Thrust Reverser Support Structure for Shorter Aircraft Nacelles
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Solution Overview
Problem
The integration of a partition in the nacelle for a thrust reverser requires additional space, increasing the longitudinal dimension and preventing the nacelle from being shortened, especially in thrust reversers with sliding grids.
Innovation Solution
A support structure connects fan cowls and fan casings, incorporating the thrust reverser's volume and allowing actuators to pass through openings without contacting the structure, positioning the thrust reverser further upstream and shortening the propulsion assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a partition is integrated in the nacelle for the thrust reverser, then the thrust reverser can be housed, but the longitudinal dimension of the nacelle increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure merges multiple functions: it supports the fan cowls, houses the thrust reverser grids, and provides passage for actuators. By combining these functions into a single integrated structure, the patent eliminates the need for a separate partition, thereby accommodating the thrust reverser volume without increasing the nacelle's longitudinal dimension.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure is designed as a multi-functional element that simultaneously serves as a structural support for fan cowls, a housing for thrust reverser grids, and a passage way for actuators. This multi-functionality allows the nacelle to accommodate the thrust reverser system without requiring additional longitudinal space that would be needed if separate components were used.
2Ease of operation
If the thrust reverser is positioned downstream, then maintenance access is easier, but the nacelle length increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of positioning the thrust reverser purely in the longitudinal direction (downstream), the patent utilizes the radial and circumferential dimensions by integrating the grids within the support structure's volume. This dimensional repositioning allows the thrust reverser to be accommodated without extending the nacelle's longitudinal dimension, while the support structure's design maintains accessibility for maintenance operations.
3Strength
If the support structure contacts the actuator, then structural support is provided, but the actuator load cannot be properly distributed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the actuator from contact with the support structure by providing dedicated passage ways through which the actuators move. This separation ensures that the actuators can transmit their full load to the fan cowls without interference or load distribution issues, while the support structure maintains its structural function independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure acts as an intermediary that provides structural support for the fan cowls while deliberately avoiding contact with the actuators. The passage ways serve as intermediaries that allow actuator movement and load transmission without direct structural contact, thereby maintaining proper load distribution while still providing necessary structural support.
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is an aircraft propulsion assembly (1) comprising a nacelle and a turbojet engine, the nacelle comprising an outer casing (5) comprising fan cowls (4) and the turbojet engine comprising at least one fan casing (6, 6'), the fan cowls (4) and the at least one fan casing (6, 6') being connected by at least one support structure (11, 110) and configured to define an internal space intended to accommodate vanes of a thrust reverser (8) with sliding vanes, the thrust reverser (8) being configured to be moved between a first position and a second position by at least one actuator (15), the propulsion assembly (1) being remarkable in that the at least one support structure (11, 110) comprises at least one opening (14, 140) configured to allow part of the at least one actuator (15) to pass through.