Method and apparatus for blade locking

Abstract

A locking lug for inhibiting movement of a plurality of rotor blades includes a body and an engagement mechanism. The body is sized and configured to be received within a rim slot of a rotor disc and define a dovetail receiving aperture. An engagement mechanism extends from the body and has a retracted configuration configured to allow the dovetail of at least one or more of the plurality of rotor blades to enter and exit the dovetail receiving aperture and an extended configuration configured to prevent the dovetail from entering the dovetail receiving aperture.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present description generally relates to methods, apparatus, and assemblies for blade locking. Background Art

[0002] Many gas turbine engines include a rotor assembly including a rotor disk and an array of rotor blades extending radially outward from the periphery of the rotor disk. The rotor blades may be formed separately from the rotor disk and then attached to the rotor disk. In particular, in some applications, the rotor blades may be inserted into rim grooves disposed along the circumference of the rotor disk.

[0003] In many cases, it may be beneficial to retain an array of rotor blades in a fixed circumferential arrangement such that the rotor disk and the array of rotor blades rotate together in the fixed arrangement. Current devices and apparatus for retaining an array of rotor blades in a fixed circumferential arrangement relative to a rotor disk are typically single-use. In other words, use of the device in a turbine engine or removal of the device from a turbine engine renders the device unusable for future engine builds. Therefore, in many cases, it may be beneficial to include a reusable device for inhibiting movement of a rotor blade assembly within a rim slot of a rotor disk.

[0004] Furthermore, current devices and apparatuses for retaining an array of rotor blades in a fixed circumferential arrangement relative to a rotor disk are generally not self-locking. For example, the device may require screws or other tools to lock the device in place. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] The embodiments set forth in the accompanying drawings are illustrative and exemplary in nature and are not intended to limit the subject matter defined by the claims. The following detailed description of the illustrative embodiments may be understood when read in conjunction with the following drawings, in which like structures are represented by like reference numerals, and in which:

[0006] Figure 1 schematically depicts an axial view of a portion of a rotor assembly according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

[0007] Figure 2 Schematically depicts a schematic diagram of a system according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein. Figure 1 a top perspective view of a portion of a rotor assembly;

[0008] Figure 3 schematically depicts a perspective view of a locking lug according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

[0009] Figure 4 Schematically depicts a rotor blade according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein. Figure 3A perspective view of the locking lug;

[0010] Figure 5A Schematically depicts a schematic diagram of a system according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein. Figure 4 An axial view of the locking lugs and rotor blades;

[0011] Figure 5B Schematically depicts a schematic diagram of a system according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein. Figure 4 An axial view of the locking lugs and rotor blades;

[0012] Figure 6 Schematically depicts a schematic diagram of a system according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein. Figure 4 A partial circumferential view of the locking lugs and rotor blades;

[0013] Figure 7 Depicted are methods of assembling and disassembling a rotor disk using the locking lugs according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

[0014] Figure 8 schematically depicts a circumferential view of a locking lug according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

[0015] Fig. 9 Depicted is a method of disassembling a rotor disk using the locking lugs according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

[0016] Fig.10 schematically depicts a perspective view of a portion of a rotor assembly according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

[0017] Fig.11 schematically depicts a top cross-sectional view of a locking tab according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein; and

[0018] Fig.12 Methods of assembling and disassembling rotor disks using the locking lugs are depicted according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] Reference will now be made in detail to various embodiments of apparatus, assemblies, and methods, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Whenever possible, the same reference numerals will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. Figure 1 and Figure 2A locking lug for inhibiting movement of a plurality of rotor blades in a rim groove along the circumference of a rotor disk is schematically depicted. The locking lug generally includes a body and an engagement mechanism. The size and configuration of the body may be designed to be received in the rim groove of the rotor disk. The body may define a dovetail receiving aperture and may be movable between an assembly position and an engagement position, wherein the dovetail receiving aperture receives the dovetails of a plurality of rotor blades when the body is in the assembly position and is offset from the dovetail when the body is in the engagement position. The engagement mechanism may extend from the body and may be operable to hold the body in the engagement position. The engagement mechanism has a retracted configuration and an extended configuration, the retracted configuration placing the body in an assembly position in the rim groove to allow the dovetails of a plurality of rotor blades to enter and leave the dovetail receiving aperture, the extended configuration placing the body in an engagement position in the rim groove, thereby offsetting the dovetail receiving aperture from the dovetail so that the dovetail is prevented from entering the dovetail receiving aperture.

[0020] Directional terms used herein—eg, up, down, right, left, front, back, top, bottom—are made with reference only to the drawings drawn, and are not intended to imply an absolute orientation unless otherwise specified.

[0021] Unless otherwise expressly stated, it is not intended that any method described herein be construed as requiring that its steps be performed in a particular order, nor is it intended to require any particular orientation of an apparatus. Thus, if a method claim does not actually recite the order in which its steps are to be followed, or if any apparatus or component claim does not actually recite the order or orientation of individual components, or if there is no specific statement in the claim or specification that the steps are limited to a particular order, or if there is no recitation of a particular order or orientation of components of an apparatus or component, then no order or orientation is intended to be inferred in any respect. This applies to any possible non-express basis for interpretation, including: logical issues regarding arrangement of steps, operational flow, order of components, or orientation of components; plain meaning derived from grammatical organization or punctuation; and the number or type of embodiments described in the specification.

