| 摘要 |
<p>An apparatus is provided that includes a bladed device (12) having a hub (14) which is rotatable about an axis (15) and one or more blades (16) attached to the hub (14) by self-energizing, self-locking, insertion and retention features (18) which are formed integrally with the blade (16) and hub (14). The insertion and retention features (18) include a locking tang (24) formed integrally with the root of the blade (22), and detent features (34) which are part of the locking tang (24) and hub (14). As the blade (16) is inserted axially into the hub (14), the locking tang (24) deflects radially inward and then snaps radially outward by spring action of the tang (24) to engage the detent means (34) of the hub (14) and thereby lock the blade (16) against further axial or radial movement with respect to the hub (14). The locking tang (24) is oriented and configured in such a manner that the locking tang (24) is self-energizing, thereby causing the tang (24) to grip the hub more tightly as rotational speed of the bladed device increases. The blades (16) are configured to be readily removed for replacement with another blade (16) of similar or different configuration, thereby facilitating manufacture, repair, and alternating performance of the bladed device. By inserting a hub filler into the hub (14) in place of one or more of the blades (16), the performance of the bladed device may (12) be readily modified by reducing the number of blades (16) attached to the hub (14).</p> |
