Thrust Reverser Locking Means Pre-Flight Verification

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing electrical thrust reversal systems in turbine engines lack a reliable method to verify the functionality of locking means before flight, leading to potential deployment issues during critical landing phases, which can result in thrust asymmetries and reduced aircraft maneuverability.

Innovation Solution

A method involving a computer-based protocol to test the opening and closing of locking means prior to take-off, using proximity sensors and the FADEC system, simulating the deployment process on the ground to ensure the thrust reverser can be deployed safely and accurately.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If no monitoring method is implemented for locking means, then the system remains simple and operational, but the reliability of thrust reverser deployment is compromised and hidden breakdowns go undetected

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereliability of thrust reverser deploymentVSAvoidcomplexity of monitoring system

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by performing monitoring tests of the locking means before the airplane takes off. The computer executes a sequence of commands to open and close the locking means during ground operations, verifying their functionality before flight. This prevents undetected failures during critical landing phases while avoiding continuous complex monitoring during flight.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The monitoring system utilizes the existing computer and command structures of the thrust reverser system to perform self-diagnosis. The computer sends commands to the locking means and verifies their response, enabling the system to monitor itself without requiring separate dedicated monitoring hardware, thus improving reliability while limiting complexity increase.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If continuous monitoring of locking means is implemented, then reliability is improved, but energy consumption and system complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection of locking means functionalityVSAvoidenergy consumption of monitoring system

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic action by conducting monitoring tests only at specific intervals - before takeoff and after landing - rather than continuously. The computer executes monitoring sequences during ground operations when the airplane is stationary, consuming energy only when needed for verification rather than during continuous flight operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Reliability

If monitoring is performed during flight, then real-time reliability is improved, but safety risks increase due to potential unintended reverser deployment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereal-time detection capabilityVSAvoidsafety risk of unintended deployment

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs monitoring actions preliminarily during ground operations before takeoff, when the reverser is not needed. The computer verifies the locking means functionality when the airplane is stationary and the reverser cannot be accidentally deployed, eliminating the safety risk of in-flight monitoring while maintaining reliability verification.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Reliability

If three independent locking means are used, then safety is improved by preventing unintended deployment, but the complexity of verification and monitoring increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafety against unintended deploymentVSAvoidcomplexity of verification protocol

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the verification of all three locking means into a unified monitoring sequence executed by the computer. Instead of requiring separate verification procedures for each locking means, the system sends coordinated commands to open and close all three means together and verifies their collective response, simplifying the verification protocol while maintaining the safety benefits of three independent locking mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

This method allows pilots to verify the state of the thrust reversal system before use, detects hidden breakdowns, and reduces the risk of incidents during landing by ensuring the thrust reverser is operational when needed, thereby enhancing safety and maintenance efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

the method being carried out by a computer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectProximity sensing:

Data Source

PatentUS9188082B2Method for monitoring the locking means of an electrical thrust reversal system for a turbine engine

Publication Date: 2015.11.17 SAFRAN AIRCRAFT ENGINES SAS

AI summary

A method for monitoring at least one locking device of an electrical thrust reversal system for a turbine engine, the method being carried out by a computer prior to the take-off of the turbine engine, the method including sending a command for opening the locking devices; verifying the opening of the locking devices; sending a command for closing the locking devices; and verifying the closing of the locking devices.