Patent ID: 6015264
Filing Date: 2000-01-18
Classification: B64C,F16C

Abstract:
A propeller blade retention assembly for use with a propeller having a hub rotatable about a propeller axis, said hub defining a cavity containing a lubricating fluid, said propeller blade retention assembly comprising:a receiving means for mounting the blade to the hub;means for interfacing said receiving means with the hub, wherein said receiving means is positioned in said means for interfacing and is non-integral with the blade and said means for interfacing;a retention means being for retaining said receiving means to said means for interfacing wherein said wherein said receiving means and said means for interfacing define an inboard and outboard relief area for facilitating assembly of said retention means and, wherein said retention means comprises:an outboard ball bearing assembly including outboard rolling elements;an inboard ball bearing assembly including inboard rolling elements for allowing relative rotational motion between said receiving means and said means for interfacing,a member having an outboard race defining a portion of said outboard ball bearing assembly and threads; andmeans for preloading said retention means prior to centrifugal loading during propeller blade operation, wherein said blade is separable from said receiving means without disturbing the operability of said retention means;wherein said means for preloading comprises a preload nut for engagement with said threads, and wherein said member is capable of generating a retention preload when said outboard race and said rolling outboard elements are loaded against said inboard ball bearing assembly by engaging said means for preloading with said threads, and wherein said retention means further comprises a first static seal positioned between said member and said preload nut; and, a second static seal between said preload nut and said means for interfacing for substantially sealing the cavity.