and constant position feedback system from the multi-actuator configuration. By extracting these complex components and using a single actuator, the system achieves the same reliability without the associated complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Ease of operation

If multiple actuators with synchronization mechanisms are used, then the VAFN panel can be controlled, but the maintenance requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveVAFN panel controlVSAvoidmaintenance needs

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

By merging multiple actuators and their synchronization mechanisms into a single actuator system, the patent reduces the number of components that require maintenance. The single actuator controls the VAFN panel without requiring complex synchronization, thereby reducing maintenance needs while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If heavy flexible shafts and complex mechanisms are used for synchronization, then actuator synchronization is achieved, but the device complexity and weight increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveactuator synchronizationVSAvoidactuation system weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the functions of multiple actuators and their synchronization shafts into a single actuator that moves along the track beams. This eliminates the need for heavy flexible shafts and complex synchronization mechanisms, reducing both weight and complexity while maintaining reliable control of the VAFN panel.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS9869275B2Single actuator variable area fan nozzle system and method

Publication Date: 2018.01.16 ROHR INC

AI summary

A single actuator variable area fan nozzle (“VAFN”) system is provided. In contrast to typical system, the single actuator VAFN may comprise a single actuator, a linkage and a VAFN panel. The single actuator may be configured to actuate the VAFN panel between a stowed position and a deployed position. In various embodiments, the linkage may travel a path during deployment and/or retraction that is between the loft lines of the nacelle.