THAI MATRA MA TEATRIMA LATA UNA AT TINK

US010001080B2

(12) United States Patent ( 10) Patent No.: US 10 , 001,080 B2

Cerra et al. (45) Date of Patent: Jun . 19 , 2018
(54 ) THRUST REVERSE VARIABLE AREA FAN
NOZZLE
(56) References Cited
U . S . PATENT DOCUMENTS
(71 ) Applicant: The Boeing Company , Chicago , IL 3,570,247 A * 3/1971 Denning ............. FO2K 1/58
(US) 239 / 265. 19
( 72 ) Inventors : David F . Cerra , Woodinville , WA (US); 4,093 ,122 A * 6 /1978 Linderman ....... .. . . FO2K 1/ 11
239 / 127 . 3
Robert H . Willie , Bothell , WA (US) (Continued )
(73) Assignee : The Boeing Company , Chicago , IL FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
(US )
RU 2 425 242 7/ 2011
( * ) Notice : Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this RU 2425242 C1 * 7/ 2011
patent is extended or adjusted under 35 WO WO 2008 /045070 4 /2008
U .S .C . 154 (b ) by 424 days.
OTHER PUBLICATIONS
(21) Appl. No.: 14 /462,682
Extended European Search Report , EP 15 18 1071 (dated Jan. 15,
(22 ) Filed: Aug. 19, 2014 2016 ) .
(65 ) Prior Publication Data Primary Examiner — Gerald L Sung
US 2016 /0053718 A1 Feb . 25, 2016 Assistant Examiner — Alain Chau
(74 ) Attorney , Agent, or Firm — Walters & Wasylyna
(51) Int. Cl. LLC
F02K 1/ 72 ( 2006 .01)
F02K 1/ 12 ( 2006 .01) ABSTRACT
F02K 3 /02 (2006 .01) (57)
F02K 1/ 76 ( 2006 .01) A thrust reverse variable area nozzle system for a nacelle of
F02K 1/ 70 ( 2006 .01) an aircraft engine system may include a reverse thrust
FO2K 1/ 11 ( 2006 . 01) opening disposed in the nacelle , and a thrust reverser door
(52) U .S . CI. pivotally movable relative to the nacelle for selectively
??? ......... ..... FO2K 1/ 72 (2013 .01 ); F02K 1/ 11 covering the reverse thrust opening , wherein the thrust
( 2013 .01); F02K 1 / 12 ( 2013 . 01 ); F02K 1/ 1207 reverser door is pivotally movable between a first position
( 2013 .01); F02K 1 / 70 (2013 .01); FO2K 1 /763 for completely covering the reverse thrust opening, a second
(2013 .01); F02K 3 /025 (2013 .01 ); F05D position for partially uncovering a forward portion of the
2260 / 50 (2013 .01 ) reverse thrust opening and discharging a bypass airflow
(58 ) Field of Classification Search through the forward portion of the reverse thrust opening in
CPC ..... FO2K 1/70 ; FO2K 1/72 ; FO2K 1/76 ; FO2K a forward direction , and a third position for partially uncov
1 /64 ; FO2K 1 /06 ; FO2K 1 / 30 ; FO2K ering an aft portion of the reverse thrust opening and
1 /08 - 1 / 12 ; FO2K 3 / 02; FO2K 1 /60 ; FO2K discharging the bypass airflow through the aft portion of the
1 /62 ; FO2K 1/ 1207; FO2K 3 / 025 reverse thrust opening in an aft direction .
USPC ..... .... ..... ... . 60 /226 . 1 – 226 . 3
See application file for complete search history. 20 Claims, 10 Drawing Sheets

82

34 36 blagoa -8880 5-16

ohnson Ona

54
7 - --
K --- -
a 86
9666

GOALS - N

70 Ap2
34
53232
1-30

60
 US 10 ,001, 080 B2
Page 2

( 56 ) References Cited
U . S . PATENT DOCUMENTS
4 , 194 ,692 A 3/ 1980 Dickenson
4 , 865 ,256 A 9/ 1989 Durand et al.
6 ,938, 408 B2 * 9 / 2005 Lair B64C 15 /02
239 / 265 .33
8 , 151 ,551 B2 4 / 2012 Pero
2012 /0023900 A1 * 2/ 2012 Flin B64D 29 /06
60 /226 . 2
* cited by examiner
atent Jun . 19 , 2018 Sheet 1 of 10 US 10 ,001,080 B2

91
18
14
)

So
1
.
FIG

1811
14
U . S . Patent Jun . 19, 2018 Sheet 2 of 10 US 10 ,001,080 B2

-
-

-
-
-

S62 56
232
76056
44

34 34 2
.
FIG
58

-
54 5
_
54 84
54

2674 Z
-
28
24
-
-
U . S . Patent Jun. 19, 2018 Sheet 3 of 10 US 10, 001 ,080 B2

/?
02 94
<S
)
)

22
??

" - 48
19
28 - >
66 )
1 56 S52
r

??&
64
-

2 19

64 “? G6
/ / 20
27 / 22

FIG. 4
U . S . Patent Jun . 19, 2018 Sheet 4 of 10 US 10 , 001, 080 B2

1
2
S18- 18

TAR
2611
582
28 56
-30
148
32

ca 15 FIG . 5

so
22 56
20

219
64 - 266
204WIE
22 122
FIG . 6
U . S . Patent Jun . 19 , 2018 Sheet 5 of 10 US 10 ,001,080 B2

80 ???
2626 22

? ?? 22
?? 48
56 32

2 04 / FIG . 7

80- ????
.54

219
4 ?? « 66

FIG . 8
atent Jun . 19 , 2018 Sheet 6 of 10 US 10 ,001,080 B2

612
OLY

1064 9
.
FIG

104
682
U.S.Pater
atent Jun . 19, 2018 Sheet 7 0f10 US10, 001 , 080 B2

34

6??

58
84
496

??
92b 10
.
FIG

108
96a
?? 64
??

