Thrust Reverser Connecting Rod Fitting with Internal Locking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing attachment methods for connecting rod small ends in thrust reversal flaps of turbojet engines suffer from aerodynamic inefficiencies and structural stability issues, particularly due to the use of aerodynamic fairings which increase space requirements and are prone to damage.

Innovation Solution

A device featuring a fitting with a removable locking mechanism, including a fork and screw interface housed inside the fitting, which eliminates the need for external fairings, enhancing aerodynamic flow and stability by maintaining a constant clearance and using mechanical parts like springs or rivets for secure attachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If an aerodynamic fairing is attached onto the nacelle structure enveloping the connecting rod small end, then aerodynamic performance is improved, but the space requirement increases and the fairing is prone to damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaerodynamic performanceVSAvoidspace requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the fairing function with the fitting structure itself. The fitting is designed with aerodynamic contours that directly provide the fairing function, eliminating the need for a separate attached fairing. This integration maintains aerodynamic performance while reducing space requirements and structural vulnerability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The locking means (fork and screw interface) are nested inside the fitting, allowing the fitting to serve dual purposes: structural attachment and aerodynamic fairing. This nested arrangement eliminates external bosses or protrusions that would increase space requirements and improve aerodynamic flow.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Reliability

If an aerodynamic fairing is used to improve aerodynamic flow, then aerodynamic performance is enhanced, but the fairing can be damaged or separated due to forces exerted on it

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaerodynamic flowVSAvoidfairing durability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The fairing function is merged into the metal fitting structure, which inherently possesses high strength and durability. The aerodynamic surface is formed by the fitting's own contours rather than being a separate plastic component, eliminating the risk of fairing damage or separation while maintaining aerodynamic performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If a fork locking means is used inside the fitting, then aerodynamic performance is improved and stability is maintained, but the fitting thickness must be sufficient to house the locking mechanism

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaerodynamic performanceVSAvoidfitting thickness

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The locking means are nested inside the fitting volume, allowing the fitting to serve both as structural attachment and aerodynamic fairing. This arrangement minimizes the impact on engine performance by housing the locking mechanism within the existing fitting boundaries rather than adding external protrusions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The locking mechanism is designed to operate in the internal volume of the fitting rather than requiring external space. By utilizing the third dimension (internal volume) rather than extending in the primary thickness direction, the fitting thickness is minimized while still accommodating the locking means.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Reliability

If the locking means and connection interface are arranged inside the fitting, then aerodynamic flow is improved by eliminating bosses, but the clearance between connection interface and fitting must be maintained

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaerodynamic flowVSAvoidclearance maintenance

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The connection interface and locking means are nested inside the fitting with precise dimensional tolerances. The fitting internal geometry is designed to maintain constant clearance around the connection interface, ensuring both aerodynamic flow and manufacturing feasibility through integrated dimensional control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentUS12188432B2Device for attaching a connecting rod small end for a thrust reversal cascade flap

Publication Date: 2025.01.07 SAFRAN NACELLES

AI summary

A device for attaching a connecting rod small end for a thrust reversal cascade flap onto a fixed internal structure of a turbojet engine nacelle includes a fitting configured to be fixed to the internal structure and a connection interface forming a joint between the connecting rod small end and the fitting. The device further includes a removable fork configured to cooperate with the connection interface, wherein the fork and the connection interface are arranged inside the fitting.