[0022] As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to "a" component includes aspects having two or more such components unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0023] Combined with reference Figure 1 and Figure 2, schematically depicting a segment of a rotor assembly 100. The rotor assembly 100 generally includes a rotor disk 110, a plurality of rotor blades 120, and a locking lug 130. In an embodiment, each of the plurality of rotor blades 120 may include a dovetail 122 and a platform 124. The rotor disk 110 may have a rim groove 112 extending around the circumference of the rotor disk 110 (e.g., in a circumferential direction C of the depicted coordinate system), the rim groove 112 being configured to receive the plurality of rotor blades 120. For example, the rim groove 112 may have a complementary dovetail shape to receive the dovetails 122 of the plurality of rotor blades 120. As used herein, the term "dovetail" or "dovetail shape" refers to a structure or shape having a relatively wide portion that tapers to a relatively narrow portion in a radial direction. The rotor disk 110 may include a load slot 116 (in an axial direction A of the depicted coordinate system) extending axially (e.g., in an axial direction A of the depicted coordinate system) from the rim groove 112. Fig. 9 110). In this manner, the plurality of rotor blades 120 may be inserted into the rim slot 112 one at a time through the load slot 116 and arranged around the circumference of the rotor disk 110. In particular, in an embodiment, after all other blades in the plurality of rotor blades 120 have been inserted into the rim slot 112, the final rotor blade 120a may be inserted into the rim slot 112 adjacent to the adjacent blade 120b. After the final rotor blade 120a is inserted into the rim slot 112, there may be no gap or only a small gap between the platforms 124 of the plurality of rotor blades 120.

[0024] refer to Figure 3 , schematically depicting a locking lug 130. The locking lug 130 may include a body 132 and an engagement mechanism 140 extending from the body 132. The body 132 may include a first side wall 134 and a second side wall 136 opposite the first side wall 134. The body 132 may include a bottom portion 138 extending between the first side wall 134 and the second side wall 136. The size and configuration of the first side wall 134, the second side wall 136, and the bottom portion 138 may be designed so that the locking lug 130 can be engaged via the load slot 116 (at Fig. 9 The rotor disk 110 is received in the wheel rim groove 112 of the rotor disk 110. For example, Figure 1 As shown, the locking lug 130 is disposed within the rim groove 112 of the rotor disk 110. As will be described in more detail herein, the locking lug 130 may be sized to extend to the load slot 116 (at Fig. 91 (depicted in dashed lines in FIG. 1 ), so that the locking lug 130 may not rotate about the rim slot 112. In some embodiments, the entry and retention of the locking lug 130 within the load slot 116 may be beneficial because the lack of circumferential movement of the locking lug 130 may reduce the risk of misalignment of the locking lug 130 compared to conventional locking mechanisms. In addition, the entry and retention of the locking lug 130 within the load slot 116 (which may also be used for the entry of multiple rotor blades 120) may reduce the complexity of the rotor assembly 100 because a specific slot for the locking lug 130 is not required.

[0025] The first sidewall 134 and the second sidewall 136 may define a dovetail receiving aperture 150 disposed therebetween. More specifically, in some embodiments, the first sidewall 134 may have an inner surface 134a shaped to be complementary to the dovetails 122 of the plurality of rotor blades 120. Similarly, the second sidewall 136 may have an inner surface 136a shaped to be complementary to the dovetails 122 of the plurality of rotor blades 120. Thus, one of the dovetails 122 may be received within the dovetail receiving aperture 150 defined by the first sidewall 134 and the second sidewall 136. The body 132 may be made of any suitable material, such as a metal, a metal alloy, or a composite material. The body 132 may be solid, or may be partially or completely hollow. For example, in some embodiments, the body 132 may be hollow at the first sidewall 134 and the second sidewall 136. In some embodiments, the body 132 may be additively manufactured.

[0026] Combined with reference Figure 1 and Figure 3 , the locking lug 130 may include a tab 144 that may extend circumferentially (eg, in the C direction of the depicted cylindrical coordinate system) from the body 132. When the locking lug 130 is assembled, the tab 144 may extend below the rotor blade 120, such as Figure 1 Thus, during assembly, the tab 144 can align the locking lug 130 in the proper radial position.

[0027] refer to Figure 3 , the locking lug 130 may include an engagement mechanism 140 extending from the body 132. In some embodiments, as depicted, the engagement mechanism 140 may extend outwardly (e.g., in the -R direction of the depicted coordinate system) from the bottom portion 138. However, as will be described in more detail herein, in other embodiments, the engagement mechanism 140 may extend from other surfaces of the body 132. In some embodiments, the engagement mechanism 140 may be integrally formed with the body 132 of the locking lug 130. In other embodiments, the engagement mechanism 140 may be coupled to the body 132 via screws, bolts, adhesives, welding, brazing, or other engagement mechanisms.

[0028] The engagement mechanism 140 may include one or more springs 142, such as a first spring 142a and a second spring 142b. As depicted, the one or more springs 142 may be tabs extending from the body 132. However, other shapes are also conceivable and possible. For example, in some embodiments, the one or more springs 142 may have an arc or helical spring shape.