68
82 110
U . S . Patent Jun . 19, 2018 Sheet 8 of 10 US 10 ,001,080 B2

32S 30
260

56 -
--
end
-

camere
www
rem
med
Lp2
70
een
en

986 74
h
110
102b 11
.
FIG
len80 966 108
O -
-
-
Tot n

50
88
-
80TGxgsa -

\
92a
54Zo
2
.

z
54
687
36
34 you
-
82
96a
 atent Jun, 19 , 2018 Sheet 9 of 10 US 10 ,001 , 080 B2

)
ge
-

| ?d , /
6-
S
N -

72 ?????t

36
-
98 -

84
) 496?
486
-

20

)
8
7
|
36
34
28
-

-
-
-
-
??? ????
-
???

? ??
?

?
99
AZ6 12
.
FIG

P?
?????
U . S . Patent Jun . 19, 2018 Sheet 10 of 10 US 10 ,001,080 B2

202 204 26

OFTHEAPATLANDDABRIEOYSRPCTAFHILSROGCTNEWY
TOAANRPDOORINFTEOHLISVCRAETULOSIVEWTNR ANDOFTHENPAABTOFLOWTIHYCSRPEFOALUSGOEWH OFTHENEARTDBECIOAXHSMECPLOAURTGELSHDY TOATLTHENRPDOORASTEOAHILSVCRAEVTOULSINVOETDR INTHENOTARDFABIPEHYCVRENOWFUATLIRSNGOTEHDW TEOAHCLSVRAIETULAISVOETNR INATHEBANDDPOF-SCIEYRSCTPOFHIAELSRNOGAWEL OFTHENEANDROTANAFTDIAXPHECVRANOUTLIRSNGROTEH
PPIVOT
THIRD
NRDOOR
ITHE
TO
A 13
.
FIG
 US 10 , 001,080 B2
THRUST REVERSE VARIABLE AREA FAN selectively covering the reverse thrust opening, the thrust
NOZZLE reverser door including a forward end and an opposed aft
end , wherein the thrust reverser door is pivotally movable
FIELD between a first position for completely covering the reverse
5 thrust opening, a second position for partially uncovering a
The present disclosure is generally related to aircraft forward portion of the reverse thrust opening and position
engine systems and , more particularly , to an aircraft engine ing the aft end of the thrust reverser door within the bypass
system having a thrust reverse variable area fan nozzle. airflow passage to discharge a bypass airflow through the
forward portion of the reverse thrust opening in a forward
BACKGROUND 10 direction , and a third position for partially uncovering an aft
Gas turbine engines, also known as jet engines , may be portion of the reverse thrust opening to increase a cross
used for power generation and propulsion of a vehicle ( e . g ., sectional area of the bypass airflow passage and discharge
an aircraft ) . The engine may include a compression section , the bypass airflow through the aft portion of the reverse
a combustion section , and a turbine section that utilize * a 1515 thrust
" In yetopening in an aft direction .
another embodiment, the disclosed method con
primary airflow into the engine to generate power or propel trolling a bypass airflow through a nacelle of an aircraft
the vehicle . The engine may be mounted within a housing engine system may include the steps of: (1 ) positioning a
( e .g ., a nacelle of the aircraft). A bypass airflow passage may
be defined between the housing and the engine. A bypass thrust reverser door in a first position relative to the nacelle
airflow may flow through the bypass airflow passage and 20 to allow the bypass airflow to flow through a bypass airflow
exit from an outlet of the housing. passage of the nacelle and be completely discharged through
As engine bypass ratios increase, it may become increas- a rear exhaust of the nacelle , (2 ) pivoting the thrust reverser
ingly difficult to maintain a suitable bypass pressure ratio , door to a second position relative to the nacelle to at least
for example , to avoid fan flutter of the engine. Variable area partially restrict the bypass airflow passage and discharge at
fan nozzle systems may be used to maintain a desired 25 least a portion of the bypass airflow in a forward direction
pressure ratio , however, such systems tend to be very through a reverse thrust opening in the nacelle, and ( 3 )
complicated and add additional weight to the aircraft. pivoting the thrust reverser door to a third position relative
pivom
Thrust reversers may be used to generate a reverse thrust to the nacelle to increase a cross- sectional area of the bypass
force to slow forward movement of the aircraft. One type of airflow passage and discharge the bypass airflow in an aft
thrust reverser may utilize a moveable door located near a 30 direction through the reverse thrust opening and the rear
rear of the nacelle . The door may move into the bypass
airflow passage to deflect the bypass airflow radially out exhaust of the nacelle.
Other embodiments of the disclosed systems and method
wards through a reverse thrust opening to direct a discharge will become apparent from the following detailed descrip
airflow in a forward direction to slow the aircraft . Although 35 tion , the accompanying drawings and the appended claims.
thrust reversers effectively slow the aircraft, thrust reversers 35
typically serve only that purpose and do not provide any BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
additional functionality when not in use .
Accordingly, those skilled in the art continue with FIG . 1 is a schematic perspective view of one embodi
research and development efforts in the field of controlling 10ment of the disclosed aircraft;
the bypass airflow through the aircraft engine system .
FIG . 2 is a schematic side elevational view of one
SUMMARY embodiment of the engine system of the aircraft ;
FIG . 3 is a schematic side elevational view of one
In one embodiment, the disclosed thrust reverse variable embodiment of the nacelle of the engine system , illustrating
area nozzle system for a nacelle of an aircraft engine system 45 the disclosed thrust reverse variable area nozzle system in a
may include a reverse thrust opening disposed in the nacelle , first position ;
and a thrust reverser door pivotally movable relative to the FIG . 4 is a schematic rear elevational view of the nacelle
nacelle for selectively covering the reverse thrust opening , of FIG . 3 ;
wherein the thrust reverser door is pivotally movable FIG . 5 is a schematic side elevational view of the nacelle ,
between a first position for completely covering the reverse 50 illustrating the thrust reverse variable area nozzle system in
thrust opening, a second position for partially uncovering a a so
forward portion of the reverse thrust opening and discharg - FIG . 6 is a schematic rear elevational view of the nacelle
ing a bypass airflow through the forward portion of thee of FIG . 5 ;
reverse thrust opening in a forward direction , and a third
1 FIG . 7 is the
position for partially uncovering an aft portion ofthe reverse 55 illustrating a schematic side elevational view of the nacelle ,
thrust reverse variable area nozzle system in
thrust opening and discharging the bypass airflow through
the aft portion of the reverse thrust opening in an aft a third position ;
FIG . 8 is a schematic rear elevational view of the nacelle
direction .
In another embodiment, the disclosed engine system for of FIG . 7 ;
