Elastomeric formulation used in the construction of lightweight aircraft engine fan blades
US6287080A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 15, 1999 |
| Grant date | Sep 11, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 15, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02T50/60
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A formulation used in the construction of lightweight aircraft engine fan blades. The formulation comprises a polyurethane elastomer composition, which is formed from a prepolymer, a curative and an antioxidant and molded into the blades. Optionally, a hindered amine light stabilizer and/or an ultraviolet absorber may be added to the formulation. The aircraft engine fan blade is formed from a metal, such as titanium alloy. Pockets are machined into the fan blade, so as to lessen the amount of metal used to construct the blade, thereby lowering the total weight of the blade. The formulation of the present invention is positioned in the pockets of the fan blade, so as to maintain the structural integrity of the blade against bird strikes and the like, while at the same time providing a fan blade which is significantly lighter than all-metal fan blades.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.