[0029] The engagement mechanism 140 is movable between an extended configuration and a retracted configuration. Figure 3 As depicted in FIG. 1 , in the extended configuration, one or more springs 142 may extend from the body 132 in a radial direction (eg, in the −R direction of the depicted coordinate system). Figure 1 As depicted in , in the retracted configuration, one or more springs 142 can be compressed in a radial direction (e.g., in the R direction of the depicted coordinate system). The engagement mechanism 140 can be biased toward the extended configuration. For example, in some embodiments, one or more springs 142 can be composed of a spring material (such as spring steel) or a memory metal (such as Nitinol) so that one or more springs 142 are spring-loaded toward the extended configuration. One or more springs 142 can be the same or different material as the body 132.

[0030] refer to Figure 4 , the body 132 of the locking lug 130 is schematically depicted in the assembled position. As depicted, when the body 132 is in the assembled position, the dovetail 122a of the final rotor blade 120a can be received within the dovetail receiving aperture 150 of the locking lug 130. Thus, in this orientation, the final rotor blade 120a and the locking lug 130 can form a rotor blade and locking lug assembly 160. The rotor blade and locking lug assembly 160 can be inserted into the rim slot 112 (depicted in phantom) as a single unit via the load slot 116. As depicted, when the rotor blade and locking lug assembly 160 is inserted into the rim slot 112, the locking lug 130 can be clamped between the rim slot 112 and the dovetail 122a. Thus, when the rotor blade and locking lug assembly 160 are inserted into the rim slot 112 , the locking lug 130 may be retained in the retracted configuration with the dovetail receiving aperture 150 aligned with the dovetail 122 a .

[0031] Common Reference Figure 5A -B, the engagement mechanism 140 is schematically depicted from a retracted configuration ( Figure 5A (depicted in) moves to the extended configuration ( Figure 5B In a similar manner, the body 132 is depicted from the assembled position ( Figure 5A ) moves to the engaged position ( Figure 5B When in the assembled position ( Figure 5A122a), due to the alignment of the dovetail receiving aperture 150 with the dovetail 122a, the dovetail 122a can move into and out of the dovetail receiving aperture 150. As will be described in more detail herein, when in the engaged position, the dovetail receiving aperture 150 of the body 132 can be maintained in a position offset from the dovetail 122a such that the dovetail 122a is blocked from entering the dovetail receiving aperture 150.

[0032] like Figure 5B As particularly depicted in the drawings, in embodiments, the dovetail receiving aperture 150 of the body 132 can be maintained in a position that is radially offset from the dovetail 122a (e.g., in the R direction of the depicted coordinate system) and circumferentially offset from the dovetail 122a (e.g., in the C direction of the depicted coordinate system). However, as will be described herein, in other embodiments, the dovetail receiving aperture 150 of the body 132 can be maintained in a position that is only circumferentially offset from the dovetail 122a (e.g., in the C direction of the depicted coordinate system). More specifically, in some embodiments, the dovetail receiving aperture 150 of the body 132 can be maintained in a position that is circumferentially offset from the dovetail 122a, such that the dovetail 122a is prevented from entering the dovetail receiving aperture 150 even when the dovetail receiving aperture 150 and the dovetail 122a are radially aligned (e.g., in the R direction of the depicted coordinate system).

[0033] Still a common reference Figure 5A -B, once inserted into the wheel rim groove 112 (at Figure 5A -B) in dashed lines, the resulting rotor blade 120a can be moved circumferentially (e.g., in the +C direction of the depicted coordinate system) while the locking lug 130 remains in place so that the dovetail 122a leaves the dovetail receiving aperture 150. In particular, the locking lug 130 can be sized to extend into the load slot 116 (at Fig. 9 1 (depicted in dashed lines in the figure) so that it remains in place within the load slot 116. Thus, the locking lug 130 can remain in place and eventually the rotor blade 120a and the locking lug assembly 160 will become separated. Figure 5A and 5B As shown in Figure 4 In contrast, eventually the rotor blade 120 a is rotated circumferentially and removed from the dovetail receiving aperture 150 of the locking lug 130 .

[0034] Once the final rotor blade 120a is moved circumferentially (e.g., in the +C direction of the depicted coordinate system), the locking lug 130 may no longer be radially restrained by the dovetail 122a (e.g., in the R direction of the depicted coordinate system). Therefore, the engagement mechanism 140 of the locking lug 130 may be moved to the extended configuration. Figure 5AAs shown in FIG, the engagement mechanism 140 is initially in a retracted position and as shown in FIG. Figure 5B As shown in , once the dovetail 122a is removed from the dovetail receiving aperture 150, the engagement mechanism 140 can be moved into the extended configuration. When the engagement mechanism 140 is moved into the extended configuration, the body 132 can be moved from the assembled position into the engaged position. Figure 5B As shown in , the body 132 is positioned in the engaged position. As depicted, in some embodiments, the engaged position can be radially elevated relative to the assembled position (eg, in the +R direction of the depicted coordinate system).

