Aircraft Thrust Reverser Control for Automatic Touchdown Activation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current thrust reversal control systems in aircraft are prone to delayed or forgotten activation during stressful landing or take-off situations, particularly in adverse weather conditions, leading to increased risk of runway excursion.
Innovation Solution
A system that automatically detects conditions for thrust reversal activation using reversing idle control, with a detection module that activates thrust reversers when the aircraft touches down, reducing pilot workload and reaction time, and includes an arming module for self-braking system integration to prevent unintended thrust reversal during cruising flight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the pilot manually activates thrust reversers during landing, then the pilot can control the braking process, but the reaction time is delayed and the risk of forgetting activation increases under stress
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by automatically detecting touchdown conditions and activating thrust reversers before the pilot can manually respond. The detection means monitors aircraft parameters continuously, and upon detecting weight-on-wheels condition, the actuation means automatically opens the thrust reverser, eliminating the delay between touchdown and reverser activation that occurs with manual pilot action.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by making the aircraft's own systems (detection means, actuation means) perform the thrust reverser activation function without requiring pilot intervention. The aircraft automatically monitors its own state and executes the braking action, freeing the pilot from the stressful manual activation task while maintaining reliable and timely reverser deployment.
2Productivity
If the friction brakes are activated immediately after touchdown, then the braking distance is shortened, but the brakes may not be sufficient when the runway is wet or the aircraft is heavy
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges multiple braking mechanisms by combining friction brakes with thrust reversers in a coordinated braking system. The detection means monitors the braking process, and when friction brakes alone are insufficient (detected through parameters like runway condition, aircraft weight, or braking distance progress), the actuation means automatically activates thrust reversers to supplement the braking force, ensuring reliable stopping capability under adverse conditions.
3Ease of operation
If the pilot is under significant stress during final approach, then the pilot may forget to activate thrust reversers or activate them too late
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service by making the aircraft's own systems (detection means, actuation means) perform the thrust reverser activation function without requiring pilot intervention. The aircraft automatically monitors its own state and executes the braking action, freeing the pilot from the stressful manual activation task while maintaining reliable and timely reverser deployment.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A system (36) for controlling an aircraft thrust reversal means comprises a reverse idle control means (38), a first detection means (31) configured to detect, when the reverse idle control is active, a condition for activation of the thrust reversal means, and an actuation means (52) configured to activate the thrust reversal means when the first detection means (31) detects a condition for activation of the thrust reversal means. It further comprises a second detection means (42, 44, 46, 48, 49) configured to detect a condition for activation of the reverse idle control, the control means (38) being configured to activate the reverse idle control when the second detection means (42, 44, 46, 48, 49) detects a condition for activating the reverse idle control.