Patent · US Expired

Composite airfoil structures and their forming methods

US6234423A · kind A · utility

40Cited by
8References
7Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateJul 29, 1999
Grant dateMay 22, 2001
Priority date
Expiry dateJul 29, 2019

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB64C3/26
  • WIPO fieldTransport
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A box-structure airfoil is constructed of a composite material upper skin, a composite material lower skin 12 and a spar. Ribs and an elongate projection are formed integrally on the inner surface of each of the two skins. The upper and lower skins and the spar are simultaneously bonded by an adhesive to form a single structure. Since the ribs and the elongate projection are one-piece formed with each skin, it is possible to reduce the number of principal constituent components. Furthermore, since assembly operation is made by using the adhesive, there is no need for fasteners or the like for assembling. Moreover, the spar is bonded not only to Moreover, because not only a web but also flanges on both sides of the spar are bonded to the respective skins, it is possible to obtain a large strength. According to the invention, it is possible to reduce the number of principal constituent components and that of assembling components of an airfoil, thereby achieving its cost reduction.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.