[0035] Reference now Figure 6 , when in the engaged position, the dovetail 122a and the dovetail receiving aperture 150 of the body 132 can be offset. Thus, the dovetail 122a can be prevented from moving in the direction of the locking lug 130 (e.g., in the +C direction of the depicted coordinate system, pointing into the page). In particular, as depicted, the bottom portion 138 of the locking lug 130 can be aligned with the dovetail 122a so that the bottom portion 138 of the body 132 inhibits movement of the dovetail 122a. In a similar manner, returning to reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the locking lug 130 can prevent the adjacent blade 120b from moving in the direction of the locking lug 130 (e.g., in the -C direction of the depicted coordinate system). Therefore, it will now be understood that the locking lug 130 can inhibit the circumferential movement of the plurality of rotor blades 120 within the rim slot 112 of the rotor disk 110. In some embodiments, the rotor assembly 100 may include more than one locking lug 130. For example, the rotor assembly 100 may include the locking lug 130 and a second locking lug (not depicted) spaced apart from the locking lug 130 at a second load slot (not depicted).

[0036] refer to Figure 7 And according to Figure 1-6 It will now be appreciated that the method 151 of assembling the rotor assembly 100 may include, at step 153, loading the rotor assembly 100 via the load slot 116 (at Fig. 9The assembly method may further include, at step 155, inserting the rotor blade and locking lug assembly 160 including the final rotor blade 120a and the locking lug 130 in the assembled position into the rim slot 112 via the load slot 116. The assembly method may further include, at step 157, circumferentially rotating the final rotor blade 120a such that the dovetail 122a of the final rotor blade 120a is no longer disposed within the locking lug 130. Thus, at step 159, the engagement mechanism 140 of the locking lug 130 may be moved from the retracted configuration to the extended configuration, which may cause the body 132 of the locking lug 130 to move from the assembled position to the engaged position. In this manner, at step 161, the locking lug 130 may inhibit the rotor blade 120 from circumferentially moving within the rim slot 112.

[0037] according to Figure 1-6 It will now be appreciated that the method 151 may include the step of disassembling the rotor assembly 100, which includes, at step 163, depressing the locking lug 130 so that the engagement mechanism 140 moves from the extended configuration to the retracted configuration, thereby moving the body 132 of the locking lug 130 from the engaged position to the assembled position. The method of disassembly may then include, at step 165, circumferentially rotating the final rotor blade 120a so that the dovetail 122a of the final rotor blade 120a is disposed within the dovetail receiving aperture 150 of the locking lug 130. Thus, the final rotor blade 120a and the locking lug 130 may again form the rotor blade and locking lug assembly 160. Then, at step 167, the rotor blade and locking lug assembly 160 may be removed from the rim slot 112 via the load slot 116. Then, at step 169, the rotor blade 120 may also be removed from the rim slot 112 via the load slot 116.

[0038] As described above, the method of disassembly of the rotor assembly 100 may include pressing the locking lug 130 so that the engagement mechanism 140 of the locking lug 130 moves from the extended configuration to the retracted configuration. In some embodiments, the locking lug 130 may be pressed by inserting a tool (not depicted) through the gap in the platform 124. The tool (not depicted) may apply a downward force (e.g., in the -R direction of the depicted coordinate system) so that the locking lug 130 is pressed. However, as will be described in more detail at present, other methods of pressing the locking lug 130 are also conceivable and possible. It will now be understood that the locking lug 130 can be assembled and disassembled without the need for screws or other tools, which may limit the ability to reuse the locking lug 130. Therefore, the locking lug 130 may be reusable. In addition, the locking lug 130 can be assembled and disassembled without the circumferential rotation of the locking lug 130, which can reduce the risk of misalignment or non-assembly of the locking lug 130.

[0039] Reference now Figure 8 , schematically depicts an embodiment of a locking lug 230. The locking lug 230 is substantially similar to the locking lug 130 described above. Therefore, like numbers are used to refer to like features. For example, the locking lug 230 can have a body 132 and an engagement mechanism 140 such as described above. The locking lug 230 can have one or more abutments 152 extending radially outward from the body 132 (e.g., in the +R direction of the depicted coordinate system). In particular, as Figure 8 134, and the second support 152b can extend from the second sidewall 136. One or more supports 152 can extend outwardly from the body 132 by a length L. As depicted, one or more supports 152 can be substantially cylindrical along the length L. However, other shapes are also conceivable and possible. For example, in some embodiments, one or more supports 152 can have an oval, square, or irregular or regular polygonal cross-section. In some embodiments, one or more supports 152 can have a tapered geometry or other variable geometry along the length L.

[0040] Still reference Figure 8In some embodiments, when the locking lugs 130 are in the engaged position, the length L of the one or more standoffs 152 may extend into or past the platform 124 of the rotor blade 120. In some embodiments, the one or more standoffs 152 may extend into or past a gap disposed between the platforms 124 of the rotor blade 120. In some embodiments, and particularly in embodiments where there is no gap or only a small gap between the platforms 124 of the rotor blade 120, the platforms 124 may define one or more platform recesses 126 disposed within the platforms 124 (e.g., Figure 8 ). The one or more platform recesses 126 may be sized and positioned such that when the rotor blade 120 and the locking lugs 230 are assembled within the rim slot 112, the one or more standoffs 152 may extend through the one or more platform recesses 126. Thus, when the rotor assembly 100 is fully assembled, the one or more standoffs 152 may be visible and accessible.

