IP Library › Granted Patent US 12,643,298
Granted Patent B2
US 12,643,298 · App. 18/224,727 · Granted Jun 2, 2026

Turbine engine erosion coating repair

Inventors: John Michael Harner (Florence, MA); Sonia A. Martinez (Port Saint Lucie, FL); David J. Mathiau, Jr. (East Hartford, CT); Peter George Miner (East Granby, CT)
Assignee: RTX Corporation
B29C73/10F01D5/005F05D2230/80
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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 12,643,298
App. No.
18/224,727
Granted
Jun 2, 2026
Kind
B2
Abstract

A patch has: a silicone body; a primer on an underside of the body; a silicone adhesive on the primer; and a release strip on the adhesive. The body has a plurality of perforations.

Claims (56)

1 . A patch comprising:

a silicone body;

a silane primer on an underside of the body;

a silicone adhesive on the primer;

a first release strip on the silicone body; and

a second release strip on the adhesive,

wherein:

the adhesive is a peroxide-cured silicone; and

the body has a plurality of perforations.

2 . The patch of claim 1 wherein:

the perforations only partially penetrate the body.

3 . The patch of claim 2 wherein:

a density of the perforations is 2.0 perforations to 10.0 perforations per square centimeter.

4 . The patch of claim 3 wherein:

the first and second release strips are coated fabric.

5 . The patch of claim 2 wherein:

the first and second release strips are coated fabric.

6 . The patch of claim 5 wherein:

a density of the perforations is 2.0 perforations to 10.0 perforations per square centimeter.

7 . The patch of claim 2 wherein:

the perforations penetrate at least 50% of a thickness of the silicone patch material.

8 . The patch of claim 7 wherein:

the first and second release strips are coated fabric.

9 . The patch of claim 8 wherein:

a density of the perforations is 2.0 perforations to 10.0 perforations per square centimeter.

10 . The patch of claim 7 wherein:

a density of the perforations is 2.0 perforations to 10.0 perforations per square centimeter.

11 . The patch of claim 1 wherein:

the perforations penetrate at least 50% of a thickness of the silicone patch material.

12 . The patch of claim 11 wherein:

the first and second release strips are coated fabric.

13 . The patch of claim 12 wherein:

a density of the perforations is 2.0 perforations to 10.0 perforations per square centimeter.

14 . A method for patching a damaged polymeric erosion coating on a gas turbine engine component using the patch of claim 1 , the method comprising:

removing a portion of the coating around a damage site;

priming the component;

removing the second release strip to expose the adhesive;

applying the patch so that the adhesive contacts the component; and

rolling the patch with a roller.

15 . The method of claim 14 wherein:

the priming is with a silane primer.

16 . The method of claim 14 further comprising:

applying pressure to the patch; and

heating the patch while the pressure is applied.

17 . The method of claim 14 wherein:

the method is performed in situ with the engine on an aircraft.

18 . The method of claim 14 wherein:

the damage site is along a leading edge of a fan inlet strut or fan exit strut.

19 . The method of claim 14 wherein:

the damage site has a polymer matrix composite substrate.

20 . A method for manufacturing the patch of claim 1 , the method comprising:

forming the silicone body on a first release ply for forming the first release strip and at least partially curing the silicone body on the first release ply;

perforating the silicone body to form the perforations;

applying the adhesive to a second release ply for forming the second release strip;

applying the peroxide-cured primer to the perforated silicone body; and

marrying the primed perforated silicone body to the adhesive.

Assignments (1)
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Aug 18, 2023
From: HARNER, JOHN MICHAEL; MARTINEZ, SONIA A.; MATHIAU, DAVID J.; MINER, PETER GEORGE
To: RTX CORPORATION
Reel/Frame 064636/0799 →
Continuity (1)
Related Publication 20250026092A1 · Jan 23, 2025
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