Thrust Reverser Actuator Test Means for Wear Reduction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for controlling thrust reverser actuators in turbojet engines face maintenance challenges due to the complexity and reliability issues of hydraulic and pneumatic systems, and electromechanical actuators, which require full deployment cycles for system checks, leading to wear and potential component failures.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing electric motor-driven cowling actuators with control means that include test means for isolating component testing, allowing for reduced wear through partial actuation, interactive user testing, and preventive maintenance, with communication to the aircraft control system, and utilizing the same control components for both normal and test operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If full deployment cycles are performed to check component operation, then component behavior can be verified, but system wear increases and safety criteria must be complied with
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the thrust reverser system into independently testable components (actuators, control means, sensors) that can be tested individually through the ground handling device, eliminating the need to perform full deployment cycles of the entire system during maintenance checks
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a ground handling device as an intermediary tool that connects to the aircraft's thrust reverser system through standardized interfaces, allowing external testing and diagnostics without requiring full system deployment or compromising aircraft safety criteria
2Ease of operation
If hydraulic or pneumatic systems are used to actuate cowlings, then actuation can be achieved, but maintenance requirements increase due to leak detection difficulties and circuit complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex hydraulic or pneumatic actuation systems with an electromechanical ground handling device that uses electric motors and mechanical linkages to actuate cowling components, eliminating the need for fluid circuits and reducing maintenance requirements related to leak detection and fluid system complexity
3Weight of moving object
If electromechanical actuators are used instead of hydraulic or pneumatic systems, then weight is reduced and size is smaller, but control system complexity increases with multiple components that can fail
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-diagnostic capabilities within the ground handling device that automatically monitor the status of electromechanical actuators, control means, and sensors, allowing the system to detect and report its own failures without requiring complex external diagnostic equipment or increasing overall system complexity
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 solution simplifies system checks, reduces wear, and allows for early detection of component malfunctions, enabling more reliable operation with reduced maintenance needs and increased detection of latent failures.
Implementation Method 1
at least one cowling actuator (6a, 6b) driven by at least an electric motor (7)
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a system for controlling at least one actuator (6) for thrust reverser cowlings (2) on a turbojet engine, comprising a set of actuator and/or control components with at least one actuator (6) for cowlings (2) driven by at least one electric motor (7) and control means (9) for the electric motor (7). The control means (9) comprise test means (20), with an interface (22) destined for receiving test requests from a user. The test means (20) are designed on reception of a test request to carry out a test cycle on one or more components (7, 6, 15, 18) of the system comprising an isolated actuation to the component(s) (7, 6, 15, 18) with regard to the other components of the system.