Tandem Pivot Thrust Reverser Sliding Rail Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thrust reverser designs for gas turbine engines are complex, unreliable, and inefficient due to nacelle interference, leading to incomplete redirection of the fan bypass stream and increased landing distances and brake wear.
Innovation Solution
A pivot thrust reverser design featuring tandem pivot door subassemblies with sliding rails allows for simultaneous rotation of inner and outer panels around fixed pivot points, eliminating the need for translating parts and obstructions, enabling efficient redirection of the fan bypass stream without nacelle interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If complex assemblies with translating parts are used to avoid nacelle interference, then the thrust reverser can deploy at an effective location, but the device complexity increases and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The thrust reverser is divided into multiple panels (first panel, second panel, third panel, fourth panel) that can independently pivot and translate. Each panel is connected through linkage mechanisms that allow sequential deployment, enabling the structure to navigate around nacelle obstructions while maintaining deployment effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The thrust reverser employs dynamic translation and pivoting mechanisms that allow panels to move along defined paths during deployment. The panels transition from a stowed position to a deployed position through controlled translation and rotation, adapting their positions to avoid nacelle interference while achieving the required deployment angle.
2Adaptability or versatility
If complex assemblies with actuators and linkages are used to redirect fan bypass stream, then deployment angle can be adjusted, but obstruction in flow path increases and redirection efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The design removes actuators and linkages from the interior of the thrust reverser panels, placing them only at the boundaries or external to the flow path. This extraction eliminates obstructions within the fan bypass stream, allowing unobstructed flow redirection while maintaining angle adjustment capability through external actuation mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediate structural elements that mediate between the actuation system and the panels. These intermediaries transmit force from external actuators to the panels without requiring internal actuator placement, thus keeping the flow path clear while enabling precise angle control.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple translating parts are used to allow thrust reverser deployment, then nacelle interference is avoided, but maintenance costs increase and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into integrated linkage mechanisms that connect adjacent panels. These linkages simultaneously provide structural support, enable coordinated translation and pivoting, and maintain panel alignment, reducing the number of separate components and potential failure points while preserving deployment capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The linkage mechanisms serve multiple functions: they provide structural connection between panels, enable translation and pivoting motion, maintain aerodynamic alignment, and facilitate controlled deployment. This multi-functionality reduces component count and simplifies the overall system, improving reliability while maintaining deployment effectiveness.
Data Source
AI summary
A pivot thrust reverser includes a first tandem pivot door subassembly comprising an inner panel and an outer panel. The inner panel and outer panel are connected by a first sliding rail. A second tandem pivot door subassembly is included comprising an inner panel and an outer panel. The inner panel and outer panel are connected by a second sliding rail.