Gas Turbine Thrust Reverser with Integrated Actuator and Link System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional thrust reverser assemblies in gas turbine engines require a separate actuator assembly and translating cowl, which adds weight and space, necessitating a more efficient and lightweight solution for reverse thrust implementation.
Innovation Solution
A thrust reverser assembly with a set of outer doors and blocker doors that are simultaneously moved between stowed and deployed positions using a single actuator assembly and link system, where the blocker doors outnumber the outer doors, eliminating the need for axial cowl movement and reducing the number of actuators required.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate actuator assembly and translating cowl are used for thrust reverser, then the reverse thrust function is achieved, but the weight and space occupied within the engine increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the actuator assembly with the door assembly into an integrated unit. The actuator is mounted directly on the door assembly rather than being a separate component, which reduces the overall weight and space required while maintaining the reverse thrust function. This merging eliminates the need for a separate actuator mounting structure and reduces the number of discrete components.
Solution Approach 2:
The door assembly serves multiple functions: it acts as both the structural component that blocks airflow and as the mounting platform for the actuator. The actuator assembly is designed to be self-contained, providing both actuation force and structural support. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components and reduces overall system weight.
2Reliability
If a separate actuator assembly and translating cowl are used for thrust reverser, then the reverse thrust function is achieved, but the space occupied within the engine increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator and door assembly are merged into a single integrated unit, reducing the total volume required. The actuator is positioned within the door assembly structure rather than requiring separate mounting space, which consolidates the volume occupied by these components and reduces the space required within the engine nacelle.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator assembly is nested within the door assembly structure. The actuator housing is positioned inside or adjacent to the door assembly, utilizing the same spatial envelope. This nesting arrangement reduces the overall volume required for both components compared to having them as separate, externally mounted assemblies.
3Ease of operation
If multiple actuators are used to move outer doors and blocker doors, then simultaneous deployment is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple door assemblies (outer doors and blocker doors) are connected through a common link system that is actuated by a single actuator. The link system mechanically couples the motion of one door to the others, ensuring simultaneous deployment without requiring multiple independent actuators. This merging of actuation control into a single device reduces system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
A link system acts as an intermediary mechanism between the single actuator and the multiple door assemblies. The link system transfers and coordinates the actuation force to simultaneously move the outer doors and blocker doors. This intermediary mechanism simplifies the control system by eliminating the need for multiple actuators while maintaining synchronized door deployment.
Data Source
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AI summary
A gas turbine engine 10 and thrust reverse assembly 44 having a set of outer doors 48 movable between a stowed position and an deployed position, where the set of outer doors 48 extends outwards from the nacelle 12 and a set of blocker doors 50 movable between a stowed position and an deployed position, where the set of blocker door extends into an air flow conduit 31 defined by the bypass duct 30 to deflect air outwards.