Patent ID: 9523371
Filing Date: 2016-12-20
CPC Classification: F04D

Claim Text:
1. A hub assembly comprising: a. a top plate, wherein the top plate is flexible; b. a bottom plate, wherein the bottom plate is flexible, wherein the top plate and bottom plate are coupled together and are configured to form a central hub defining a longitudinal axis of the top plate and the bottom plate, wherein the top plate and the bottom plate each comprise a plurality of cutouts arranged in an angular array about the common longitudinal axis of the top plate and the bottom plate; c. a plurality of outer spars, wherein the outer spars are coupled to and extend generally outwardly from the top plate and the bottom plate, and wherein the cutouts of the top plate and of the bottom plate are positioned within alternating gaps of successive outer spars; and d. a plurality of fan blades, wherein each of the outer spars of the plurality of outer spars is disposed within a fan blade.