US Patent 11255343 Engine systems and methods

A system includes an airfoil disposed inside an engine assembly that includes a pressure side and a suction side that are coupled together at a leading edge and a trailing edge. The airfoil extends a radial length away from a central axis of the engine assembly between a hub end and a tip end. The airfoil includes a sweep feature disposed at the leading edge that is shaped to alter the air inside the engine assembly. Altering the air inside the engine assembly reduces a surface unsteady pressure level on the airfoil. The system includes a fan frame assembly comprising an inner and outer surface. The hub end is coupled with the inner surface and the tip end is coupled with the outer surface. The airfoil is integrated with the fan frame assembly such that the airfoil increases a structural load supporting capability of the fan frame assembly.