Telescopic Ballscrew Actuator for Compact Thrust Reverser Stroke
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aerospace thrust reverser actuation systems require actuators that can be fitted into a smaller installation envelope while maintaining performance, as new engine nacelle systems demand increased stow and deploy strokes with reduced length.
Innovation Solution
A telescopic ballscrew actuator system with two concentrically arranged ballscrew mechanisms, allowing for both translational and rotational movements, enabling sequential modes of operation to achieve defined actuator strokes within a reduced installation length.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If a conventional single-stage actuator is used, then the installation length is longer, but the stow and deploy strokes are sufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a telescopic configuration where the first ballscrew mechanism is nested within the second ballscrew mechanism. The first component is located concentrically around the input shaft, and the second component is located concentrically around the first component, creating a nested structure that reduces the overall installation length while maintaining the required stow and deploy strokes through sequential operation of the two mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator is divided into two separate ballscrew mechanisms operating in sequence. The first ballscrew mechanism operates in a first mode to provide initial translational movement, and the second ballscrew mechanism operates in a second mode to provide additional translational movement. This segmentation allows the system to achieve the required total stroke while reducing installation length.
2Volume of moving object
If the installation envelope is reduced, then the nacelle size is reduced, but the actuator stroke requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The nested telescopic structure allows the actuator to achieve extended stroke length when deployed while maintaining a compact retracted profile. The first and second components are nested concentrically, allowing the actuator to fit within a smaller installation envelope while still providing the necessary stow and deploy strokes through sequential operation of the two ballscrew mechanisms.
3Length of moving object
If a telescopic two-mode mechanism is used, then the installation length is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two ballscrew mechanisms into a single integrated telescopic actuator assembly. The first and second ballscrew mechanisms are merged spatially with concentric arrangement, and functionally through sequential operation. This merging approach reduces the overall installation length while managing complexity through a unified design rather than separate mechanisms.
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 telescopic ballscrew actuator system reduces the installation length of thrust reverser actuation systems, offering size benefits to engine nacelles while maintaining performance characteristics, enabling efficient deployment and stowage within constrained spaces.
Implementation Method 1
a first ballscrew mechanism between the input shaft and the first component, and configured such that rotational movement of the input shaft causes a translational movement of the first component via the first ballscrew mechanism
Implementation Method 2
a second ballscrew mechanism between the first component and the second component, and configured such that rotational movement of the first component causes a translational movement of the second component via the second ballscrew mechanism
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for a thrust reverser actuation system (“TRAS”), the apparatus comprising: an input shaft; a first component located concentrically around the input shaft; a second component located concentrically around the first component; a first ballscrew mechanism between the input shaft and the first component, and configured such that rotational movement of the input shaft causes a translational movement of the first component via the first ballscrew mechanism; and a second ballscrew mechanism between the first component and the second component, and configured such that rotational movement of the first component causes a translational movement of the second component via the second ballscrew mechanism.