Dog Clutch Spinner Attachment for Turbomachines

The patent removes the screws and spot faces from the spinner surface, extracting the harmful elements that cause aerodynamic losses. The attachment function is transferred to the dog clutch mechanism located at the interface between the spinner and fan rotor, allowing the spinner surface to remain smooth and aerodynamic while maintaining secure attachment through the dog clutch engagement.

The attachment system is segmented into distinct functional elements: the dog clutch mechanism for axial attachment and the rotation-proofing pegs for rotational restraint. This segmentation allows for simplified assembly and disassembly operations, as the dog clutch can be engaged or disengaged as a single unit without the need to manipulate multiple individual screws, thereby reducing maintenance time while maintaining attachment strength.

The harmful spot faces and screw heads are completely removed from the spinner surface. The bearing capacity function is transferred to the dog clutch teeth and the rotation-proofing peg interface, which are located at the non-aerodynamic interface between the spinner and fan rotor. This allows the external surface of the spinner to remain smooth and free of aerodynamic disturbances while maintaining adequate bearing capacity through the dog clutch engagement.

The dog clutch mechanism provides inherent torque control through its mechanical engagement characteristics. The teeth of the dog clutch naturally limit the applied torque to levels that prevent damage to the spinner or fan rotor, eliminating the need for specialized torque measurement tooling. The system essentially regulates itself through its mechanical design, reducing maintenance costs while maintaining fastening reliability.