Patent · US Expired

Automatic restow system for aircraft thrust reverser

US6286784A · kind A · utility

15Cited by
12References
9Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateMar 17, 2000
Grant dateSep 11, 2001
Priority date
Expiry dateMar 17, 2020

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
  • CPC primaryF02K1/76
  • WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

An actuation activation system for an aircraft engine thrust reverser system is provided including an improved locking actuator (29), a sleeve sensor mechanism, and auto-restow control logic. The locking actuator (29) includes a lever (57) corresponding to whether the actuator is locked or unlocked. A slide-by first proximity sensor (45) is positioned near the lever and set to normally far and triggering near. The first proximity sensor produces a first trigger signal for use in the auto-restow control logic. The sensor mechanism includes a second slide-by proximity sensor and a target in communication with a thrust reverser translating sleeve. The second sensor is connected to the forward side of an engine torque box. A preferred embodiment sensor mechanism (78) is provided and includes a pivotable target arm (96) having a proximal end (98), a distal end (100), and a middle portion pivotably connected to fixed engine structure, preferably torque box (30). The mechanism (78) includes a proximity sensor (94) connected to the torque box (30) at a location near the target arm distal end (100). The sensor (94) is set to normally far, triggering near. Rotation of the target arm causes i…

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.