Thermoplastic aerostructure with localized ply isolation and method for forming aerostructure
US11440288B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 30, 2019 |
| Grant date | Sep 13, 2022 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 16, 2041 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02T50/40
- WIPO fieldSurface technology, coating
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A composite wingbox structure formed of reinforced thermoplastic. The composite includes carbon fiber reinforcement and a plurality of insulation elements to localize the heat formed during the process of manufacturing the structure. The process of manufacturing the wingbox includes the steps of interleaving a series of insulations elements within a plurality of laminae and consolidating the insulation elements and laminae to form a laminate. The laminate is then aligned with a support structure such that the insulation elements overlie the supports structure. The laminate is then fused to the support structure using a non-contact heating process, such as inductive welding.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.