Tertiary Lock System for Thrust Reverser Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional solenoid valves used in thrust reverser systems are limited by their size, making them unsuitable for longer translations and higher loads, necessitating the use of multiple springs and a hook style locking member, which is undesirable for aerospace applications.
Innovation Solution
A tertiary lock system utilizing a non-rotating screw shaft and nut mechanism, actuated by an electric motor, with a resilient member to ensure the lock member moves between locked and unlocked positions, and a beveled surface allowing the lock member to automatically return to the locked position upon power loss, eliminating the need for a hook style locking member.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If conventional solenoid valves are used for tertiary locks, then the system is compact and simple, but the translation distance is limited and load capacity is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional solenoid valve actuation system with an electric motor-driven screw mechanism. The motor provides sustained rotational force that converts to linear motion through the screw shaft and nut, enabling both longer translation distances and higher load capacities that solenoids cannot achieve due to their size and force limitations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the actuation mechanism from direct linear solenoid motion to rotational motor motion converted via screw mechanism. This parameter change in the actuation method enables extended translation distance and increased load capacity while maintaining system compactness through the efficient mechanical advantage of the screw mechanism.
2Force
If multiple springs and hook style locking members are used to achieve longer translation and higher loads, then load capacity increases, but device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple springs and hook-style locking members into a single integrated electric motor-driven screw mechanism. The motor provides continuous force, the screw mechanism provides mechanical advantage and linear motion, and the lock member provides the locking function, eliminating the need for separate spring and hook components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates the unnecessary hook-style locking member and multiple spring components from the system. By using a lock member that translates directly along the beam path guided by the screw mechanism, the system achieves the same locking function with fewer parts, reduced complexity, and lower weight.
3Length of moving object
If hook style locking member is used, then longer translation is achieved, but the system becomes unsuitable for aerospace applications due to weight and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the heavy hook-style locking member mechanism with a lighter electric motor-driven screw mechanism. The motor and screw shaft provide the necessary mechanical advantage to achieve long translation distances without requiring the complex, weighty hook structure, making the system suitable for aerospace weight constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a dynamic screw mechanism that converts rotational motor motion to linear lock member motion, providing continuous adjustable translation along the beam path. This dynamic mechanism achieves the required translation distance with a lightweight design compared to the static, weighty hook-style locking member.
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 provides a lightweight, compact, and reliable electrically operated tertiary lock capable of handling longer translations and higher loads without the need for a hook style locking member, ensuring safe stowage of thrust reversers during non-landing conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a screw shaft and a nut, wherein rotational movement of one of the screw shaft and the nut causes the other of the screw shaft and the nut to translate along the longitudinal axis of the screw shaft
Implementation Method 2
a resilient member configured to urge the lock member towards its locked position
Data Source
AI summary
A lock system for a component of a thrust reverser actuation system (“TRAS”), comprising a lock member translatable between a locked position, in which the lock member prevents movement of the thrust reverser component to deploy the thrust reverser actuation system, and an unlocked position, in which the lock member allows movement of the thrust reverser component to deploy the thrust reverser actuation system. The actuator may further comprise a screw shaft and a nut translatable along the screw shaft and operatively connected to the lock member. Rotational movement of one of the screw shaft and the nut causes the nut to translate along the screw shaft and, in turn, the lock member to move between its locked position and its unlocked position.