United Technologies Corporation

Michael E Daniska

Jeffry C Purse

An expandable spar filler block device for use in combination with a spar member of an articulated main rotor assembly of a helicopter. A preferred embodiment of the device includes first and second filler members and an expansion mechanism. Each filler member includes a spar engagement surface that is complementary to the inner mold line (IML) surfaces of the spar member and first and second tapered surfaces. The expansion mechanism for the preferred embodiment of the expandable spar filler block device is a pull shim that includes a first segment and a constant tapered segment having tapered surfaces that are complementary to the first tapered surfaces of the filler members. The spar engagement surfaces and the tapered surfaces of the constant tapered segment are coated with a paste adhesive, and the expandable spar filler block device is inserted in the spar cavity of the spar member with the coated spar engagement surfaces adjacent the IML surfaces defining the spar cavity and the coated tapered surfaces of the pull shim adjacent the first tapered surfaces of the filler members. The constant thickness segment of the pull shim is manipulated to exert a motive force that causes the tapered surfaces thereof to slidingly interact with the first tapered surfaces of the filler members such that the spar engagement surfaces are displaced into abutting engagement with the IML surfaces of the spar member.

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Bethel, CT, United States of America

Michael E Daniska