Aircraft Thrust Reverser Actuator Positioning via Non-Coaxial Pylon Mount
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing installation of thrust reversers in aircraft jet engines is complex due to bulkiness, making it difficult to free up space for maintenance, particularly when placing cylinders between the front frame and the motor or structure, which hinders easy opening of the reverser.
Innovation Solution
A propulsion assembly with a thrust reverser that features a cylinder articulated on both the pylon and an upper beam, where the cylinder's axis is not coaxial with the rotation axis, allowing it to be positioned above, thus freeing up space and simplifying maintenance access by using a hollow pylon with lateral walls and a central wall for articulation and a removable flap for access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If cylinders are placed between the front frame of the reverser and the motor or structure of the jet engine to assist opening, then the reverser opening is facilitated, but the installation becomes very complex due to bulk at this location
Solution Approach 1:
The cylinder is extracted from its conventional position at the front frame and relocated to the upper beam area. This extraction removes the bulk from the front frame location, simplifying the installation while preserving the cylinder's function of assisting reverser opening through its articulated connection to the upper beam
Solution Approach 2:
The cylinder placement moves from a horizontal arrangement (at the front frame level) to a vertical arrangement (at the upper beam, utilizing the hollow box pylon structure). This dimensional change allows the cylinder to be positioned in the top part of the jet engine between the upper beam and the pylon, freeing up space and reducing installation complexity
2Ease of repair
If the thrust reverser is mounted on hinges fastened to the jet engine structure to allow maintenance access, then maintenance accessibility is improved, but space underneath remains constrained
Solution Approach 1:
The pylon structure is segmented into a hollow box configuration with lateral walls and a central wall, creating distinct compartments and access points. This segmentation allows the cylinder to be articulated on the central wall while providing windows in the lateral walls for maintenance access to the space underneath the reverser
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
This configuration allows for easier maneuvering of the thrust reverser between open and closed positions, optimizing space usage and simplifying maintenance by separating the cylinder from the front of the reverser, thereby enhancing maintenance accessibility and reducing complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a cylinder of which a first end is mounted so as to be articulated on the pylon and of which a second end is mounted so as to be articulated on the upper beam of the thrust reverser
Data Source
AI summary
A propulsion assembly for an aircraft includes a pylon, a turbofan including a structure fixed to the pylon, and at least one thrust reverser, each having a top beam extending parallel to a longitudinal direction and mobile in rotation on the structure around a rotation axis parallel to the longitudinal direction. For each thrust reverser, an actuator is provided, a first end of which is articulated on the pylon and a second end of which is articulated on the top beam of the thrust reverser and the articulation axis of the actuator on the top beam is not coaxial with the rotation axis. Such assembly allows a positioning of the actuator in the upper part of the turbofan between the top beam of the thrust reverser and the pylon to free some space.