Turbofan Thrust Reverser Drag-Less Linkage Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thrust reverser linkages in turbofan engines obstruct the bypass airflow duct, reducing propulsion efficiency during forward motion and requiring improvements to minimize obstruction.
Innovation Solution
A drag-less linkage system with a telescopic translating structure and member, where the blocker door is positioned between the translating structure and member, allowing for efficient airflow diversion from forward to rearward propulsion without obstructing the flowpath, utilizing a cylindrical pressure sleeve and stationary inner shell to define the flowpath and enabling smooth movement between stowed and deployed states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional linkages are used to move the blocker door, then the thrust reverser can change position between stowed and deployed states, but the linkage obstructs the bypass airflow duct reducing propulsion efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The linkage is extracted from the traditional configuration and repositioned to the rear of the blocker door, removing it from the airflow path. This allows the linkage to perform its function of moving the blocker door while no longer obstructing the bypass airflow duct and reducing propulsion efficiency loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The linkage is moved from a position within the airflow duct (three-dimensional space occupied by airflow) to the rear of the blocker door (different spatial dimension), allowing it to operate without interfering with the airflow path while maintaining its mechanical function.
2Power
If the blocker door is positioned to effectively divert airflow, then rearward propulsion is achieved, but the mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The blocker door is designed with dynamic positioning capability, allowing it to rotate between stowed and deployed states. The drag-less linkage provides dynamic control of the blocker door position, enabling effective airflow diversion for rearward propulsion while maintaining a relatively simple mechanism through controlled movement rather than complex fixed structures.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A thrust reverser (40) of a turbofan engine has a stationary structure (62), a translating structure (52) capable of moving linearly between a forward position and an aft position, a translating member (56) capable of moving linearly between a forward condition and an aft condition when the translating structure (52) is in the aft position, and a blocker door device (86) engaged pivotally to the translating member (56) and capable of rotating from a stowed state when the translating member (56) is in the forward position and to a deployed state when the translating member (56) is in the aft condition. When the thrust reverser (40) is stowed, the blocker door device (86) is located radially outward from a pressure sleeve (58) of the translating structure (52) and does not substantially obstruct flow in a flowpath (34) defined at least in-part by the pressure sleeve (52).