Thrust Reverser Motion Control for Variable-Rate Component Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motion control devices in thrust reverser systems lack the capability to facilitate movement of two different components at different variable rates, limiting their efficiency and flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A thrust reverser system with a lost-motion control device featuring a unique thread configuration, including multiple thread portions at different angles and a ball screw mechanism, allowing for controlled axial translation and rotation of components, enabling variable rate movement and differential deployment timing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional motion control device is used, then the structure is simple, but it cannot facilitate movement of two different components at different variable rates
Solution Approach 1:
The motion control device is segmented into multiple functional components: a first thread portion for controlling rotation of a first component, a second thread portion for controlling axial movement of a second component, and an intermediate thread portion coupling them. This segmentation allows each thread portion to independently control different components at different rates, achieving versatility while maintaining manageable structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The single motion control device is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it controls both rotational movement of the first component and axial movement of the second component through its multi-portion thread structure. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate control mechanisms for each component, achieving adaptability without proportionally increasing complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If a single thread configuration is used, then the manufacturing is simple, but it cannot achieve differential deployment timing
Solution Approach 1:
Different portions of the thread structure have different local qualities: the first thread portion has a first pitch for controlling rotation, the second thread portion has a second pitch for controlling axial movement, and the intermediate portion provides coupling. This local differentiation enables differential deployment timing while the threads can still be manufactured using standard machining processes, balancing manufacturing ease with functional versatility
3Productivity
If components move at the same rate, then the control mechanism is simple, but it cannot optimize thrust reverser operational efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The motion control device incorporates dynamic characteristics through its multi-portion thread structure, where the first and second thread portions have different pitches that enable variable rate movement of different components. This dynamic capability allows the thrust reverser to optimize operational efficiency by coordinating component deployment timing, while the mechanical thread-based implementation keeps the control device relatively simple
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
The system achieves efficient and controlled movement of components, allowing for different strokes and deployment timing, enhancing the thrust reverser's operational efficiency and flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
The ball screw may be engaged with the thread
Data Source
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Figure 3~4
AI summary
A kinematic system (20, 90) is provided that includes an outer cylinder (30), a mid-cylinder (34) and an inner cylinder (32). The mid-cylinder (34) is within the outer cylinder (30), and mated with the outer cylinder (30) at a mid-outer threaded interface configured to transform axial translation of the outer cylinder (30) into rotational motion of the mid-cylinder (34) along an axis (38). The inner cylinder (32) is within the mid-cylinder (34), and mated with the mid-cylinder (34) at a mid-inner threaded interface configured to transform the rotational movement of the mid-cylinder (34) into axial translation of the inner cylinder (32) along the axis (38). A first one of the mid-outer threaded interface and the mid-inner threaded interface includes a thread (52, 66)configured with a first thread portion (68) and a second thread portion (70). The first thread portion (68) is disposed at a first angle (74) relative to the axis (38). The second thread portion (70) is disposed at a second angle relative to the axis (38) that is different from the first angle (74).