Abstract: A cascade segment for a thrust reverser, and a method of manufacturing it. The segment includes individual vane elements, modular units, and a frame. Each element includes a vane and two flanges arranged in a generally “U” shape. Each flange diverges from being perpendicular to the vane by an amount equal to a thickness of the flange over a desired spacing distance, such that when one element is inserted into another the desired spacing distance is established between their respective vanes. The units include first modular units, each of which includes a first column of the elements oriented in a first direction, and second modular units, each of which includes a second column of the elements oriented in a second direction. In the assembled segment, the first units are positioned adjacent to and alternating with the second units. The frame extends at least partly around and secures the units.

Abstract: A system for actuating a blocker door of a thrust reverser, in which a drag link assembly is removed from the airflow through the engine during flight. The assembly couples the door to a sleeve so that translation of the sleeve between deployed and stowed positions moves the door to open and closed positions, respectively. The assembly includes a drag link track having a channel extending between first and second track ends, and a drag link having a link end which is slidable in the track channel between the first and second track ends. During deployment, translation of the sleeve causes the second link end to slide within the channel toward the second track end which causes the door to open, and during stowage, translation of the sleeve causes the second link end to slide within the channel toward the first track end which causes the door to close.

Abstract: A system for actuating a blocker door of a thrust reverser, in which a drag link assembly is removed from the airflow through the engine during flight. The assembly couples the door to a sleeve so that translation of the sleeve between deployed and stowed positions moves the door to open and closed positions, respectively. The assembly includes a telescoping drag link having one end rotatably coupled with a drag link anchor and another end coupled with the door. During deployment and stowage, translation of the sleeve causes the door to move and the link to extend or collapse and rotate until it contacts a stop element of the anchor, and then rotate in the opposite direction as the door opens or closes, respectively. A channel may be provided in the door to accommodate the link. The anchor may include a spring which exerts a rotational force on the link.

Abstract: A system for actuating a blocker door of a thrust reverser, in which a drag link assembly is removed from the airflow through the engine during flight. The assembly couples the door to a sleeve so that translation of the sleeve between deployed and stowed positions moves the door to open and closed positions, respectively. The assembly includes a telescoping drag link having one end rotatably coupled with a drag link anchor and another end coupled with the door. During deployment and stowage, translation of the sleeve causes the door to move and the link to extend or collapse and rotate until it contacts a stop element of the anchor, and then rotate in the opposite direction as the door opens or closes, respectively. A channel may be provided in the door to accommodate the link. The anchor may include a spring which exerts a rotational force on the link.

Abstract: A system for actuating a blocker door of a thrust reverser, in which a drag link assembly is removed from the airflow through the engine during flight. The assembly couples the door to a sleeve so that translation of the sleeve between deployed and stowed positions moves the door to open and closed positions, respectively. The assembly includes a drag link track having a channel extending between first and second track ends, and a drag link having a link end which is slidable in the track channel between the first and second track ends. During deployment, translation of the sleeve causes the second link end to slide within the channel toward the second track end which causes the door to open, and during stowage, translation of the sleeve causes the second link end to slide within the channel toward the first track end which causes the door to close.

Abstract: A cascade segment for a thrust reverser, and a method of manufacturing it. The segment includes individual vane elements, modular units, and a frame. Each element includes a vane and two flanges arranged in a generally “U” shape. Each flange diverges from being perpendicular to the vane by an amount equal to a thickness of the flange over a desired spacing distance, such that when one element is inserted into another the desired spacing distance is established between their respective vanes. The units include first modular units, each of which includes a first column of the elements oriented in a first direction, and second modular units, each of which includes a second column of the elements oriented in a second direction. In the assembled segment, the first units are positioned adjacent to and alternating with the second units. The frame extends at least partly around and secures the units.