Thrust Reverser Honeycomb Panel Load Distribution
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional techniques for attaching inner walls of aircraft propulsor thrust reversers to other structures are ineffective due to high temperatures, as they fail to distribute loads effectively and withstand thermal stress.
Innovation Solution
A fastening system using male and female spools with threaded portions and flange portions is employed to distribute point loads through honeycomb panels, allowing for secure attachment without adhesives or high-temperature damage, by threading the spools together to a specified torque value and transferring force evenly across the honeycomb structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional attachment techniques are used for inner walls, then the structure can be assembled, but the attachment fails under high temperature and does not distribute loads effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system is divided into multiple components: outer wall attachment features, inner wall attachment features, and load distribution members. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, with load distribution members specifically designed to spread thermal and mechanical loads across the inner wall, preventing localized failure under high temperature conditions
Solution Approach 2:
Load distribution members act as intermediary elements between the inner wall and other thrust reverser components. These intermediaries distribute concentrated loads from attachment features across larger areas of the inner wall, reducing stress concentration and improving thermal performance by preventing direct heat transfer paths
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional attachment techniques are used, then assembly is simple, but load distribution is ineffective leading to structural failure
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the attachment system into distinct modules (attachment features and load distribution members), the design achieves both ease of assembly through modular construction and effective load distribution through specialized geometry. The segmented approach allows pre-fabrication of optimized components that can be easily assembled while maintaining structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
Load distribution members are designed with specific local geometries optimized for load spreading in critical areas. The local quality of these members varies to match the load patterns, providing enhanced load distribution capability exactly where needed while maintaining simple assembly procedures
3Use of energy by moving object
If inner walls are attached close to the core engine, then thermal efficiency is improved, but the attachment features cannot withstand the high temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
Load distribution members serve as thermal intermediaries between the inner wall and attachment features, breaking direct thermal conduction paths while maintaining mechanical connectivity. This intermediary approach allows the inner wall to operate efficiently near the engine while protecting attachment features from excessive thermal stress
Solution Approach 2:
The design changes the thermal and mechanical parameters at the attachment interface by introducing load distribution members with optimized material properties and geometries. These parameter changes allow the attachment system to withstand high temperature environments while maintaining structural integrity and thermal efficiency
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system effectively transfers loads to the honeycomb structure, preventing deformation and withstanding high temperatures, thus providing a reliable and durable attachment method for thrust reverser components.
Implementation Method 1
threading the spools together to a specified torque value and transferring force evenly across the honeycomb structure
Implementation Method 2
A fastening system using male and female spools with threaded portions and flange portions is employed to distribute point loads through honeycomb panels
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Systems are provided for an aircraft propulsor (100) thrust reverser with a fastening system. The fastening system may include a male spool (350) and a female spool (352) configured to be threaded into the male spool (350). The male spool (350) and the female spool (352) may be coupled to a honeycomb structure and may evenly distribute force to the honeycomb structure to prevent plastic deformation of a honeycomb core of the honeycomb structure.