Thrust Reverser Locking Mechanism Rotary Electromagnet

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing thrust reverser locking devices are bulky due to the need for high-stiffness springs and powerful electromagnets to withstand dynamic loads and shocks, such as those experienced during flight and engine failure, leading to unnecessary volume and mass.

Innovation Solution

An actuating device with a locking mechanism featuring a rotating locking piece and unlocking piece, designed to be insensitive to abrupt accelerations, utilizing a rotary electromagnet and return spring to reduce mass and dimensions, and incorporating a manual unlocking mechanism for reduced size and weight.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If high-stiffness springs and powerful electromagnets are used to withstand dynamic loads and shocks, then reliability is improved, but volume and mass increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocking device reliabilityVSAvoidlocking device mass

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional linear electromagnet with a rotary electromagnet that converts electrical energy directly into rotational motion. This substitution eliminates the need for high-stiffness mechanical springs while maintaining reliability under dynamic loads, thereby reducing the mass of the locking device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the operational parameters from linear motion to rotational motion. The rotary electromagnet generates rotational force that actuates the locking and unlocking mechanisms, fundamentally altering the mechanical parameters of the system to achieve both reliability and mass reduction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If high-stiffness springs are used to prevent unwanted unlocking during shocks, then reliability is improved, but device volume increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocking mechanism stabilityVSAvoidlocking device volume

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes the high-stiffness linear spring system with a rotary electromagnet coupled with a return spring mechanism. The rotary electromagnet maintains engagement force during shocks without requiring bulky high-stiffness springs, thus improving reliability while reducing volume.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces dynamic response characteristics through the rotary electromagnet and return spring combination. The system dynamically adjusts to shock loads through the rotational mechanism and controlled spring return, eliminating the need for oversized static high-stiffness springs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 solution enables a compact and lightweight actuating device that effectively prevents unwanted deployment during flight while maintaining reliability under high dynamic conditions, reducing the overall volume and mass of the locking system.

Implementation Method 1

one of the first or the second element being a screw, so that rotation of the first element relative to the second element drives translation of the second element relative to the first element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectScrew mechanism: Screw

Implementation Method 2

a return spring capable of restoring the locking piece into the locked position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Implementation Method 3

utilizing a rotary electromagnet and return spring to reduce mass and dimensions

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnet: Electromagnet

Data Source

PatentUS10883446B2Actuating device for moving a movable cover of a thrust reverser

Publication Date: 2021.01.05 SAFRAN ELECTRONICS & DEFENSE (FR)

AI summary

An actuating device for moving a mobile cap of a thrust reverser, which includes: an actuator having a first element, such as a screw, and a second element, such as a nut, collaborating with the first element in such a way that turning the first element causes the second element to move in a translational movement. A locking piece is rotationally mobile between a locked position in which the locking piece prevents the first element from turning, and an unlocked position in which the locking piece allows the first element to turn. An unlocking piece is rotationally mobile between an active position in which the unlocking piece urges the locking piece towards the unlocked position and a passive position in which the unlocking piece allows the locking piece to return to the locked position.