an aircraft may include an engine , a nacelle including an 60 FIG . 9 is a plan view of a thrust reverser door of the
inner cowling extending circumferentially around the engine disclosed thrust reverse variable area nozzle system ;
and an outer cowling extending circumferentially around the FIG . 10 is a schematic view of the thrust reverse variable
inner cowling, a bypass airflow passage defined between the area nozzle system shown in the first position ;
inner cowling and the outer cowling, a reverse thrust open - FIG . 11 is a schematic view of the thrust reverse variable
ing disposed in the outer cowling and in fluid communica - 65 area nozzle system shown in the second position ;
tion with the bypass airflow passage, and a thrust reverser FIG . 12 is a schematic view of the thrust reverse variable
door pivotally movable relative to the outer cowling for area nozzle system shown in the third position ; and
 US 10 ,001,080 B2
FIG . 13 is a flow diagram of the disclosed method for bypassing the engine 24 ). The nacelle 16 may include a rear
controlling a bypass airflow through the nacelle of the exhaust60 at the outlet 30 . The rear exhaust 60 of the nacelle
aircraft engine system . 16 may discharge the bypass airflow 58 . The exhaust jet 52
( e. g., discharged from the engine 24 ) may be discharged
DETAILED DESCRIPTION 5 from a primary airflow passage 62 defined between the inner
cowling 56 and the nozzle 48 . A significant amountof thrust
The following detailed description refers to the accom may be provided by the bypass airflow 58 due to the high
panying drawings , which illustrate specific embodiments of bypass ratio . The bypass airflow 58 may be combined with
the disclosure . Other embodiments having different struc the exhaust jet 52 to improve fuel efficiency and engine
tures and operations do not depart from the scope of the 1010 noise .
present disclosure . Like reference numerals may refer to the Referring to FIGS. 3 - 8, the nacelle 16 may include at least
same element or component in the different drawings. one thrust reverse variable area nozzle system , generally
Referring to FIG . 1, one embodiment of the disclosed designated 19 , for providing a reverse thrust and a variable
aircraft 10 may include a fuselage 12 and a pair ofwings 14 .
Each wing 14 may extend outward from the fuselage 12 . At 15 area fan nozzle forward thrust . The system 19 may include
least one nacelle 16 may be coupled to an underside of each at least one reverse thrust opening 20 disposed in the nacelle
wing 14 . For example , each nacelle 16 may be coupled to the 16 and at least one corresponding thrust reverser door 22 for
wing 14 by at least one pylon 18 . The pylon 18 may be covering each reverse thrust opening 20 . In one example ,
capable of coupling the nacelle 16 to the wing 14 and and as best shown in FIGS. 3 -8 , the system 19 may include
supporting the nacelle 16 . 20 a plurality of (e.g., four) reverse thrust openings 20 disposed
Referring to FIG . 2 , the nacelle 16 may include an inlet 26 in the nacelle 16 and a plurality of (e.g., four) corresponding
proximate (e.g ., at or near ) a first (e. g., forward ) end 28 of thrust reverser doors 22 . For example, two reverse thrust
the nacelle 16 and an opposed (e. g., in a longitudinal openings 20 and corresponding thrust reverser doors 22 may
direction ) outlet 30 proximate a second (e . g ., aft) end 32 of be located on a first side 64 of the nacelle 16 and two reverse
the nacelle 16 . As used herein , the terms forward and aft may 25 thrust openings 20 and corresponding thrust reverser doors
be considered relative to a direction of movement of the 22 may be located on an opposed (e . g ., laterally opposed )
aircraft 10 (FIG . 1 ). second side 66 of the nacelle 16 .
One or more outer cowlings 34 may be joined together to In another example , and as best shown in FIG . 1, the
form the nacelle 16 . For example , an exterior surface (e . g ., system 19 may include one reverse thrust opening 20
outer mold line) 36 of the nacelle 16 may be formed by the 30 disposed in the nacelle 16 and one corresponding thrust
outer cowling 34 extending from the forward end 28 to the reverser door 22 . For example , the nacelle 16 may include
aft end 32 of the nacelle 16 . During flight, an airflow 46 may at least one reverse thrust opening 20 and corresponding
flow through the inlet 26 of the nacelle 16 as well as over the thrust reverser door 22 on only one side ( e . g ., the first side
exterior surface 36 of the nacelle 16 . 64 or the second side 66 ). In another example (not shown ),
The nacelle 16 may house an aircraft engine 24 ( e .g ., a jet 35 the nacelle 16 may a pair of opposing reverse thrust open
engine ). The engine 24 may be disposed circumferentially ings 20 and corresponding thrust reverser doors 22 . For
about an axial engine centerline X . The outer cowling 34 of example , the nacelle 16 may include a reverse thrust opening
the nacelle 16 may extend circumferentially about the 20 and corresponding thrust reverser door 22 on each side
engine 24 . ( e. g., the first side 64 and the second side 66 ). In yet another
Generally, the engine 24 may include a fan 38 , at least one 40 example (not shown ), the system 19 may include a plurality
compressor 40 , at least one combustion chamber 42 , at least (e . g ., any number ) of reverse thrust openings 20 and corre
one turbine 44 , and a nozzle 48 ( e . g ., a tail cone ). The fan sponding thrust reverser doors 22 disposed circumferentially
38 may be disposed proximate the inlet 26 of the nacelle 16 . about the nacelle 16 .
The engine 24 may receive at least a portion of the airflow Each reverse thrust opening 20 and corresponding thrust
46 (e . g ., a primary airflow 50 ) through the fan 38 . Air 45 reverser door 22 may be associated with the bypass airflow
compressed in the compressor 40 may be mixed with fuel passage 54 ( FIGS. 4 , 6 and 8 ). For example , the reverse
that is burned in the combustion chamber 42 and expanded thrust opening 20 may be disposed through the outer cowl
in the turbine 44 . An exhaust jet 52 may exit through the ing 34 of the nacelle 16 to define an air discharge vent from
rear - facing nozzle 48 disposed proximate the outlet 30 of the the bypass airflow passage 54. In one example construction ,
nacelle 16 to propel the aircraft 10 (FIG . 1 ) in a forward 50 the reverse thrust openings 20 may be located forward of a
direction . trailing ( e . g ., aft) edge of the nacelle 16 . In another example
For example , the engine 24 may be a high bypass ratio construction , the reverse thrust openings 20 may be located
turbojet engine . A generally annular bypass airflow passage farther forward of the trailing edge of the nacelle 16 . As yet
