Monolithic structure with redundant load paths

US6443392B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• The Boeing Company · US

Inventors

• Gary Robert Weber · Florence, US
• Frederick John Feiertag · SeaTac, US
• Tyre Glenn Boss · Renton, US
• Michael J. Reberg · Seattle, US
• Matthew L. Anderson · Salem, US
• Kelly William Meloy · Auburn, US
• Genji Mizushima · Gifu, JP
• Takeshi Kawase · Kirkland, US
• Ronald Hitzeman · Chaska, US
• Simon R. Walter · Melbourne, AU

Key dates

• Filing date: Feb 7, 2001
• Grant date: Sep 3, 2002
• Expiry date: Feb 7, 2021

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B64C1/1461
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A monolithic structure for use as a pressure bulkhead for an aircraft includes a first web, a redundant second web spaced from the first web, stiffeners disposed between and connecting the webs to each other, and first and second outer attachment rings respectively provided on the outer peripheries of the first and second webs for attaching the bulkhead to fuselage structure. One of the webs comprises a pressure web for supporting pressure loading, and the other web defines at least one aperture therethrough. The stiffeners are integrally fabricated along with at least one of the webs and associated attachment ring as a one-piece monolithic part.