Tertiary Lock Segregated Power for Thrust Reverser Safety

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current tertiary locking systems for O-duct turbojet engine nacelles pose accessibility and safety challenges during maintenance, as they are often inaccessible and require electrical power, which can lead to overheating and unauthorized movement risks.

Innovation Solution

A tertiary locking assembly with a secondary control line and manually controlled switch, providing a segregated power supply and electromechanical actuating means, allowing for safe and efficient manual operation during maintenance, while maintaining electrical safety and preventing unauthorized movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If electrical power supply is used for tertiary lock operation, then the lock can be actuated remotely and conveniently, but the risk of overheating and unauthorized movement increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveremote actuation capabilityVSAvoidoverheating risk and unauthorized movement

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The control system is segmented into two independent power supply lines: a primary electrical power supply for normal operation and a secondary manual power supply for maintenance operations. This segmentation allows the system to benefit from electrical remote actuation during normal operation while providing a safe manual override during maintenance, thereby resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and safety concerns.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A manually controlled switch acts as an intermediary between the secondary power supply and the electromechanical actuating means. This intermediary device allows maintenance personnel to manually activate the lock only when needed, providing convenient remote actuation capability while preventing unauthorized or accidental activation that could lead to overheating or safety issues.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If a single power supply line is used for the tertiary lock, then the system is simpler, but the risk of overheating and safety issues increases during maintenance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower supply systemVSAvoidsafety during maintenance

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The power supply system is divided into two separate lines: a primary electrical power supply for normal operational use and a secondary manual power supply specifically for maintenance operations. This segmentation reduces the risk of overheating and safety issues during maintenance by providing a dedicated, controlled power source that is independent of the primary system, thereby improving reliability without significantly increasing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A manually controlled switch serves as an intermediary device in the secondary power supply line, ensuring that power is only supplied to the electromechanical actuating means when explicitly activated by maintenance personnel. This intermediary mechanism enhances safety during maintenance operations by preventing unauthorized or accidental activation, thereby improving reliability while maintaining reasonable system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If the tertiary lock is made inaccessible during maintenance, then safety is improved by preventing unauthorized operation, but ease of manual operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafety against unauthorized operationVSAvoidmanual accessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

A manually controlled switch is introduced as an intermediary device that maintenance personnel can access and operate. This switch provides a safe and controlled interface for manual lock operation during maintenance, resolving the contradiction by allowing necessary manual access while maintaining safety through the use of a dedicated, simple control mechanism that is distinct from the main system controls.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Enables quick and safe manual operation of the tertiary lock during maintenance, reducing the risk of overheating and ensuring secure operation by using a segregated power supply and electromechanical actuating means, enhancing accessibility and safety.

Implementation Method 1

at least one electromechanical actuating means for actuating the tertiary lock

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromechanical actuation: Solenoid

Data Source

PatentUS9458794B2Tertiary locking assembly for a thrust reverser

Publication Date: 2016.10.04 SAFRAN NACELLES

AI summary

A tertiary locking assembly for a thrust reverser includes a tertiary lock, a primary control line associated with the tertiary lock, and a secondary control line. The primary control line includes a primary electromechanical valve and a primary power supply line connected to the primary electromechanical valve. In addition, the secondary control line has a secondary electromechanical control valve and a secondary power supply line connected to the secondary electromechanical control valve. In particular, the secondary control line is provided with at least one manually controlled switch.