Thrust Reverser Actuator Locking Mechanism Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thrust reversal systems face challenges with weight distribution and space requirements due to the projection of locking devices on the housing, and the locking inhibiter's actuation rod extending over the entire length of the actuator, increasing weight and susceptibility to radial forces.
Innovation Solution
An actuating device with a locking mechanism where the rotary part moves about a distinct axis from the drive shaft, allowing the locking device to be positioned within the nacelle thickness, utilizing a screw-nut mechanism and an electromagnet to control the locking part, and incorporating a universal joint for attachment to the aircraft nacelle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the locking device is mounted projecting on the housing of the system, then the locking functionality is achieved, but the space requirement increases and weight distribution becomes problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device is repositioned from a projected mounting on the housing to an integrated mounting within the actuator housing. The locking rod is arranged substantially perpendicular to the actuator axis and mounted within the actuator housing, changing the spatial dimension of the locking mechanism from external projection to internal integration, thereby reducing the external space requirement while maintaining locking functionality.
2Reliability
If the locking device is mounted projecting on the housing, then the locking functionality is achieved, but the weight distribution and space requirement worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device is merged with the actuator housing, forming an integrated assembly. The locking rod is mounted within the actuator housing rather than projecting externally, combining the locking function with the actuator structure. This integration improves weight distribution by consolidating components and eliminating the need for separate projected mounting structures.
3Reliability
If the actuation rod extends over the entire length of the actuator, then the locking inhibiter functionality is achieved, but the weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuation rod of the locking inhibiter is extracted from the full-length configuration and reduced to a localized position. The rod is positioned only at the extreme retracted position of the actuator rather than extending over the entire actuator length. This extraction eliminates unnecessary material while preserving the locking inhibiter functionality, thereby reducing the overall actuator weight.
4Reliability
If the actuation rod extends over the entire length of the actuator, then the locking inhibiter functionality is achieved, but the susceptibility to radial forces increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuation rod is extracted from the full-length configuration and repositioned to extend only from the housing toward the extreme retracted position of the actuator. This localized positioning removes the rod from areas where it would be exposed to harmful radial forces during actuator operation, reducing its susceptibility to such forces while maintaining the locking inhibiter functionality at the critical retracted position.
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 more compact and lightweight actuating device that fits within the nacelle's space constraints, reducing weight and radial force issues while maintaining effective locking and unlocking functionality for thrust reverser operation.
Implementation Method 1
an electromagnet for moving the locking part towards the unlocked position
Implementation Method 2
the first element and the second element forming a screw and a nut, the second element being able to be connected to the movable cover in order to move the movable cover between a deployed configuration and a retracted configuration
Data Source
AI summary
The invention concerns an actuating device (1) for moving a mobile cover of a thrust reverser, comprising: an actuator (5) comprising a first element (10), such as a screw, and a second element (12), such as a nut, mounted mobile device relative to the first element (10) such that the rotation of the first element (10) results in a translational movement of the second element (12) relative to the first element (10), and a locking device (31) comprising a rotating part (34) linked in rotation with the first element (10), and a locking part (35) that is mobile relative to the rotating part (34) between a locked position in which the locking part (35) is engaged with the rotating part (34) to prevent the first element (10) from rotating and an unlocked position in which the locking part (35) is disengaged from the rotating part to allow the rotation of the first element (10), and an electromagnet (39) for moving the locking part (35) to the unlocked position.