54 ( e.g ., a duct) may extend between the nacelle 16 and the another example construction , the reverse thrust openings 20
engine 24 . For example , an inner cowling 56 may define an 55 may be located at the trailing edge of the nacelle 28 .
exterior housing of the engine 24 (e .g ., the exterior housing The thrust reverser doors 22 may be coupled to the nacelle
of the compressor 40, the combustion chamber 42, and the 16 . As an example , the thrust reverser doors 22 may be
turbine 44 ). The bypass airflow passage 54 may be defined coupled to the outer cowling 34 of the nacelle 16 . The thrust
by and extend between the outer cowling 34 of the nacelle reverser door 22 may be movable between a plurality of
16 and the inner cowling 56 of the engine 24 . The bypass 60 positions to influence the bypass airflow 58 under certain
airflow passage 54 may extend along the centerline X (e . g ., operational conditions.
in a longitudinal direction ) from the inlet 26 to the outlet 30 . The engine 24 may be designed to operate within a
In operation , the fan 38 may draw air from the airflow 46 desired performance envelope under certain operational
into the inlet 26 of the nacelle 16 . A free stream airflow 84 conditions, such as cruise , take off , landing, etc . It may be
may flow over the exterior surface 36 of the nacelle 16 . A 65 desirable to operate the fan 38 under a desired pressure ratio
primary airflow 50 may enter the engine 24 and a bypass range (e . g ., the ratio of air pressure forward of the fan 38 to
airflow 58 may enter the bypass airflow passage 54 (e.g ., air pressure aft of the fan 38 ), for example, to avoid fan
 US 10 ,001, 080 B2
flutter. The position of the thrust reverser door 22 may be of the thrust reverser door 22 . The location of the aft pivot
used to control the pressure ratio . axis 106 (e .g ., relative to the aft end 70 ) may depend on
As best shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 , the thrust reverser door numerous factors including, but not limited to , the length
22 may be positioned in a first (e. g ., forward thrust) position . (e .g ., from the forward end 68 to the aft end 70 ) of the thrust
The first position may also be the stowed position of the 5 reverser door 22 , the size and/ or geometry of the bypass
thrust reverser door 22 . When in the first position , the thrust airflow passage 54 (FIG . 2), and the like . The aft pivot axis
reverser door 22 may completely cover the reverse thrust 106 may be located such that the aft end 70 of the thrust
opening 20 and be coplanar with the nacelle 16 (e .g ., the reverser door 22 blocks a substantial portion (e. g., at least 50
outer cowling 34). For example , the first position may be percent) of the bypass airflow passage 54 when the thrust
utilized when the aircraft 10 (FIG . 1) is being operated at 10 reverser door 22 is in the second position to redirect a
cruise .
As best shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 , the thrust reverser door substantial portion ( e .g ., at least 50 percent ) of the bypass
airflow 58 (FIG . 2 ) outwardly through the reverse thrust
22 may be positioned in a second (e . g ., reverse thrust) opening 20 , for example , in a forward direction .
position . The thrust reverser door 22 may be pivoted such
that an aft end 70 ( FIG . 3 ) of the thrust reverser door 22 15 Referring to FIG . 10 , the thrust reverser door 22 may
moves radially inward and a forward end 68 of the thrust include an outer surface 72 and an inner surface 74 . The
reverser door 22 moves radially outward relative to the outer surface 72 may be located radially outward of the inner
centerline X to position the thrust reverser door in the second surface 74 relative to the centerline X (FIG . 2 ). The outer
position . When in the second position , the thrust reverser surface 72 may form a portion of the exterior surface 36 of
door 22 may at least partially uncover the reverse thrust 20 the nacelle 16 ( e.g ., the outer cowling 34 ) when the thrust
opening 20 and vary ( e. g ., reduce ) the cross -sectional area of reverser door 22 is in the first position . The inner surface 74
the bypass airflow passage 54 to at least partially restrict the may form an outward radialboundary of the bypass airflow
bypass airflow passage 54 and direct the bypass airflow 58 passage 54 when the thrust reverser door 22 is in the first
from the bypass airflow passage 54 through the reverse position .
thrust opening 20 (e . g ., a forward portion of the reverse 25 Referring to FIGS. 10 - 12 , the thrust reverser door 22 may
thrust opening 20 ). For example , the second position may be include a pivot mechanism 108 operatively coupled to the
utilized to slow the aircraft 10 (FIG . 1 ), such as during thrust reverser door 22 to control the pivoting motion of the
landing . thrust reverser door 22 between the plurality of positions
As best shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 , the thrust reverser door ( e .g ., between the first, second , and third positions). As an
22 may be positioned in a third ( e . g ., variable area nozzle 30 example , the pivot mechanism may include at least one
forward thrust ) position . The thrust reverser door 22 may be actuator 76 for movement of the thrust reverser door 22
pivoted such that the forward end 68 (FIG . 3 ) of the thrust between the plurality of positions and at least two pivot
reverser door 22 moves radially inward and the aft end 70 of connections 110 (e . g ., a forward pivot connection defining
the thrust reverser door 22 moves radially outward relative the forward pivot axis 104 and an aft pivot connection
to the centerline X to position the thrust reverser door in the 35 defining the aft pivot axis 106 ) .
third position . When in the third position , the thrust reverser A controller (not shown ) may be in communication with
door 22 may at least partially uncover the reverse thrust the actuator 76 for controlling the actuator 76 to selectively
opening 20 and vary ( e . g ., increase ) the cross -sectional area move the thrust reverser door 22 between the plurality of
of the bypass airflow passage 54 to allow the bypass airflow positions. The controllermay be dedicated to controlling the
58 (FIG . 2 ) from the bypass airflow passage 54 to be 40 actuator 76 ( and , thus, the thrust reverser door 22 ), inte
discharged through the reverse thrust opening 20 ( e .g ., the grated into an existing engine controller within the engine
aft portion of the reverse thrust opening 20 ) . For example , 24 , or incorporated with other aircraft or engine controls .
