Thrust Reverser Lock Member With Linear Electric Actuation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional tertiary lock systems for aircraft thrust reversers are heavy, complex, and challenging to integrate, with hydraulically actuated systems requiring extensive piping and hook-style systems providing a weaker load path.

Innovation Solution

A lightweight, compact, and robust tertiary lock system using a linear electric motor or solenoid to translate a lock member between locked and unlocked positions, preventing or allowing deployment of the thrust reverser.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If hydraulically actuated lock systems are used, then reliable locking function is achieved, but weight increases and device complexity increases due to piping requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocking functionVSAvoidlock system weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the hydraulic actuation system with an electric motor-driven mechanism. The lock member is actuated by an electric motor that converts rotational motion to linear motion through a screw mechanism, eliminating the need for hydraulic fluid, pumps, and extensive piping while maintaining reliable locking functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts and removes the hydraulic system components (fluid, pumps, valves, piping) from the lock system, retaining only the essential locking function implemented through a simplified electric actuation mechanism, thereby reducing weight and complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If hydraulically actuated lock systems are used, then reliable locking function is achieved, but device complexity increases due to piping and hydraulic components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocking functionVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes the complex hydraulic system with a straightforward electric motor and screw mechanism. This electric actuation system requires minimal components (motor, screw, nut, spring) and eliminates the need for hydraulic fluid management, reducing system complexity while preserving reliable locking operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by concentrating the actuation function in a single integrated electric motor assembly rather than distributing multiple hydraulic components throughout the system. The lock member, spring, and motor work together as a compact localized unit, simplifying installation and maintenance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If hook style locking members are used, then locking function is achieved, but load path strength decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocking functionVSAvoidload path

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional hook-style locking approach by using a linearly moving lock member that engages with a corresponding engagement surface on the movable component. This inverted geometry creates a more direct and stronger load path from the lock member through the screw mechanism to the motor mounting structure, improving strength while maintaining the locking function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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

Provides a reliable and efficient mechanism to prevent unwanted deployment of thrust reversers, offering a lightweight and robust solution compared to traditional hydraulically actuated or hook-style systems.

Implementation Method 1

a linear electric motor or a solenoid for translating the lock member between the locked position and the unlocked position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLinear electric motor: Linear Motor

Implementation Method 2

a linear electric motor or a solenoid for translating the lock member between the locked position and the unlocked position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSolenoid: Solenoid

Data Source

PatentUS12392306B2Lock system for a thrust reverser

Publication Date: 2025.08.19 GOODRICH ACTUATION SYST

AI summary

A lock system for an aircraft thrust reverser includes a lock member translatable between a locked position, in which the lock member is extended for preventing deployment of the thrust reverser by the lock member blocking the path of a movable component of the thrust reverser, and an unlocked position, in which the lock member is retracted for permitting deployment of the thrust reverser by the lock member moving out of the path of the movable component. The lock system also includes a linear electric motor or a solenoid for translating the lock member between the locked position and the unlocked position.