Aircraft Propeller Vane Retention Ring for Lower-Weight Pitch Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing propeller designs for aircraft turbine engines face challenges with high weight and complexity due to the number of parts in the retaining system for variable pitch vanes, which complicates assembly and accessibility, and requires bulky tooling.

Innovation Solution

A simplified retaining system for propeller vanes using a ring and screw-nut assembly, where the vane root is fitted radially into the hub with external and internal bearings, and a sectorized ring and screw-nut assembly ensure secure retention with a limited number of parts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a traditional retaining system with multiple parts is used for the vane root, then the vane can be retained securely in the hub orifice, but the weight and complexity of the propeller assembly increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveretention securityVSAvoidpropeller assembly weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple retention functions into a single integrated retaining ring that secures the vane root in the hub orifice. This single component replaces what would traditionally require multiple separate parts, thereby reducing weight while maintaining secure retention through the ring's geometry and interaction with the vane root and hub structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The retaining ring serves multiple functions simultaneously: it retains the vane root in the orifice, provides a mounting surface for the control system, and works with the bearing assembly. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components for each function, reducing overall weight and complexity while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If a traditional retaining system with multiple parts is used for the vane root, then the vane can be retained securely in the hub orifice, but the device complexity and number of interfaces increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveretention securityVSAvoidnumber of parts and interfaces

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If a traditional retaining system is used for the vane root, then the vane can be retained securely, but the accessibility for assembly and disassembly becomes difficult requiring bulky tooling

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveretention securityVSAvoidassembly accessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the retention function from a complex multi-part system and implements it through a simplified screw-nut assembly that can be accessed from the external face of the hub. This extraction allows the retaining system to be installed and maintained using standard tooling without requiring disassembly of the entire propeller or access to internal cavities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The retaining ring acts as an intermediary component that translates the axial force from the screw-nut assembly into radial retention of the vane root. This intermediary mechanism allows simple axial fastening operations to achieve secure radial retention, simplifying the assembly process while maintaining retention security.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Use of energy by moving object

If the BPR is increased to improve aerodynamic performance, then the thrust efficiency increases, but the propeller mass increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethrust efficiencyVSAvoidpropeller mass

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20260028116A1Propeller for an aircraft turbine engine

Publication Date: 2026.01.29 SAFRAN AIRCRAFT ENGINES SAS

AI summary

A propeller for an aircraft turbine engine having a hub, vanes, bearings for guiding the roots of the vanes into orifices in the hub, and systems for retaining the roots of the vanes in the orifices in the hub along the pitch axis, this system for retaining the root including a ring configured to be fitted in a groove in the root, and a screw-nut system mounted on the root between the ring and one of the bearings.