the third position may be utilized to increase the bypass As one example , the actuator 76 may be a linear actuator
airflow 58 exiting the nacelle 16 , such as during takeoff. operably coupled to the thrust reverser door 22 . For
Referring to FIG . 9 , each thrust reverser door 22 may 45 example , the actuator 76 may include an actuator cylinder 78
include a pair of spaced apart pivot axes 104 , 106 . The thrust and an actuator rod 80 extending from the actuator cylinder
reverser door 22 may pivot about a forward pivot axis 104 78 . The actuator cylinder 78 may retract and extend the
when moving between the first ( e . g ., forward thrust) position actuator rod 80 between a plurality of positions to move the
(FIGS. 3 and 4 ) and the third ( e. g ., variable nozzle forward thrust reverser door 22 . The thrust reverser door 22 may
thrust ) position (FIGS . 7 and 8 ). The forward pivot axis 104 50 include a pivot bracket 86 . The actuator rod 80 may be
may be located proximate ( e .g ., at or near ) the forward end operatively coupled to the pivot bracket 86 .
68 ( e. g., leading edge) of the thrust reverser door 22 . As one The actuator cylinder 78 may include , but is not limited
example , the forward pivot axis 104 may be located within to , a hydraulic cylinder, an electric cylinder, pneumatic
the first 10 percent of the length of the thrust reverser door cylinder, or the like. The pivot bracket may include, but it
22 (e . g ., from the forward end 68 to the aft end 70 ). As 55 not limited to , a clevis mount, a trunnion mount, or the like.
another example , the forward pivot axis 104 may be located In an example construction , and as best shown in FIGS .
within the first 15 percent of the length of the thrust reverser 10 -12 , the nacelle 16 may include a frame 82 that supports
door 22 ( e. g., from the forward end 68 to the aft end 70). As the outer cowling 34 and the thrust reverser door 22 . The
yet another example , the forward pivot axis 104 may be thrust reverser door 22 may include a frame 88 that supports
located within the first 20 percent of the length of the thrust 60 and interconnects the outer surface 72 and inner surface 74
reverser door 22 (e .g ., from the forward end 68 to the aft end of the thrust reverser door 22 . The actuator 76 may be
70 ). coupled to the frame 82 of the nacelle 16 . The pivot bracket
The thrust reverser door 22 may pivot about an aft pivot 86 may be coupled to an interior face of the outer surface 72
axis 106 when moving between the first ( e . g ., forward of the thrust reverser door 22 . In this example , the actuator
thrust ) position (FIGS . 3 and 4 ) and the second ( e . g ., reverse 65 76 and the pivot bracket 86 may be disposed and operate
thrust ) position (FIGS . 5 and 6 ). The aft pivot axis 106 may within a space 90 defined between the outer surface 72 and
be spaced away from the rear end 70 (e.g., the trailing edge ) the inner surface 74 of the thrust reverser door 22 .
 US 10 ,001, 080 B2
In another example construction (not shown ), the actuator second pivot link 98b may be positioned ( e. g ., seated and
76 may be coupled to the inner cowling 56 of the nacelle 16 . locked ) within the second slot 96b ( e.g ., at an end of the
The pivot bracket 86 may be coupled to an interior face of second slot 96b ).
the inner surface 74 of the thrust reverser door 22 . In this As best shown in FIG . 11 , to move the thrust reverser door
example , the actuator 76 and the pivot bracket 86 may be 5 22 to the second position , the actuator 76 may extend the
disposed and operate within the bypass airflow passage 54 actuator rod 80 in the direction indicated at D , to move the
defined between the inner surface 74 of the thrust reverser first pivot link 98a relative to the first slot 96a . The second
door 22 and the inner cowling 56 . pivot link 98b may remain seated and locked within a second
Other mounting locations of the actuator 76 and/ or the end 102b of the second slot 96b . The first pivot link 98a may
pivot bracket 86 are also contemplated depending upon the " be released and move within the first slot 96a toward a first
configuration and / or construction of the nacelle 16 and/ or end 100a in response to extension of the actuator rod 80 and
the thrust reverser door 22 . pivoting of the thrust reverser door 22 about the second pivot
The pivot connections 110 may include various structural link 98b (e . g ., about the aft pivot axis 106 ). Linear move
components and/ or complexity . Generally , the pivot connec - 15 ment of the first pivot link 98a within the first slot 96a and
tions 110 may suitably connect the thrust reverser door 22 to r otation of the second pivot link 98b within the second slot
the nacelle 16 such that the thrust reverser door 22 may pivot 96b may cause the thrust reverse door 22 to pivot about the
about the forward pivot axis 104 and the aft pivot axis 106 . second pivot link 98b (e.g., the aft pivot axis 106 ) in the
As one example, the pivot connection 110 may include a directions indicated at P , and P2. The forward end 68 of the
slide- pivot connection 92 . The thrust reverser door 22 may 20 thrust reverser door 22 may pivot radially outward relative
be pivotally connected to the nacelle 16 by a plurality of to the centerline X ( FIG . 2 ) in the direction P , to uncover a
slide - pivot connections 92 (identified individually as a first forward portion of the reverse thrust opening 20 . The aft end
( e .g ., forward ) slide - pivot connection 92a and a second ( e . g ., 70 of the thrust reverser door 22 may pivot radially inward
aft ) slide- pivot connection 92b in FIGS. 10 - 12 ). The forward relative to the centerline X in the direction P , to at least
slide -pivot connection 92a may define the forward pivot axis 25 partially restrict the bypass airflow passage 54 and direct
104 and the aft slide -pivot connection 92b may define the aft (e.g., discharge ) the bypass airflow 58 through the reverse
pivot axis 106 . thrust opening 20 in the forward direction .
As best shown in FIG . 12 , to move the thrust reverser door
In one example construction , at least one side 94 (FIG . 3) 22 to the third position , the actuator 76 may retract the
of the thrust reverser door 22 may be pivotally connected to
the nacelle 16 by a pair of slide-pivot connections 07 92 . Inin 3030 actuator rod 80 in the direction indicated at D , to move the
second pivot link 98b relative to the second slot 96b . The
another example construction , both sides 94 of the thrust first pivot link 98a may remain seated and locked within a
reverser door 22 may be pivotally connected to the nacelle second
16 by a pair of slide-pivot connections 92 . Only a single pair 986 mayendbe102a of the first slot 96a . The second pivot link