[0041] refer to Fig. 9 And according to Figure 8 , it should be appreciated that in some embodiments, the method 171 of disassembling the rotor assembly 100 may include applying a downward force (e.g., in the -R direction of the depicted coordinate system) on one or more abutments 152 of the locking lug 230 at step 173. At step 175, the downward force may cause the engagement mechanism 140 of the locking lug 230 to move from the extended configuration to the retracted configuration, thereby causing the body 132 of the locking lug 130 to move from the engaged position to the assembled position. The method of disassembly may then include circumferentially rotating the final rotor blade 120a at step 177 such that the dovetail 122a of the final rotor blade 120a is disposed within the dovetail receiving aperture 150 of the locking lug 230. The method of disassembly may then include removing the final rotor blade 120a and the locking lug 230 through the load slot 116 at step 179, such as described above.

[0042] Reference now Fig.10 , schematically depicting an embodiment of a locking lug 330. The locking lug 330 is substantially similar to the locking lugs 130 and 230 described above. Therefore, similar numbers are used to refer to similar features. For example, the locking lug 330 can have a body 132, and the body 132 includes a first side wall 134' and a second side wall 136'. The first side wall 134' and the second side wall 136' can have inner surfaces 134a and 136a, respectively. The first side wall 134' can have a groove 133 extending inwardly (e.g., in the +A direction of the depicted coordinate system) from the inner surface 134a. Similarly, the second side wall 136' can have a groove 135 extending inwardly (e.g., in the -A direction of the depicted coordinate system) from the inner surface 136a.

[0043] Combined with reference Fig.10 and Fig.11 , the locking lug 330 may include an engagement mechanism 140' extending from the body 132. In particular, the engagement mechanism 140' may extend outwardly (e.g., in the -A direction of the depicted coordinate system) from the inner surface 134a of the first side wall 134', and extend outwardly (e.g., in the +A direction of the depicted coordinate system) from the inner surface 136a of the second side wall 136'. In some embodiments, the engagement mechanism 140' may be disposed or partially disposed within the grooves 133 and 135. The engagement mechanism 140' may be movable between an extended configuration and a retracted configuration, and may be biased toward the extended configuration.

[0044] The engagement mechanism 140' can include a first spring 302. As depicted, the first spring 302 can extend between a first end 302a and a second end 302b. The first end 302a and the second end 302b can be coupled to the first side wall 134' and disposed within the slot 133. In an embodiment, the first end 302a and the second end 302b can be disposed within a receiving aperture of the first side wall 134', welded to the first side wall 134', brazed to the first side wall 134', or otherwise permanently or selectively coupled to the first side wall 134' within the slot 133. In some embodiments, the first end 302a and the second end 302b can be coupled to the first side wall 134' in different ways. For example, the first end 302a can be brazed to the first side wall 134', while the second end 302b is selectively disposed within the receiving aperture of the first side wall 134'. Between the first end 302a and the second end 302b, the first spring 302 can be generally arc-shaped. Thus, when in the extended configuration, the first spring 302 can extend outwardly or away from the first side wall 134' (e.g., in the -A direction of the depicted coordinate system), such as depicted. When in the retracted configuration, the first spring 302 can retract toward the first side wall 134' (e.g., in the +A direction of the depicted coordinate system).

[0045] The engagement mechanism 140' may include a second spring 304. The second spring 304 may be substantially similar to the first spring 302 and may be similarly coupled to the second sidewall 136' within the slot 135. Thus, when in the extended configuration, the second spring 304 may extend outwardly or away from the second sidewall 136' (e.g., in the +A direction of the depicted coordinate system), such as depicted. When in the retracted configuration, the second spring 304 may be retracted toward the second sidewall 136' (e.g., in the -A direction of the depicted coordinate system).

[0046] Still reference Fig.10 and Fig.11, the engagement mechanism 140' may include a first spacer 306. The first spacer 306 may be disposed or partially disposed within the groove 133 of the first sidewall 134'. As depicted, the first spacer 306 may be positioned adjacent to the first spring 302 so that movement of the first spring 302 may cause movement of the first spacer 306. The first spacer 306 may be positioned outwardly (e.g., in the -A direction of the depicted coordinate system) relative to the first spring 302. In some embodiments, the first spacer 306 may be coupled to the first spring 302 so that the first spacer 302 may move with the first spring 302. For example, in some embodiments, the first spring 302 may be coupled to the first spacer 306 via welding, brazing, adhesive, or magnetic coupling. In other embodiments, the first spacer 306 may be integrally formed with the first spring 302. In other embodiments, the first spacer 306 may contact the first spring 302 without additional coupling. The first spacer 306 may be any angled, curved, or any regular or irregular shape. In some embodiments, such as depicted, the first spacer 306 can be trapezoidal, which can allow the dovetail 122a to be more easily inserted into the locking lug 330 during assembly. It will now be understood that in embodiments, when the first spring 302 is moved into the extended configuration, the first spacer 306 can extend outward (e.g., in the -A direction of the depicted coordinate system). Relatedly, when the first spacer 306 is pushed or retracted inward (e.g., in the +A direction of the depicted coordinate system), the first spacer 306 can move the first spring 302 toward the retracted position.

