Thrust Reverser Half-Assemblies Connecting Beam Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thrust reversers with D-like structures face complexity and lack of robustness in locking mechanisms, particularly when transitioning between flight and maintenance configurations, and in switching between direct and reverse thrust configurations.
Innovation Solution
A thrust reverser design featuring pivotable half-assemblies with a connecting beam and cascades, utilizing a tenon-and-groove mechanism for accurate and robust positioning and locking, allowing for a compact connection without the need for independent locking of each half-assembly, and enabling movement between direct and reverse thrust configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If each half-assembly is locked independently on the assembly box using a locking device, then the half-assemblies can be secured in the flight configuration, but the locking procedure becomes complicated and the assembly becomes hyperstatic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the locking functions by having the two half-assemblies lock onto a single connecting beam at the six o'clock position rather than independently locking onto separate assembly boxes. This combines multiple locking actions into one unified mechanism, simplifying the procedure while maintaining reliability through the interlocking tenon-groove mechanism between half-assemblies.
2Reliability
If the locking device is designed to lock each half-assembly independently, then the half-assemblies can be secured, but the locking device becomes less robust
Solution Approach 1:
The patent strengthens the locking system by combining the half-assemblies through mutual interlocking via tenons and grooves, creating a unified structural unit that locks onto the connecting beam. This merged approach distributes loads more effectively and creates a more robust system compared to independent locking mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting beam is segmented into multiple grooves that receive tenons from each half-assembly, allowing independent positioning while maintaining overall structural integrity. This segmentation enables modular assembly while preserving robustness through the interconnected design.
3Ease of operation
If conventional locks are used to connect the half-assemblies, then the locking is simple, but the positioning accuracy may be insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting beam is divided into multiple grooves with precise geometries that guide and position the tenons from each half-assembly. This segmented groove structure provides both easy engagement (conventional locking simplicity) and precise positioning (manufacturing accuracy) by constraining the tenons to specific locations and orientations.
Solution Approach 2:
The tenon-groove mechanism acts as an intermediary between the half-assemblies and the connecting beam, providing precise positioning through the geometric fit of tenons into grooves while maintaining ease of operation through the simple插接 (insertion) action. This intermediary mechanism bridges the gap between simple locking and precise positioning.
Data Source
AI summary
A thrust reverser for a propulsion unit, incudes movable grids, two half-assemblies forming part of a secondary stream and, at the six o'clock position, a connecting beam intended to be mounted in cantilever with a fan housing. The half-assemblies are hinged at the twelve o'clock position so as to enable their “butterfly” movement between a flight configuration and a maintenance configuration. The connecting beam includes a connecting member configured to cooperate, in the form of a tenon and groove connection, with the half-assemblies when these are in flight configuration. The reverser also includes, downstream of the connecting member, locks capable of locking the half-assemblies in flight configuration.