released and move within the second slot 96b
of slide-pivot connections 92 of one side 94 of thene thrust
thrust 35 toward a first end 100b
35 in response to retraction of the
reverser door 22 is shown in FIGS. 10 - 12 . actuator rod 80 and pivoting of the thrust reverser door 22
The slide-pivot connections 92 may be configured to about the first pivot link 98a (e. g., about the forward pivot
allow the thrust reverser door 22 to move between the axis 104 ). Linear movement of the second pivot link 98b
plurality of positions , as shown in FIGS. 10 - 12 , and about within the second slot 96b and rotation of the first pivot link
the first pivot axis 104 and the second pivot axis 106 (FIG . 40 98a within the first slot 96a may cause the thrust reverse
9 ). Each slide - pivot connection 92 may include a linear slot door 22 to pivot about the first pivot link 98a (e . g ., the
96 (identified individually as a first (e .g., forward ) slot 96a forward pivot axis 104 ) in the directions indicated at P2 and
and a second ( e. g ., aft ) slot 96b in FIGS. 10 - 12 ) and a pivot P4. The forward end 68 of the thrust reverser door 22 may
link 98 ( identified individually as a first ( e. g ., forward ) pivot pivot radially inward relative to the centerline X (FIG . 2 ) in
link 98a and a second (e . g ., aft) pivot link 98b in FIGS. 45 the direction Pz. The aft end 70 of the thrust reverser door
10 - 12 ) coupled within the slot 96 . The pivot link 98 may be 22 may pivot radially outward relative to the centerline X in
slidingly received and pivotally connected within a respec - the direction PA to uncover an aft portion of the reverse thrust
tive slot 96 . For example , the slide -pivot connection 92 may opening 20 and direct (e . g ., discharge ) a portion of the
use a known type of sliding connection , such as a friction bypass airflow 58 through the reverse thrust opening 20 in
member, a bushing , a guide member, or other connection . 50 the aft direction . Thus, when in the third position , the thrust
The first slide -pivot connection 92a may be located reverser door 22 may increase the cross -sectional area A of
toward ( e . g., proximate ) the forward end 68 of the thrust the rear exhaust 60 (e . g ., outlet 30 ) of the nacelle 16 and
reverser door 22 defining the forward pivot axis 104. The increase the bypass ratio .
second slide - pivot connection 92b may be located toward Various configurations of the slide -pivot connections 92
and suitably spaced away from the aft end 70 of the thrust 55 are contemplated without limitation . In one example con
reverser door 22 defining the aft pivot axis 106 . Other struction , and as shown in FIGS. 10 - 12 , the slots 96 may be
locations of the first slide - pivot connection 92a and/ or the disposed in the frame 82 of the nacelle 16 and the pivot links
second slide -pivot connection 92b are also contemplated 98 may be connected to and extend outwardly from the
depending upon the locations of the first and second pivot frame 88 of the thrust reverser door 22 . For example , the
axes 104 , 106 , and/ or the configuration , geometry , and/ or 60 frame 88 of the thrust reverser door 22 may at least partially
construction of the nacelle 16 and /or the thrust reverser door form a sidewall of the thrust reverser door 22 extending
22 . between the outer surface 72 and the inner surface 74 of the
In accordance with the example construction described thrust reverser door 22 .
above , and as best shown in FIG . 10 , when in the thrust In another example construction (not shown ), the slots 96
reverser door 22 is in the first position , the first pivot link 65 may be disposed in the frame 88 of the thrust reverser door
98a may be positioned ( e . g ., seated and locked ) within the 22 and the pivot links 98 may be connected to and extend
first slot 96a (e .g ., at an end of the first slot 96a) and the outwardly from the frame 82 of the nacelle 16 .
 US 10 , 001,080 B2
10
The length of the slots 96 ( e. g., the first slot 96a and /or the reverser door 22 about the forward pivot axis 104 (FIG . 9 )
second slot 96b )may depend upon various factors including, to increase the cross -sectional area A of the bypass airflow
but not limited to , the geometry , size, configuration and /or passage 54 and discharge the bypass airflow 58 in the aft
construction of the thrust reverser door 22 and /or the nacelle direction through the reverse thrust opening 20 and the rear
16 , the travel distance required to position the thrust reverser 5 exhaust 60 of the nacelle 16 .
door 22 in the second or the third position , the position of the Pivoting the thrust reverser door 22 to the third position
slots 96 relative to the thrust reverser door 22 , the stoke may include positioning the aft end 70 of the thrust reverser
length of the actuator 76 , the locations of the first and second door 22 radially outward relative to the centerline X ( FIG .
pivot axes 104 , 106 , and the like. 2 ) to uncover an aft portion of the reverse thrust opening 20 .
In one example construction , and as shown in FIGS. 10 Although various embodiments of the disclosed system
10 - 12 , the first end 100a of the first slot 96a may be open to and method have been shown and described , modifications
allow the first pivot link 98a to move out from within the may occur to those skilled in the art upon reading the
first slot 96a when the thrust reverser door 22 is moved into specification . The present application includes such modi
the second position . The second end 102a of the first slot 96a fications and is limited only by the scope of the claims.
may be closed to provide a contact ( e . g ., seated ) surface 15
upon which the first pivot link 98a may pivot. Both the first What is claimed is :
end 100b and the second end 102b of the second slot 96b 1 . A thrust reverse variable area nozzle system for a
may be closed to retain the second pivot link 98b there nacelle of an aircraft engine system , said system comprising:
within . a reverse thrust opening disposed in said nacelle ; and
Those skilled in the art will recognize that the example 20 a thrust reverser door movably coupled to said nacelle for
construction of the pivot connections 110 (e. g., the slide selectively covering said reverse thrust opening, said
pivot connections 92 ) described above and illustrated in thrust reverser door comprising a forward end and an
FIGS. 10 - 12 may be but one simple construction of the pivot aft end ;
mechanism 108 that allows the thrust reverser door 22 to a first slide - pivot connection selectively connecting said
