Thrust Reverser Linkage Damper for Blocker Door Vibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aircraft linkages, particularly those for thrust reversers, suffer from vibrations that can be detrimental to hardware components due to interactions with bypass air, leading to potential damage.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of elastomeric dampers at the longitudinal ends of actuation linkages to mitigate vibrations, which are engaged when the blocker door is in the stowed position and disengaged when deployed, using materials like rubber or silicon to absorb and reduce vibrational loads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If elastomeric dampers are added to the actuation linkage, then vibration damping is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The damper is integrated directly into the actuation linkage by pivotally coupling the linkage to the blocker door at the longitudinal distal end where the damper is disposed. This merging of the damper into the existing linkage structure provides vibration damping without requiring a completely separate mounting system, thus improving reliability while minimizing the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomeric material in the damper acts as an intermediary between the actuation linkage and the blocker door, absorbing vibrations through its elastomeric properties. This intermediary element protects the hardware components by isolating them from vibrational loads while maintaining the functional connection between the linkage and door.
2Reliability
If the damper is engaged during deployment, then vibration damping is improved, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The damper is configured to be dynamically engaged or disengaged based on the operational state of the blocker door. When the blocker door is in the stowed position, the damper is engaged to dampen vibrations. When the blocker door is deployed, the damper is disengaged to allow free movement and improve productivity during the deployment phase.
3Reliability
If the actuation linkage is made more robust to resist vibrations, then reliability is improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of making the actuation linkage more robust through additional mechanical reinforcement, the patent substitutes a passive elastomeric damper that absorbs vibrations through material properties rather than structural strength. This replaces the need for a heavier, more robust mechanical linkage with a lighter elastomeric damping solution, improving reliability while minimizing weight increase.
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 elastomeric dampers effectively dampen vibrations in the actuation linkages, protecting hardware components and ensuring smooth operation of the thrust reverser mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
The damper is configured from or otherwise includes elastomeric material
Implementation Method 2
The damper is configured to engage the actuation linkage and damp vibrations in the actuation linkage
Data Source
AI summary
A thrust reverser for an aircraft propulsion system includes a passage, a blocker door, an actuation linkage and a damper. The thrust reverser is configured to move the blocker door from a stowed position to a deployed position using the actuation linkage. The blocker door is located radially outboard of a flowpath relative to an axis when the blocker door is in the stowed position. The blocker door is configured to redirect air flowing in the flowpath radially outward through the passage when the blocker door is in the deployed position. The actuation linkage is pivotally coupled to the blocker door at a longitudinal distal end of the actuation linkage. The damper is disposed at the longitudinal distal end of the actuation linkage. The damper is configured to engage the actuation linkage and damp vibrations in the actuation linkage. The damper is configured from or otherwise includes elastomeric material.