US 11,913,352 B2
Cover plate connections for a hollow fan blade
Li Zheng, Niskayuna, NY (US); and Nicholas Kray, Evendale, OH (US)
Assigned to GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY, Schenectady, NY (US)
Filed by General Electric Company, Schenectady, NY (US)
Filed on Dec. 8, 2021, as Appl. No. 17/545,874.
Prior Publication US 2023/0175401 A1, Jun. 8, 2023
Int. Cl. F01D 5/14 (2006.01); F01D 5/18 (2006.01)
CPC F01D 5/147 (2013.01) [F01D 5/18 (2013.01); F05D 2220/323 (2013.01); F05D 2230/23 (2013.01); F05D 2260/36 (2013.01)] 20 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A blade for use in an aircraft engine, the blade comprising:
a hollow body including a first surface defining a cavity, the hollow body including an aperture extending through the first surface, the first surface including a first rib protruding away from the first surface, the first rib including a second surface; and
a cover plate including a second rib protruding from a third surface of the cover plate, the second rib including a fourth surface spaced apart from and facing the first surface, the second surface of the first rib spaced apart from and facing the third surface of the cover plate, the second and fourth surfaces positioned between the first and third surfaces, the second rib of the cover plate contacting the first rib of the hollow body to couple the cover plate to the first surface such that the cover plate encloses the aperture.