Variable area fan nozzle position and skew sensing
US9551295B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 24, 2013 |
| Grant date | Jan 24, 2017 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 28, 2035 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF02K1/76
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Systems, devices, and methods are presented for detecting a misaligned or otherwise skewed variable area fan nozzle (VAFN) that is mounted on a thrust reverser sleeve of an aircraft engine. Rods project from different parts around the arcuate VAFN, the rods having patterns at their ends. In normal operation when the thrust reverser is stowed, the rods project over the thrust reverser into a fixed area of the engine. Sensors in the fixed area determine the position of the VAFN from the patterns on the rods. When the thrust reverser deploys, the rods are pulled aft with the VAFN, which is mounted on the thrust reverser sleeve, and separate from the sensors. When the thrust reverser stows, the rods move forward with the VAFN and re-engage with the sensors. Repeating patterns on the rods allow for simple, relatively low-cost sensors to read their relative positions.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.