Single Row Vane Thrust Reverser Weight Reduction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thrust reverser designs for turbine engines are heavy and costly, failing to meet the performance requirements of emerging aircraft designs while reducing weight and manufacturing costs effectively.
Innovation Solution
A thrust reverser system featuring a single row vane assembly and a transcowl with a blocking assembly, which redirects engine airflow through a circumferentially extended aperture, reducing the number of vanes and materials used, thereby lowering weight and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If multiple rows and columns of cascade vanes are used, then reverse thrust performance is improved, but weight and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates redundant vane rows from the traditional multi-row cascade vane configuration, retaining only a single row of vanes. This extraction of unnecessary components directly reduces weight while maintaining reverse thrust performance through optimized single-row vane geometry and positioning within the aperture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a multi-dimensional array of vanes (multiple rows and columns) to a simplified single-row configuration. This dimensional reduction reorganizes the vane arrangement from a complex grid structure to a streamlined linear arrangement, decreasing material usage and weight while preserving the necessary thrust generation capability.
2Force
If multiple rows and columns of cascade vanes are used, then reverse thrust performance is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By extracting and removing redundant vane rows and columns, the patent significantly reduces the total number of vane components that require manufacturing, assembly, and maintenance. This extraction of excess components directly lowers manufacturing costs while the optimized single-row design maintains effective reverse thrust generation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the vane assembly into a simplified single-row configuration rather than maintaining a complex multi-row structure. This segmentation reduces the number of parts, simplifies assembly procedures, and decreases manufacturing complexity, thereby reducing overall manufacturing cost while preserving functional performance.
3Weight of moving object
If a single row vane assembly is used, then weight and manufacturing cost are reduced, but reverse thrust generation capability must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the single-row vanes, including vane angle, chord length, span distribution, and positioning within the aperture. These parameter optimizations ensure that the reduced single-row configuration generates sufficient reverse thrust to meet performance requirements despite having fewer vanes compared to traditional multi-row designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the dynamic characteristics of the single-row vane assembly by adjusting vane angles and positions to maximize airflow deflection efficiency. This dynamic optimization ensures that each vane in the single row contributes maximally to reverse thrust generation, compensating for the reduced number of vanes and maintaining effective deceleration capability.
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 system effectively generates reverse thrust while reducing the weight and manufacturing cost of thrust reversers, meeting performance requirements for turbine engines.
Implementation Method 1
a blocking assembly mounted within the transcowl and configured to direct engine airflow to discharge through the aperture, to thereby generate reverse thrust
Data Source
AI summary
A thrust reverser system comprising a single row vane assembly is provided. The provided thrust reverser system is capable of meeting performance requirements for turbine engines with reduced weight and cost.