[0047] The engagement mechanism 140' can include a second spacer 308. The second spacer 308 can be substantially similar to the first spacer 306 and can be similarly disposed or partially disposed within the slot 135 of the second sidewall 136' and adjacent to the second spring 304. Thus, in an embodiment, when the second spring 304 is moved into the extended configuration, the second spacer 308 can extend outward (e.g., in the +A direction of the depicted coordinate system). Relatedly, when the second spacer 308 is pushed or retracted inward (e.g., in the -A direction of the depicted coordinate system), the second spacer 308 can move the second spring 304 toward the retracted position.

[0048] refer to Fig.10, the engagement mechanism 140' is depicted as being in an extended configuration, and the body 132 of the locking lug 330 is in an engaged position. As shown, in some embodiments, when the engagement mechanism 140' is in an extended configuration, the first spacer 306 and / or the second spacer 308 can extend into the dovetail receiving aperture 150 of the locking lug 330. Therefore, the body 132 of the locking lug 330 can be in an engaged position, wherein the dovetail receiving aperture 150 of the body 132 is maintained in a position circumferentially offset from the dovetail 122a (e.g., in the C direction of the depicted coordinate system). In this position, the dovetail 122a is prevented from entering the dovetail receiving aperture 150 and can alternatively be maintained in a position adjacent to the dovetail 122a. In this way, when assembled in the rotor assembly 100, the locking lug 330 can inhibit the circumferential rotation of the rotor blade 120.

[0049] refer to Fig.11 In some embodiments, when assembled into the rotor assembly 100, a portion of the body 132 of the locking lug 330 may extend into the load slot 116. For example, as depicted, when assembled into the rotor assembly 100, the first sidewall 134' may extend into the load slot 116. This orientation may help inhibit rotation of the plurality of rotor blades 120 about the circumference of the rotor disk 110. In some embodiments, the rotor assembly 100 may have more than one load slot 116. For example, the rotor assembly 100 may have a first load slot and a second load slot circumferentially positioned opposite the first load slot. In embodiments having more than one load slot 116, the rotor assembly 100 may similarly have more than one locking lug 330 such that each load slot 116 has a corresponding locking lug 330.

[0050] refer to Fig.12 And according to Fig.10 and Fig.11 , it will now be understood that the method 400 of assembling the rotor assembly 100 having the locking lug 330 can be substantially similar to the method of assembly described above with respect to the locking lug 130. In particular, at step 402, the locking lug 330 can be assembled with the dovetail 122a disposed within the dovetail receiving aperture 150 in an assembled position. Then, at step 404, the dovetail 122a can be rotated circumferentially (e.g., in the C direction of the depicted coordinate system) so that the dovetail 122a is removed from the dovetail receiving aperture 150 and, accordingly, offset from the dovetail receiving aperture 150 (e.g., in the C direction of the depicted coordinate system). At step 406, once the dovetail 122a is removed from the dovetail receiving aperture 150, the engagement mechanism 140' of the locking lug 330 can be moved from the retracted configuration to the extended configuration, thereby placing the body 132 of the locking lug 330 in an engaged position. Thus, the locking lug 330 can be self-locking.

[0051] according to Fig.10 and Fig.11 , the method 400 may include the steps of disassembly of the rotor assembly 100, including moving the engagement mechanism 140' from the extended configuration to the retracted configuration at step 408, thereby bringing the body 132 of the locking lug 330 into an assembled position, wherein the dovetail receiving aperture 150 can receive the dovetail 122a. In particular, in some embodiments, a tool may be inserted through a gap in the platform 124, or through one or more platform recesses 126 disposed in the platform 124, such as depicted. Thus, the dovetail 122a may be rotated so that it is disposed within the dovetail receiving aperture 150. Then, at step 410, the locking lug 330 may be disassembled through the load slot 116.

[0052] In view of the above, it should now be understood that at least some embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a locking lug for inhibiting movement of a plurality of rotor blades in a rim slot along the circumference of a rotor disk. The locking lug generally includes a body and an engagement mechanism. The size and configuration of the body are designed to be received in the rim slot of the rotor disk. The body defines a dovetail receiving aperture and is movable between an assembly position and an engagement position, wherein when the body is in the assembly position, the dovetail receiving aperture receives the dovetails of a plurality of rotor blades, and when the body is in the engagement position, the dovetail receiving aperture is offset from the dovetail. The engagement mechanism extends from the body and is operable to hold the body in the engagement position. The engagement mechanism has a retracted configuration and an extended configuration, the retracted configuration placing the body in an assembly position in the rim slot to allow the dovetails of a plurality of rotor blades to enter and leave the dovetail receiving aperture, and the extended configuration placing the body in an engagement position in the rim slot that offsets the dovetail receiving aperture from the dovetail, so that the dovetail is prevented from entering the dovetail receiving aperture.

