Thrust Reverser Sleeve and Turning Door Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current thrust reverser systems for aircraft propulsion systems have limitations in design complexity and cost, particularly due to the inclusion of thrust reverser cascades, which can complicate deployment and efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A thrust reverser system with a translating sleeve and door assemblies that deploy and stow without the need for thrust reverser cascades, utilizing a translating sleeve that axially translates and door assemblies that pivot to redirect bypass gas into a thrust reverser flow passage, thereby simplifying the design and reducing complexity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If thrust reverser cascades are included in the system, then reverse thrust functionality is achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereverse thrust functionalityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the thrust reverser cascades from the system entirely, extracting only the essential function of redirecting bypass gas. The door assemblies directly redirect bypass gas without requiring intermediate cascade structures, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining reverse thrust functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the functions of the turning door and blocker door into a integrated door assembly system that works together to redirect bypass gas. This merging eliminates the need for separate cascade components while achieving the same thrust reversal effect, thus reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If thrust reverser cascades are included in the design, then thrust reversal is effective, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethrust reversal effectivenessVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By extracting and removing the thrust reverser cascades from the design, the patent eliminates the manufacturing costs associated with producing and installing these complex components. The door assemblies provide the necessary thrust reversal functionality at a lower manufacturing cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Productivity

If door assemblies pivot to redirect bypass gas, then deployment efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedeployment efficiencyVSAvoiddoor assembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using complex cascade structures to redirect gas, the patent inverts the approach by using simple pivoting door assemblies that directly block and redirect bypass gas flow. This inverted methodology achieves deployment efficiency while minimizing added complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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 configuration enhances deployment efficiency, reduces design complexity, and eliminates costs associated with thrust reverser cascades, while maintaining effective reverse thrust functionality.

Implementation Method 1

door assemblies that pivot to redirect bypass gas into a thrust reverser flow passage

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGas redirection:

Implementation Method 2

door assemblies that pivot to redirect bypass gas into a thrust reverser flow passage

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFlow redirection:

Data Source

PatentEP4163487B1Thrust reverser system with hidden turning door
Publication Date: 2024.12.25 ROHR INC
  • EP4163487B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4163487B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4163487B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

An assembly is provided for an aircraft propulsion system. This assembly includes a thrust reverser system. The thrust reverser system includes a cavity, a sleeve and a turning door. The sleeve is configured to translate along a centerline between a sleeve stowed position and a sleeve deployed position. The turning door is configured to move between a turning door stowed position and a turning door deployed position. The turning door is disposed within the cavity when the sleeve is disposed in the sleeve stowed position. The turning door projects in a radial outward direction away from the sleeve and the centerline when the sleeve is in the sleeve deployed position.