move between the plurality of positions about the first pivot 25 thrust reverser door and said nacelle and comprising a
axis 104 and the second pivot axis 106 . Other examples of first slot, having an open first end and a closed second
the pivot mechanism 108 and /or the pivot connection 110 end , and a first pivot link movable within said first slot;
may include, but are not limited to , a single linkage opera and
tively connected to the thrust reverser door 22 configured to a second slide -pivot connection selectively connecting
allow the thrust reverser door 22 to move between the 30 said thrust reverser door and said nacelle and compris
plurality of positions about the first pivot axis 104 and the ing a second slot, having a closed first end and a closed
second pivot axis 106 , a multiple link mechanism opera second end , and a second pivot link movable within
tively connected to the thrust reverser door 22 configured to said second slot; and
allow the thrust reverser door 22 to move between the wherein said thrust reverser door is pivotally movable
plurality of positions about the first pivot axis 104 and the 35 between :
second pivot axis 106 , any other mechanism configured to a first position, in which said first pivot link is seated in
allow the thrust reverser door 22 to move between the said closed second end of said first slot and said
plurality of positions about the first pivot axis 104 and the second pivot link is seated in said closed second end
second pivot axis 106 , or a combination thereof. of said second slot and said thrust reverser door
Referring to FIG . 13 , and with reference to FIGS. 9 - 12 , 40 completely covers said reverse thrust opening;
the disclosed method , generally designated 200, for control a second position , in which said first pivot link is
ling a bypass airflow through the nacelle 16 of an aircraft removed from said first slot through said open first
engine system may include positioning the thrust reverser end of said first slot and said second pivot link is
door 22 in the first position ( e . g ., FIG . 10 ) relative to the seated in said closed second end of said second slot
nacelle 16 ( e . g ., the outer cowling 34 ) to allow the bypass 45 and said thrust reverser door pivots about said sec
airflow 58 to flow through the bypass airflow passage 54 of ond pivot link to position said forward end of said
the nacelle 16 and be completely discharged through the rear thrust reverser door radially outward and said aft end
exhaust 60 of the nacelle 16 , as shown at block 202 . of said thrust reverser door radially inward to par
As shown at block 204 , the thrust reverser door 22 may tially uncover a forward portion of said reverse thrust
be pivoted to the second position ( e . g ., FIG . 11 ) relative to 50 opening ; and
the nacelle 16 (e . g ., the outer cowling 34 ) by pivoting the a third position , in which said first pivot link is seated
thrust reverser door 22 about the aft pivot axis 106 (FIG . 9 ) in said closed second end of said first slot and said
to at least partially restrict the bypass airflow passage 54 and second pivot link is seated in said closed first end of
discharge at least a portion of the bypass airflow 58 in the said second slot and said thrust reverser door pivots
forward direction through the reverse thrust opening 20 in 55 about said first pivot link to position said aft end of
the nacelle 16 (e .g ., in the outer cowling 34 of the nacelle said thrust reverser door radially outward to partially
16 ) . uncover an aft portion of said reverse thrust opening .
Pivoting the thrust reverser door 22 to the second position 2 . The system of claim 1 further comprising a pivot
may include positioning the forward end 68 of the thrust mechanism operable to control movement of the thrust
reverser door 22 radially outward relative to the centerline X 60 reverser door between said first position , said second posi
(FIG . 2 ) to uncover a forward portion of the reverse trust tion , and said third position .
opening 20 and positioning the aft end 70 of the thrust 3 . The system of claim 2 wherein said pivot mechanism
reverser door 22 radially inward relative to the centerline X comprises
and at least partially within the bypass airflow passage 54 . an actuator coupled to said thrust reverser door to selec
As shown at block 206 , the thrust reverser door 22 may 65 tively control pivotal motion of said thrust reverser
be pivoted to the third position ( e . g ., FIG . 12 ) relative to the about one of the first pivot link or said second pivot
nacelle 16 (e.g ., the outer cowling 34 ) by pivoting the thrust link .
 US 10 ,001,080 B2
11 12
4 . The system of claim 3 ,wherein said actuator comprises of said second slot and said thrust reverser door
a linear actuator. completely covers said reverse thrust opening ;
5. The system of claim 1 wherein each one of said first slot a second position , in which said first pivot link is
and said second slot is removed from said first slot through said open first
linear. end of said first slot and said second pivot link is
6 . The system of claim 1 wherein : seated in said closed second end of said second slot
said nacelle comprises a nacelle frame; and said thrust reverser door pivots about said sec
said thrust reverser door comprises a door frame; ond pivot link to position said forward end of said
said first slot is located in one of said nacelle frame or said thrust reverser door radially outward and said aft end
door frame; 10 of said thrust reverser door radially inward , within
said first pivot link is located on an opposing one of said said bypass airflow passage, to partially uncover a
nacelle frame or said door frame; forward portion of said reverse thrust opening ; and
said second slot is located in said one of said nacelle a third position , in which said first pivot link is seated
frame or said door frame; and in said closed second end of said first slot and said
said second pivot link is located on said opposing one of 15 second pivot link is seated in said closed first end of
said nacelle frame or said door frame. said second slot and said thrust reverser door pivots
7 . The system of claim 1 wherein : about said first pivot link to position said aft end of
said first slide-pivot connection is located toward said said thrust reverser door radially outward to partially
forward end of said thrust reverser door and defines a uncover an aft portion of said reverse thrust opening .
forward pivot axis of said thrust reverser door; and 20 11 . The system of claim 10 further comprising a pivot
said second slide - pivot connection is spaced away from mechanism operatively coupled to said thrust reverser door
