Thrust Inverter Boom Connecting Cup Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing thrust reverser structures require time-consuming assembly/disassembly operations and are heavy due to the large number of fasteners needed, which is undesirable in the aeronautical field where weight adds significant cost.

Innovation Solution

The integration of a connecting cup into each beam of the thrust reverser structure allows direct fitting and fixing with the front half-frame, eliminating the need for spacers and fastening elements, thereby reducing the number of components, assembly time, and weight.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If spacers and fasteners are used to connect beams to front half-frame, then the structural connection is achieved, but the assembly/disassembly time increases and the mass increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural connectionVSAvoidassembly/disassembly time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the spacer and fastener functions into a single integrated connecting element that is fixed to the beam. This combining of components eliminates the need for separate spacers and multiple fasteners, thereby reducing assembly/disassembly operations and time while maintaining structural connection reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The connecting element is designed as a segmented structure with specific portions fixed to the beam and other portions engaging with the front half-frame. This segmentation allows the single element to perform multiple functions (positioning, spacing, and fastening) that previously required separate components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If spacers and fasteners are used to connect beams to front half-frame, then the structural connection is achieved, but the number of components increases and manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural connectionVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple discrete components (spacers and fasteners) into a single integrated connecting element. This reduction in component count simplifies the device structure, reduces manufacturing complexity, and lowers production costs while maintaining the necessary structural connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If spacers and fasteners are used to connect beams to front half-frame, then the structural connection is achieved, but the mass of the assembly increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural connectionVSAvoidmass of assembly
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

By merging the spacer and fastener functions into a single connecting element, the total mass of fastening components is reduced. The integrated design eliminates redundant material from multiple separate parts while maintaining the structural strength and connection reliability required for the thrust reverser assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP2179144B1Structure for thrust inverter
Publication Date: 2015.10.14 AIRCELLE SA
  • EP2179144B1 patent drawingFigure 1~5

AI summary

The invention relates to a structure for a thrust inverter, that comprises: a boom (3, 5) for a thrust inverter structure, that comprises an integrated portion defining a bowl to be inserted into and attached to a front half-frame (1) of said thrust inverter; a front half-frame (1) for the thrust inverter structure, shaped at at least one of its two ends so as to be fitted on and attached to a bowl of a boom according to the above; and a thrust inverter half-structure, characterised in that it comprises upper (3) and lower (5) booms and a front half-frame (1) according to the above.