Systems and methods for reducing porosity in propellers

US10875615B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignee

• Brunswick Corporation · US

Inventors

• Alexander K. Monroe · Fond du Lac, US
• Trevor George · Savoy, US
• Philip R. Walker · Oshkosh, US
• Daniel J. Guse · Fond du Lac, US
• Justin D. Ericson · Laona, US
• Jason Worful · Plymouth, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Aug 20, 2018
• Grant date: Dec 29, 2020
• Expiry date: Jan 15, 2039

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B63H1/26
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A method of making a propeller includes forming the propeller to have blades coupled to an outer hub, the outer hub coupled to an inner hub via ribs, and the inner hub configured to be coupled to the marine vessel. The ribs each have first and second ends with a midpoint therebetween, an inner end and an outer end that define a width therebetween, and a leading surface and a trailing surface that define a thickness therebetween. The ribs are tapered such that the thickness is greater at the midpoint than at least at one of the first end and the second end, and scalloped such that the width is greater at the midpoint than at least at one of the first end and the second end. Each of the ribs is coupled to the outer hub in radial alignment with one of the blades.