Stress reducing fastener assembly
AssigneeLockheed Martin Corporation
InventorKrzysztof D. Kopanski
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A system includes a first structure having an upper surface coupled to a second structure by a fastener assembly including a bushing positioned within an opening in the upper surface of the first structure. An inner opening of the bushing defines an inner diameter, and a fastener is at least partially positioned within the bushing. An outer surface of the fastener defines an outer diameter of the fastener. The bushing and the fastener are configured such that a space between the outer surface of the fastener and the inner opening of the bushing defines a gap which increases in size in a direction extending from the upper surface to the lower surface of the first structure.
Claims15
A system to fasten a first structure and a second structure, the system comprising:
- a first bushing positioned within a first opening in an upper surface of the first structure, an inner opening of the first bushing defining an inner diameter;
- and
- a fastener partially positioned within the first bushing and partially positioned in a second opening in the second structure, the first bushing not extending into the second opening, an outer surface of the fastener defining an outer diameter of the fastener, the first bushing and the fastener being configured such that a space between the outer surface of the fastener and the inner opening of the first bushing defines a gap, the gap being dimensioned to increase in size in a direction extending from the upper surface to a lower surface of the first structure.
A fastener assembly configured to couple a rotor blade to a rotor head comprising:
- a bushing positioned within an opening in the rotor blade, an inner opening of the bushing defining an inner diameter;
- and
- a fastener partially positioned within the bushing and partially positioned within a second opening in the rotor head, the bushing not extending into the second opening, an outer surface of the fastener defining an outer diameter, the bushing and the fastener being configured such that a space between the outer surface of the fastener and the inner opening of the bushing defines a gap, wherein the gap changes in size in a direction away from an upper surface of the rotor blade.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.