said aft end of said thrust reverser door and defines an and to said nacelle to selectively control pivotal motion of
aft pivot axis of said thrust reverser door. the thrust reverser door, about one of the first pivot link or
8 . The system of claim 1 wherein : said second pivot link , between said first position , said
said forward pivot axis is defined through said thrust 25 second position , and said third position .
reverser door and is fixed relative to said nacelle; and 12 . The system of claim 11 wherein said pivotmechanism
said aft pivot axis is defined through said thrust reverser comprises : a linear actuator connected to said thrust reverser
door and is fixed relative to said nacelle . door.
9 . The system of claim 1 wherein : 13 . The system of claim 10 wherein :
with said thrust reverser door in said second position , a 30 said first slide-pivot connection is located proximate to
bypass airflow , passing through said nacelle , is at least said forward end of said thrust reverser door and
partially discharged through said forward portion of defines a forward pivot axis of said thrust reverser door ;
said reverse thrust opening in a forward direction ; and and
with said thrust reverser door in said third position , said a second slide -pivot connection is spaced away from said
bypass airflow is at least partially discharged through 35 aft end of said thrust reverser door and defines and aft
said aft portion of said reverse thrust opening in an aft pivot axis of said thrust reverser door.
direction . 14 . The system of claim 10 wherein at least one of
10 . An engine system for an aircraft, said system com said first slot
prising : and
an engine; 40 said second slot
a nacelle comprising an inner cowling extending circum is linear.
ferentially around said engine and an outer cowling 15 . The system of claim 10 wherein :
extending circumferentially around said inner cowling; said first pivot link moves linearly within said first slot
a bypass airflow passage defined between said inner and said second pivot link rotates within said second
cowling and said outer cowling ; 45 slot when said thrust reverser door moves to said
a reverse thrust opening disposed in said outer cowling second position , and
and in fluid communication with said bypass airflow said second pivot link moves linearly within said second
passage; and slot and said first pivot link rotates within said first slot
a thrust reverser door movably coupled to said outer when said thrust reverser door moves to said third
cowling for selectively covering said reverse thrust 50 position .
opening, said thrust reverser door comprising a forward 16 . The system of claim 10 wherein :
end and an aft end , opposite said forward end; with said thrust reverser door in said second position , a
a first slide-pivot connection selectively connecting said bypass airflow , passing through said bypass airflow
thrust reverser door and said nacelle and comprising a passage , is at least partially discharged through said
first slot, having an open first end and a closed second 55 forward portion of said reverse thrust opening in a
end, and a first pivot link movable within said first slot; forward direction ; and
and with said thrust reverser door in said third position , a
a second slide-pivot connection selectively connecting cross -sectional area of said bypass airflow passage is
said thrust reverser door and said nacelle and compris increased and said bypass airflow is at least partially
ing a second slot, having a closed first end and a closed 60 discharged through said aft portion of said reverse
second end , and a second pivot link movable within thrust opening in an aft direction .
said second slot; and 17 . A method for controlling a bypass airflow through a
wherein said thrust reverser door is pivotally movable nacelle of an aircraft engine system , said method compris
between : ing :
a first position , in which said first pivot link is seated in 65 positioning a thrust reverser door in a first position
said closed second end of said first slot and said relative to said nacelle, in which a first pivot link is
second pivot link is seated in said closed second end seated in a closed second end of a first slot and a second
 US 10 , 001,080 B2
13 14
pivot link is seated in a closed second end of a second said thrust reverser door is positioned radially outward
slot to completely cover a reverse thrust opening dis to partially uncover an aft portion of said reverse thrust
posed in said nacelle and in fluid communication with opening
a bypass airflow passage of said nacelle ; 18 . Themethod of claim 17 further comprising selectively
pivoting said thrust reverser door about an aft pivottaxis
axis , 55 between
controlling pivotal movement of said thrust reverser door
said first position , said second position, and said
defined through said thrust reverser door and fixed third position using an actuator operatively coupled with
relative to said nacelle , to position said thrust reverser said thrust reverser door.
door in a second position relative to said nacelle, in 19. The method of claim 17 further comprising:
which said first pivot link is removed from said first slot with said thrust reverser door in said second position ,
through an open first end of said first slot and said 10 discharging at least a portion of said bypass airflow in
second pivot link is seated in said closed second end of a forward direction through said forward portion of said
said second slot and a forward end of said thrust reverse thrust opening; and
reverser door is positioned radially outward and an aft with said thrust reverser door in said third position ,
end of said thrust reverser door is positioned radially 15 discharging at least a portion of said bypass airflow in
inward within said bypass airflow passage to partially an aft direction through said aft portion of said reverse
uncover a forward portion of said reverse thrust open thrust opening.
ing; and 20. The method of claim 17 further comprising:
pivoting said thrust reverser door about a forward pivot with said thrust reverser door in said second position , at
axis, defined through said thrust reverser and fixed 20 least partially restricting said bypass airflow passage ;
relative to said nacelle , to position said thrust reverser and
door in a third position relative to said nacelle , in which with said thrust reverser door in said third position ,
said first pivot link is seated in said closed second end increasing a cross -sectional area of said bypass airflow
of said first slot and said second pivot link is seated in passage .
a closed first end of said second slot and said aft end of * * * * *