Patent ID: 11879355
Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
Field: Engines, pumps, turbines (Mechanical engineering)
Classification: CPC F | IPC F

Claim 18:
19. An airfoil assembly defining a span axis, a root end, and a tip end, the airfoil assembly comprising:
a reinforcement structure comprising a first helical support structure wrapped around the span axis between the root end and the tip end and a second helical support structure wrapped around the span axis between the root end and the tip end, the reinforcement structure further comprising a plurality of struts mechanically coupling the first helical support structure to the second helical support structure, the plurality of struts comprising a plurality of turn connectors that extend between and mechanically couple adjacent turns of the first helical support structure or the second helical support structure;
a polymeric matrix material positioned at least partially around the reinforcement structure; and
an outer skin positioned around the reinforcement structure and the polymeric matrix material.