Thrust Reverser Locating Arrangement for Load Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing propulsion devices with thrust reverser units (TRU) face challenges in efficiently transferring structural loads between the TRU halves and the supporting structures, particularly during movement between open and closed configurations.
Innovation Solution
The propulsion device incorporates upper and lower locating arrangements, each comprising a TRU locating portion and a support locating portion, which engage to provide a structural load path and guide the movement of the TRU halves during closure, ensuring proper alignment and load transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the thrust reverser unit is mounted on a supporting structure with hinge connections, then the TRU can be accessed for maintenance by pivoting to an open configuration, but structural connections between TRU parts and other parts may be selectively disengaged causing instability during movement
Solution Approach 1:
The locating arrangements are pre-configured to engage at specific positions during the closing operation. As the thrust reverser half moves toward the closed position, the locating portions automatically engage with the support structure to establish a stable connection before full closure is achieved, ensuring structural integrity is maintained throughout the movement cycle.
Solution Approach 2:
The locating arrangements act as intermediary elements between the thrust reverser half and the support structure. These locating portions provide temporary but reliable connection points during the transition from open to closed configuration, mediating the movement and ensuring stable load transfer without requiring permanent rigid connections.
2Strength
If the thrust reverser half moves from open to closed position, then the TRU provides structural support, but misalignment and deflection occur during movement
Solution Approach 1:
The locating arrangements are designed to engage at predetermined positions during the closing operation. As the thrust reverser half moves toward the closed position, the locating portions automatically align with and engage the support structure, establishing proper alignment before full closure is achieved, thereby preventing misalignment and deflection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical alignment systems with simpler locating arrangements that use geometric constraints. The locating portions engage with the support structure through basic mechanical contact, using the geometry of the engagement features to automatically ensure proper alignment without requiring complex active control mechanisms.
3Reliability
If locating arrangements are added to provide structural load path, then load transfer is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locating arrangements are segmented into discrete locating portions that can be independently provided on the thrust reverser half and the support structure. This segmentation allows for simple, modular implementation where each locating portion is a basic geometric feature rather than a complex mechanism, maintaining simplicity while providing reliable load transfer paths.
Data Source
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Figure 3
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AI summary
A propulsion device 10 comprises: a casing structure 402 to surround a fan of the propulsion device; a core structure 111 to support a core of the propulsion device; a thrust reverser unit, TRU , comprising two thrust reverser halves 612, 614, each thrust reverser half being pivotable about a respective hinge line 604 between an open position for access to the core structure, and a closed position. Upper and lower support members 410, 430 extend from the casing structure at diametrically opposing sides of a centreline axis. For each thrust reverser half there is at least one locating arrangement comprising an upper locating arrangement with cooperating portions configured to engage each other as the thrust reverser half moves towards the closed position in a closing operation; and/or a lower locating arrangement with cooperation portions configured to engage each other as the thrust reverser half moves towards the closed position in the closing operation.