Sleeve Linkage for Thrust Reverser Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thrust reverser systems require separate and independent actuation systems for primary and secondary sleeves, leading to increased weight, cost, and suboptimal performance, as they need to move at different rates and distances during deployment.
Innovation Solution
A master-slave actuation configuration is implemented, where the secondary sleeve drives the primary sleeve through a series of four-bar mechanisms, allowing coordinated deployment with a single thrust reverser actuation system, enabling different speeds and distances of movement without separate actuation systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate actuation systems are used for primary and secondary sleeves, then each sleeve can be actuated independently at different rates and distances, but the system weight increases and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate actuation systems into a single actuation system that controls both the primary and secondary sleeves. The master link and slave link are mechanically coupled through a drag link, allowing one actuator to coordinate the movement of both sleeves simultaneously, thereby reducing overall system weight while maintaining independent actuation capabilities through the linkage mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The drag link serves as an intermediary mechanical element that transmits and coordinates the actuation force from the master link to the slave link. This intermediary mechanism enables a single actuator to control both sleeves at different rates and distances by mechanically coupling the two linkage systems, eliminating the need for separate actuators.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate actuation systems are used for primary and secondary sleeves, then each sleeve can be actuated independently, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two independent actuation systems into a single integrated system using master and slave linkages connected by a drag link. This consolidation reduces the number of separate actuators and control systems needed, thereby reducing device complexity while preserving the ability to actuate each sleeve independently through the mechanical coordination provided by the linkage mechanism.
3Weight of moving object
If a single actuation system is used for primary and secondary sleeves, then system weight is reduced and complexity is reduced, but coordinating different rates and distances of movement becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The drag link acts as a mechanical intermediary that automatically coordinates the movement between the master and slave linkages. It transmits motion and force between the two sleeves, enabling them to move at different rates and distances as required by the thrust reverser deployment sequence, without requiring complex electronic control or synchronization mechanisms.
4Ease of manufacture
If a single actuation system is used for primary and secondary sleeves, then cost is reduced, but the ability to support different actuation requirements is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two actuation systems into one, reducing manufacturing costs by eliminating redundant components and simplifying the bill of materials. The master-slave linkage configuration with the drag link provides the necessary adaptability to meet different actuation requirements for each sleeve, maintaining functional flexibility while achieving cost savings through consolidation.
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A
AI summary
Aspects of the disclosure are directed to a system for a thrust reverser of an aircraft comprising: a primary sleeve 202, and a secondary sleeve 232, wherein a first stroke 202' associated with the primary sleeve 202 is different from a second stroke 232' associated with the secondary sleeve 232, and wherein the primary sleeve 202 traverses a first distance associated with the first stroke 202' at the outset of a deployment of the thrust reverser and a second distance associated with the first stroke at a later stage of the deployment.