[0053] The above-mentioned locking lugs can provide a locking device and a self-locking arrangement, wherein the locking device is used to prevent the dovetails of multiple rotor blades from leaving the rim groove, and in the self-locking arrangement, the locking lugs are biased toward the engagement position, and once placed in the engagement position, the locking lugs effectively capture the dovetails of multiple rotor blades in the rim groove of the rotor disk. The locking lugs capture the dovetails by offsetting the dovetail receiving apertures from the dovetails so that the dovetails cannot enter the dovetail receiving apertures. In order to release the dovetails from the rim grooves, the locking lugs can be moved into an assembly position that aligns the dovetail receiving apertures with the dovetails, which allows them to be removed from the rim grooves. Compared with current locking arrangements, the self-locking arrangement of the locking lugs can simplify the assembly and disassembly of the rotor disks and rotor blades.

[0054] Further aspects are provided by the subject matter in the following clauses:

[0055] Clause 1: A locking lug for inhibiting movement of a plurality of rotor blades within a rim slot along a circumference of a rotor disk, comprising a body and an engagement mechanism. The body is sized and configured to be received within the rim slot of the rotor disk and defines a dovetail receiving aperture. The engagement mechanism extends from the body and has a retracted configuration and an extended configuration. The retracted configuration is configured to allow a dovetail of at least one or more of the plurality of rotor blades to enter and exit the dovetail receiving aperture. The extended configuration is configured to prevent the dovetail from entering the dovetail receiving aperture.

[0056] Clause 2: The locking tab of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the engagement mechanism comprises a spring, wherein the spring biases the engagement mechanism toward the extended configuration.

[0057] Clause 3: The locking tab of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the engagement mechanism extends from a bottom portion of the body and biases the body radially outwardly.

[0058] Clause 4: The locking tab of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the engagement mechanism comprises a spring, wherein the spring extends outwardly from the body when the engagement mechanism is in the extended configuration.

[0059] Clause 5: A locking tab as defined in any of the preceding clauses, wherein the locking tab comprises an abutment extending radially upwardly from the body, wherein the abutment is operable to move the engagement mechanism from the extended configuration to the retracted configuration when depressed.

[0060] Clause 6: The locking tab of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the engagement mechanism extends from a side wall of the body.

[0061] Clause 7: The locking tab of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the engagement mechanism extends into the dovetail receiving aperture.

[0062] Clause 8: A locking lug according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the engagement mechanism includes a spacer, wherein when the engagement mechanism is in the extended configuration, the spacer extends into the dovetail receiving aperture to inhibit rotation of the plurality of rotor blades within the rim slot.

[0063] Clause 9: The locking tab of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the locking tab comprises a spring operable to extend the spacer into the dovetail receiving aperture.

[0064] Item 10: A rotor disk assembly comprising a rotor disk, a plurality of rotor blades, and a locking lug. The rotor disk comprises a rim groove extending along the circumference of the rotor disk and a load groove intersecting the rim groove. The plurality of rotor blades are disposed in the rim groove of the rotor disk. The locking lug is disposed in the rim groove of the rotor disk and comprises a body and a coupling mechanism. The size and configuration of the body are designed to be received in the rim groove of the rotor disk. The body defines a dovetail receiving aperture and is movable between an assembly position and a coupling position. When the body is in the assembly position, the dovetail receiving aperture receives the dovetails of the plurality of rotor blades, and when the body is in the coupling position, the dovetail receiving aperture is offset from the dovetail. The coupling mechanism extends from the body and is operable to hold the body in the coupling position. The engagement mechanism has a retracted configuration and an extended configuration, wherein the retracted configuration places the body in an assembly position within the rim groove to allow the dovetails of the plurality of rotor blades to enter and leave the dovetail receiving aperture, and the extended configuration places the body in the engagement position within the rim groove, thereby offsetting the dovetail receiving aperture from the dovetail so that the dovetail is prevented from entering the dovetail receiving aperture.

[0065] Clause 11: A rotor disk according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the body of the locking lug comprises a first side wall, a second side wall opposite the first side wall, and a bottom portion extending between the first side wall and the second side wall.

[0066] Clause 12: A rotor disk as recited in any preceding clause, wherein the engagement mechanism extends from the bottom portion of the body and biases the body radially outwardly toward the engagement position.

[0067] Clause 13: A rotor disk as recited in any preceding clause, wherein said bottom portion inhibits rotation of said dovetail when said body is in said engaged position.

[0068] Clause 14: A rotor disk as recited in any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the engagement mechanism extends from the first and second side walls of the body.

[0069] Clause 15: A rotor disk as set forth in any of the preceding clauses, wherein the engagement mechanism comprises a first spring disposed within the first sidewall and a first spacer adjacent the first spring, wherein the first spring is operable to extend the first spacer into the dovetail receiving aperture.

[0070] Clause 16: A rotor disk as set forth in any of the preceding clauses, wherein the engagement mechanism comprises a second spring disposed within the second sidewall and a second spacer adjacent the second spring, wherein the second spring is operable to extend the second spacer into the dovetail receiving aperture.

[0071] Clause 17: A rotor disk according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the first side wall extends into the load slot.

[0072] Clause 18: The rotor disk of any of the preceding clauses, wherein at least one of the plurality of rotor blades defines a platform recess disposed above the locking lug.

