Hydraulic thrust reverser actuation system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Thrust reverser actuation systems face challenges in detecting check valve failures, which can lead to unintended deployment or slow operation due to pressure build-up and leakage, especially during quiescent periods, compromising safety and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A hydraulic thrust reverser system with first and second return lines in fluid communication via a fluid restrictor upstream of check valves, allowing fluid to flow between lines if one check valve fails, slowing down the depressurization process and enabling detection of failures through monitored operation times.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If check valves are used in separate return lines to prevent unintended deployment, then system safety is improved, but detection of valve failures becomes difficult leading to undetected pressure build-up
Solution Approach 1:
A fluid restrictor is introduced as an intermediary component between the two return lines. This restrictor controls fluid flow between the lines and enables failure detection through monitoring fluid communication changes, while maintaining the safety function of the check valves
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by monitoring the time required for fluid to communicate between the two return lines through the restrictor. Changes in this communication time provide feedback about the operational status of check valves, enabling detection of failures without compromising safety
2Reliability
If check valves fail during quiescent periods, then pressure build-up occurs leading to slow operation, but the system lacks mechanisms to detect these failures timely
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid restrictor is pre-configured to enable communication between return lines before failures occur. This preliminary arrangement allows the system to detect check valve failures by monitoring changes in fluid communication characteristics, enabling timely detection during quiescent periods
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from monitoring the time for fluid to communicate between return lines to detect check valve failures. This feedback mechanism provides real-time information about system status, enabling timely detection and response to failures
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If fluid can flow freely between return lines, then detection of check valve failures is enabled, but pressure build-up control is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid restrictor acts as an intermediary that controls the rate of fluid flow between return lines. It restricts flow to prevent rapid pressure build-up while still allowing enough fluid communication to enable detection of check valve failures through monitoring
Solution Approach 2:
The restrictor changes the flow parameters (flow rate, pressure differential) between the two return lines. By controlling these parameters, the system achieves both pressure management and failure detection capabilities simultaneously
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 solution allows for safe and efficient operation by detecting check valve failures, preventing pressure build-up and ensuring timely stowage of thrust reverser doors, while maintaining system integrity and reducing the risk of accidental deployment.
Implementation Method 1
a fluid restrictor located upstream of the first and second return line check valves
Implementation Method 2
a first return line having a first check valve therein, and a second return line having a second check valve therein
Data Source
AI summary
A hydraulic thrust reverser system (TRAS) including a first return line having a first check valve therein, and a second return line having a second check valve therein, wherein the first return line and the second return line are in fluid communication with each other via a fluid restrictor located upstream of the first and second check valves, wherein the first return line extends from a piston system of the TRAS, the piston system being for moving at least one thrust reverser door, and wherein the second return line extends from a lock system of the TRAS, the lock system being for controlling locks to selectively prevent the movement of the at least one thrust reverser door.