Aircraft Thrust Reverser Locking Assembly for Blocker Door Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thrust reverser systems for aircraft propulsion face challenges in securely attaching blocker doors to the translating sleeve, leading to potential detachment and loss during operation due to vibration and stress.
Innovation Solution
The proposed thrust reverser system incorporates a locking assembly with a locking body and receiver, which translates between locked and unlocked positions as the translating sleeve moves. This assembly includes a roller for engagement with the wall and a biasing element to maintain the unlocked position, ensuring secure attachment of the blocker door to the translating sleeve.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional hinge connection is used to attach the blocker door to the translating sleeve, then the structure is simple, but the blocker door may detach and be lost during operation due to vibration and stress
Solution Approach 1:
The locking body is designed to dynamically transition between locked and unlocked positions based on the operational state. During normal operation, the locking body engages with the wall to secure the blocker door. When the translating sleeve moves to the unlocked position, the locking body automatically disengages from the wall, allowing the blocker door to pivot freely. This dynamic behavior ensures reliable attachment during operation while enabling controlled movement when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking body acts as an intermediary element between the blocker door and the translating sleeve. Instead of directly attaching the blocker door to the translating sleeve with a simple hinge, the locking body mediates this connection by engaging with both the wall and the translating sleeve structure. This intermediary component provides the necessary security while allowing for controlled movement through its interaction with the biasing element and roller.
2Reliability
If the locking body is continuously engaged with the wall to secure the blocker door, then attachment reliability is improved, but the blocker door cannot pivot to control air flow direction
Solution Approach 1:
The locking body's engagement state is dynamic rather than static. During the stowed position, the locking body engages with the wall to secure the blocker door. As the translating sleeve moves to the unlocked position, the locking body automatically disengages from the wall, allowing the blocker door to pivot freely for air flow control. This dynamic transition ensures both secure retention and operational flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking body undergoes periodic engagement and disengagement cycles corresponding to the operational phases. The biasing element maintains the locking body in the disengaged state during pivoting operations, allowing the blocker door to rotate for air flow control. When the translating sleeve returns to the stowed position, the locking body re-engages with the wall to secure the door again. This periodic action pattern ensures both security and functionality.
3Ease of operation
If the translating sleeve translates to the unlocked position to allow blocker door pivoting, then air flow control capability is improved, but the blocker door may detach during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The locking body dynamically responds to the translating sleeve's position. When the translating sleeve is in the stowed position, the locking body engages with the wall to secure the blocker door. When the translating sleeve moves to the unlocked position, the locking body automatically disengages from the wall, allowing the blocker door to pivot for air flow control. This dynamic behavior ensures both secure attachment during operation and controlled movement when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback through the interaction between the locking body, biasing element, and roller. The biasing element provides continuous feedback to maintain the locking body in the appropriate position based on the translating sleeve's state. The roller provides mechanical feedback that enables smooth transition between locked and unlocked states. This feedback mechanism ensures the blocker door remains securely attached during operation while allowing controlled pivoting for air flow management.
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 locking assembly effectively reduces the stress on the hinge and drag link, minimizing the likelihood of blocker door detachment and loss, while ensuring secure retention during operation.
Implementation Method 1
The locking assembly may further include a roller rotatably mounted to the locking body. The locking body may engage the wall with the roller in the first stowed blocker door position.
Implementation Method 2
The locking assembly may further include a biasing element. The biasing element may be configured to bias the locking body in the unlocked position.
Data Source
AI summary
A thrust reverser for an aircraft propulsion system includes a fixed thrust reverser structure including a wall, a sleeve configured to translate between a first stowed position and a second position, and a blocker door assembly including a plurality of blocker doors. An upstream end of the sleeve is disposed at the wall with the translating sleeve in the first stowed position. A locking assembly includes a locking body and a receiver. Each blocker door includes a body pivotably mounted to the sleeve by a hinge and the locking body. Translation of the sleeve from the first to the second position effects pivoting of the blocker door body from a first stowed position to a second position. In a locked position, the locking body is engaged with the wall and disposed at the receiver. In an unlocked position, the locking body is disengaged with the wall and the receiver.