Thrust reverser safety system

Abstract

A thrust reverser safety system for a turbofan engine is disclosed which is integrated into the hydraulic control system of the thrust reverser door so as to prevent the hydraulic actuator from permitting the thrust reverser door to be forced into its deployed, thrust reversing position. The hydraulic actuator defines a closing chamber which, when acted upon by pressurized hydraulic fluid, urges the thrust reverser door to its closed, forward thrust position. The safety system according to this invention provides a valve associated with the hydraulic control circuit and the closing chamber which prevents the hydraulic fluid from being forced out of the closing chamber. This positively prevents the thrust reverser door from moving to its deployed, thrust reversing position. The valve allows pressurized fluid to pass into the closing chamber so that the thrust reverser door may be normally actuated when desired, but prevents the withdrawal of the pressurized fluid from this closing chamber when the thrust reverser door has been fully closed.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.