Composite Fan Inter-Blade Platform Reinforcement Against Centrifugal Bowing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fan inter-blade platforms in gas turbine engines face challenges in balancing weight and structural integrity under centrifugal loads, particularly due to outward bowing of the outer diameter wall.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a lightweight core, such as a honeycomb or foam, within the outer diameter wall of the inter-blade platform, sandwiched between outer and inner fiber layers, to enhance structural integrity while reducing weight.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If the outer diameter wall is made thicker to resist outward bowing under centrifugal load, then structural integrity is improved, but weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidplatform weight
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The inter-blade platform uses a composite structure combining fiber composite material (carbon fiber) with a lightweight core material (honeycomb or foam). This composite construction provides high strength-to-weight ratio, allowing the platform to resist centrifugal forces while maintaining low weight. The fiber composite layers provide tensile strength and stiffness, while the lightweight core reduces overall mass.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The core is strategically positioned within the outer diameter wall where it is most needed for structural support against centrifugal loading. The core extends through a significant portion of the wall thickness (at least 50% of the length of the body section), providing localized reinforcement precisely where the wall experiences maximum stress during rotation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Strength

If a core is added within the outer diameter wall to improve structural integrity, then strength is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidplatform complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The core is integrated within the outer diameter wall during the manufacturing process, combining multiple structural functions into a single unified component. The core is surrounded by the fiber composite material, creating a monolithic structure where the core and shell work together as one integrated platform, reducing the need for separate reinforcement components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The core is formed using porous or cellular materials such as honeycomb structures or foam. These porous materials provide high strength-to-weight ratios and excellent structural support while adding minimal complexity to the overall design. The cellular structure naturally distributes stresses and provides rigidity without requiring complex reinforcement geometries.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #31Porous materials

Data Source

PatentEP4703565A1Reinforced fan inter-blade platforms
Publication Date: 2026.03.04 RTX CORP
  • EP4703565A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4703565A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4703565A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An inter-blade platform for a gas turbine engine fan has a body section including a fiber composite having: a forward end and an aft end; an outer diameter wall; a suction side wall (84); and a pressure side wall (86). The body section further comprises a core (150) within the outer diameter wall.