Aircraft Thrust Reverser Assist Actuator Load Sharing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional thrust reverser systems face inefficiencies due to suboptimal mechanical advantage and high power demands, particularly during rejected takeoff scenarios and static load conditions, leading to heavier and more power-intensive designs.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of an assist actuator system that works in conjunction with the main actuator to provide load sharing and reduce the mechanical burden, allowing for a more efficient and independently controllable thrust reverser configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a conventional actuator and linkage arrangement is used to coordinate transcowl translation and door rotation, then the thrust reverser can be deployed, but the mechanical advantage is suboptimal and power demand becomes excessively high
Solution Approach 1:
The actuation system is segmented into two independent actuators: a main actuator that controls only the transcowl translation, and an assist actuator that controls only the door rotation. This segmentation allows each actuator to be optimized for its specific function, eliminating the need for a complex linkage system and reducing overall power demand while improving mechanical advantage.
Solution Approach 2:
The assist actuator serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical advantage during door rotation, shares the load with the main actuator during deployment, and can independently control the door position. This multi-functionality reduces the size and power requirements of the overall actuation system.
2Reliability
If the actuator is designed to handle aiding loads during extend operation and static loads at deploy stop, then the system can operate under all conditions, but the system becomes three or four times heavier
Solution Approach 1:
The load-bearing function is segmented between two actuators: the main actuator handles the transcowl translation and the assist actuator handles the door rotation. This segmentation allows each actuator to be sized for its specific load requirements rather than one actuator handling all loads, significantly reducing the total system weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system dynamically adjusts the operational parameters of each actuator based on the deployment phase. During early deployment, the main actuator operates at higher power; as the door approaches the intermediate position, the assist actuator engages to share the load, optimizing the weight-power tradeoff across different operational states.
3Device complexity
If a single actuator handles all deployment loads, then the system structure is simpler, but the mechanical advantage is less than optimal and power demand is excessively high
Solution Approach 1:
The actuation system is divided into two independent actuators with distinct functions: the main actuator for transcowl translation and the assist actuator for door rotation. This segmentation creates a more complex control architecture but simplifies the mechanical linkage structure while reducing power demand through optimized mechanical advantage at each stage.
Data Source
AI summary
A thrust reverser system for a gas turbine engine includes a support structure, a transcowl, a door, a main actuator, and an assist actuator. The transcowl is mounted on the support structure and is axially translatable between a stowed position and a deployed position. The door is pivotally coupled to the support structure and is rotatable between at least a first position and a second position when the transcowl translates between the stowed position and the deployed position, respectively. The main actuator is configured to supply an actuation force to the transcowl to thereby move the transcowl between the stowed and deployed positions. The assist actuator is coupled to the door, and is configured to supply an actuation assist force to the door and, upon rotation of the door to an intermediate position between the first position and the second position, to commence load sharing with the main actuator.