Thrust Reverser Folding Linkage for Lower Bypass Flowpath Drag
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thrust reversers in aircraft propulsion systems experience increased bypass flowpath drag due to drag links extending across the flowpath when not in use, reducing engine efficiency during cruise.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a thrust reverser assembly with a door link and structure link configuration, including a Y-shaped crank and nested door link arms, which converge laterally and longitudinally, allowing the actuation linkage to be tucked away when not in use, minimizing drag during normal operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If drag links are used to pivot blocker doors in existing thrust reversers, then the blocker doors can be deployed to aid in aircraft landing, but the drag links extend across the bypass flowpath when not in use, increasing bypass flowpath drag and reducing engine efficiency during cruise
Solution Approach 1:
The door link arms are extracted from the bypass flowpath when not in use. The first door link arm and second door link arm are configured to laterally converge towards one another as they extend longitudinally towards the door link mount, allowing them to be tucked away in a retracted position that minimizes their presence in the bypass flowpath during cruise operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The door link arms transition between static and dynamic positions. During cruise, the arms are in a retracted position converged towards the door link mount. During thrust reverser deployment, the arms pivot and extend to their deployed positions to facilitate blocker door movement. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the system to optimize for both engine efficiency and thrust reverser functionality as needed.
2Ease of operation
If drag links extend across the bypass flowpath to facilitate blocker door pivoting, then the actuation mechanism is simple and reliable, but the bypass flowpath drag increases during normal operation
Solution Approach 1:
The actuation linkage is segmented into multiple components: the door link with first and second door link arms, the structure link, and the door link mount. This segmentation allows each component to be positioned optimally - the door link arms can converge laterally towards the door link mount to reduce their profile in the bypass flowpath, while still maintaining the mechanical advantage needed for effective blocker door actuation.
Solution Approach 2:
The door link arms utilize lateral convergence towards the longitudinal axis of the door link mount, adding a dimensional aspect to the retraction mechanism. By converging laterally as they extend longitudinally, the arms create a more compact configuration that reduces their intrusion into the bypass flowpath while preserving the actuation capability.
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly for an aircraft propulsion system includes a fixed structure, a translating structure and a thrust reverser. The thrust reverser includes a blocker door, a door link and a structure link. The blocker door is pivotally coupled to the translating structure. The door link includes a first door link arm, a second door link arm and a door link mount connected to the first door link arm and the second door link arm. The first door link arm and the second door link arm are each pivotally coupled to the blocker door. The first door link arm and the second door link arm laterally converge towards one another as the first door link arm and the second door link arm extend longitudinally towards the door link mount. The structure link extends longitudinally between and is pivotally coupled to the door link mount and the fixed structure.