Patent ID: 6094908
Filing Date: 2000-08-01
Classification: F02K,Y02T

Abstract:
A thrust reverser for a high bypass ratio turbofan jet engine having a cowling with an inner surface forming an outer boundary of a gas flow duct, the cowling having at least two lateral openings therethrough, the thrust reverser comprising:a) at least two thrust reverser doors connected to the cowling so as to be movable between forward thrust positions, wherein each of the thrust reverser doors covers an associated one of the lateral openings, and reverse thrust positions, wherein each of the thrust reverser doors opens the associated lateral opening enabling gases in the gas flow duct pass through the lateral openings;b) at least two linear actuators, each linear actuator being connected to the cowling and to each thrust reverser door, the linear actuators moving the thrust reverser doors between the forward and reverse thrust positions; and,c) a synchronization system interconnecting at least two of the linear actuators, the synchronization system comprising:i) an electric motor having an output;ii) at least two transmission drive links, each transmission drive link having one end connected to one of the at least two linear actuators interconnected by the synchronization system and a second end, whereby rotation of the transmission drive links operates the respective linear actuators to move the thrust reverser doors between the forward and reverse thrust positions; and,iii) a gear drive mechanism connecting the output of the electric motor to the second ends of the transmission drive links whereby operation of the electric motor rotates the transmission drive links and whereby independent movement of the thrust reverser doors interconnected by the synchronization system is prevented.