Thrust Reverser Actuator Locking Cam for Load-Ready Unlocking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locking/unlocking systems for thrust reverser actuators in airplanes are bulky, heavy, and costly due to the inclusion of electromagnets and electrical components, and they struggle to operate efficiently under extreme conditions such as engine blade loss or significant dynamic loads.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical locking/unlocking system using a preloading arrangement with a cam, rotary rollers, and springs to displace a locking member, allowing torque transmission directly to the actuator without sequential electrical control, enabling operation under load and reducing bulk and weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an electromagnet and electrical components are used in the locking/unlocking system, then the unlocking force is sufficient to overcome strong return springs under extreme conditions, but the bulk, weight, and cost of the system increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electromagnet-based electrical system with a purely mechanical locking/unlocking mechanism. The mechanical system uses a cam mechanism that converts rotational motion into linear displacement of the locking member, eliminating the need for electromagnets and electrical components while maintaining sufficient unlocking force under extreme conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a cam mechanism that dynamically converts rotational motion from the input shaft into linear displacement of the locking member. This dynamic conversion allows the locking member to be displaced reliably under varying load conditions without requiring heavy electromagnets, thus reducing weight while maintaining reliability.
2Reliability
If an electromagnet and electrical components are used in the locking/unlocking system, then the unlocking force is sufficient to overcome strong return springs under extreme conditions, but the bulk and cost of the system increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electromagnet-based electrical system with a purely mechanical locking/unlocking mechanism. The mechanical system uses a cam mechanism that converts rotational motion into linear displacement of the locking member, eliminating the need for electromagnets and electrical components while maintaining sufficient unlocking force under extreme conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam mechanism serves multiple functions: it converts rotational motion to linear displacement, provides the unlocking force, and guides the locking member's movement. This multi-functionality reduces the overall system bulk by eliminating separate components that would be needed in an electromagnet-based system.
3Reliability
If sequential control is used (electrical opening first, then torque supply), then the locking mechanism can be opened reliably, but the response time and efficiency are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The cam mechanism is pre-configured to automatically convert rotational motion into locking member displacement. When torque is applied to the input shaft, the cam mechanism immediately begins displacing the locking member without requiring a separate electrical opening step, thus eliminating response time delays while maintaining reliable unlocking.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical system is self-actuating: the rotational motion applied to unlock the mechanism automatically generates the linear displacement of the locking member through the cam mechanism. This self-service capability eliminates the need for separate control steps, improving response time while maintaining reliability.
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 mechanical system reduces cost, weight, and bulk while maintaining high efficiency and robustness under extreme conditions, eliminating the need for electromagnets and electrical controls.
Implementation Method 1
a preloading arrangement, said arrangement holding the locking part and an input gear that is rotationally fixed when the torque between the drive mechanism and the locking part (36) is less than a preloading threshold of the preloading arrangement
Implementation Method 2
The means of displacing the locking member include a cam carried by said member, said cam cooperating with a complementary means of the preloading arrangement
Data Source
AI summary
A locking/unlocking system for a thrust reverser actuator includes a preloading arrangement mounted between a locking part and an input gear of an actuator drive mechanism, the preloading arrangement holding the locking part and the input gear rotationally fixed when a torque between the drive mechanism and the locking part is less than a preloading threshold and decoupling the locking part and the input gear when the torque becomes greater than the preloading torque, a decoupling movement displacing the locking member from a locked position to an unlocked position, the drive movement then being able to be transmitted in order to allow a deployment of the thrust reverser actuator.