Self-locking fan shaft bearing

摘要

A self-locking threaded bushing is provided for mounting a steel fan shaft in an aluminum support. The bushing is threaded so that it may be threaded into the aluminum structure. The bushing is provided with a bore corresponding to the shaft diameter such that a normal press fit is established when the shaft is initially pressed into the bushing. A reduced diameter portion of the bushing bore results in an interference fit between the shaft and the bore. Relief cuts in the bushing allow the bushing to expand in the vicinity of the reduced diameter portion as a result of interference from the shaft. The expansion of the bushing results in an interference fit between the threads of the bushing and those of the aluminum structure such that the bushing and shaft are essentially locked in place until such time as the shaft is extracted from the bushing.