[0073] Item 19: A rotor disk assembly comprising: a rotation support device, the rotation support device including a rim groove extending along the circumference of the rotation support device and a load groove intersecting the rim groove; and a locking device, the locking device is located in the rim groove and is used to prevent the dovetail tenons of a plurality of rotor blades from leaving the rim groove.

[0074] Clause 20: The rotor disk assembly of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the locking device comprises a spring configured to bias the engagement mechanism toward the extended configuration.

[0075] Item 21: A method of inhibiting movement of a plurality of rotor blades within a rim slot along a circumference of a rotor disk, comprising positioning a locking lug in an assembly position and inserting the locking lug into the rim slot of the rotor disk. The locking lug includes a body and an engagement mechanism. The body is sized and configured to be received within the rim slot of the rotor disk. The body defines a dovetail receiving aperture and is movable between the assembly position and an engagement position. When the body is in the assembly position, the dovetail receiving aperture receives the dovetails of the plurality of rotor blades, and when the body is in the engagement position, the dovetail receiving aperture is offset from the dovetail. The engagement mechanism extends from the body and is operable to retain the body in the engagement position. The engagement mechanism has a retracted configuration and an extended configuration, wherein the retracted configuration places the body in an assembly position within the rim groove to allow the dovetails of the plurality of rotor blades to enter and leave the dovetail receiving aperture, and the extended configuration places the body in the engagement position within the rim groove, thereby offsetting the dovetail receiving aperture from the dovetail so that the dovetail is prevented from entering the dovetail receiving aperture.

[0076] Clause 22: The method of any of the preceding clauses, further comprising activating the engagement mechanism of the locking tab to retain the locking tab in the engaged position.

[0077] It is noted that the terms "substantially" and "approximately" may be used herein to represent the inherent degree of uncertainty that may be attributed to any quantitative comparison, value, measurement, or other representation. These terms are also used herein to represent the degree by which a quantitative representation may vary from a stated reference without resulting in a change in the basic function of the subject matter at issue.

[0078] Although specific embodiments have been shown and described herein, it will be appreciated that various other changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed subject matter. In addition, although various aspects of the claimed subject matter have been described herein, these aspects need not be used in combination. Therefore, the appended claims are intended to cover all such changes and modifications within the scope of the claimed subject matter.

Claims

1. A locking lug for restraining a plurality of rotor blades from moving within a rim groove along the circumference of a rotor disk, It is characterized in that include: a body sized and configured to be received within the rim slot of the rotor disk, the body defining a dovetail receiving aperture; as well as an engagement mechanism extending from the body and having (i) a retracted configuration configured to allow a dovetail of at least one or more of the plurality of rotor blades to enter and exit the dovetail receiving aperture and (ii) an extended configuration configured to prevent the dovetail from entering the dovetail receiving aperture.

2. The locking lug according to claim 1, It is characterized in that in, The engagement mechanism includes a spring, wherein the spring biases the engagement mechanism toward the extended configuration.

3. The locking lug according to claim 1, It is characterized in that in, The engagement mechanism extends from a bottom portion of the body and biases the body radially outward.

4. The locking lug according to claim 1, It is characterized in that in, The engagement mechanism includes a spring, wherein the spring extends outwardly from the body when the engagement mechanism is in the extended configuration.

5. The locking lug according to claim 1, It is characterized in that Further included is a standoff extending radially upward from the body, wherein the standoff is operable to move the engagement mechanism from the extended configuration to the retracted configuration when depressed.

6. The locking lug according to claim 1, It is characterized in that in, The engagement mechanism extends from a side wall of the body.

7. The locking lug according to claim 1, It is characterized in that in, The engagement mechanism extends into the dovetail receiving aperture.

8. The locking lug according to claim 1, It is characterized in that in, The engagement mechanism includes a spacer, wherein when the engagement mechanism is in the extended configuration, the spacer extends into the dovetail receiving aperture to inhibit rotation of the plurality of rotor blades within the rim slot.

9. The locking lug according to claim 8, It is characterized in that Further included is a spring operable to extend the spacer into the dovetail receiving aperture.

10. A rotor disk assembly, It is characterized in that include: a rotor disk including a rim groove extending along a circumference of the rotor disk and a load groove intersecting the rim groove; a plurality of rotor blades disposed within the rim groove of the rotor disk; as well as A locking lug, the locking lug being disposed in the wheel rim groove of the rotor disk, the locking lug comprising: a body sized and configured to be received within the rim slot of the rotor disk, the body defining a dovetail receiving aperture and being movable between an assembled position and an engaged position, wherein the dovetail receiving aperture receives dovetails of the plurality of rotor blades when the body is in the assembled position and the dovetail receiving aperture is offset from the dovetails when the body is in the engaged position; as well as an engagement mechanism extending from the body and operable to retain the body in the engaged position, wherein the engagement mechanism has (i) a retracted configuration that places the body in an assembled position within the rim slot to allow the dovetails of the plurality of rotor blades to enter and exit the dovetail receiving aperture, and (ii) an extended configuration that places the body in the engaged position within the rim slot to offset the dovetail receiving aperture from the dovetail such that the dovetail is prevented from entering the dovetail receiving aperture.

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