Aircraft Thrust Reverser Power Coupling for Ground-Only Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electromechanical thrust reversers in aircraft require high power consumption, exceeding avionic power limits, and integrating electrical energy storage onboard increases mass and degrades aerodynamic performance.
Innovation Solution
A control system that couples and uncouples electrical supply means with the thrust reverser control system based on ground vs. flight status, using a three-phase electrical supply network and energy storage, with switches controlled by a set-point signal to manage power distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the electrical generator is resized to supply higher electrical power to drive electromechanical actuators, then the power consumption requirement is met, but the mass of the generator increases, cost increases, and maintenance time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces electrical energy storage means (such as batteries or capacitors) that are charged in advance during normal operation or ground periods, so that high power can be supplied temporarily when needed for thrust reverser operation without requiring a permanently oversized generator
Solution Approach 2:
The system operates in periodic cycles: the electrical energy storage means is charged during low-power periods (ground operation, idle flight) and discharged during high-power periods (thrust reverser deployment), allowing the generator to be sized for average power rather than peak power requirements
2Power
If electrical energy storage means are integrated onboard to supply predetermined power, then the power consumption issue is resolved, but the aerodynamic performance degrades due to integration constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the electrical energy storage means from the aerodynamic surface areas (wings, fuselage) and places them in locations that do not interfere with aerodynamics, such as the landing gear bays or cargo compartments, thereby maintaining aerodynamic performance while providing the needed power storage capability
Solution Approach 2:
The control system acts as an intermediary that manages the coupling and uncoupling of electrical supply means based on flight status, allowing the energy storage means to be isolated during flight to prevent aerodynamic interference while enabling power supply during ground operations
3Device complexity
If electromechanical actuators are used to control locking flaps, then the complexity of hydraulic systems is reduced, but power consumption in the electrical supply network increases substantially
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical energy storage means is charged in advance during ground operations or idle periods when the aircraft is not requiring high power, so that when the thrust reversers need to be deployed, the high current demand is met by the pre-charged storage means rather than drawing continuously high power from the generator and electrical network
Solution Approach 2:
The system alternates between charging the energy storage means during low-power periods and discharging during high-power periods, creating a periodic pattern that reduces the average power consumption from the electrical supply network while still providing sufficient peak power for actuator operation
Data Source
AI summary
Said device (16) for controlling an electrical thrust reverser control system (1) for an aircraft comprises electrical supply means (9) and control means (19) which are configured to couple the electrical supply means (9) to the electrical control system (1) when the aircraft is on the ground and to uncouple the electrical supply means (9) from the electrical control system (1) when the aircraft is flying.