Preforms for acute structural edges
US6779757B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 28, 2002 |
| Grant date | Aug 24, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 28, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T428/24994
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A preform is joined to converging surfaces of a structure, such as an airfoil, to form a structural edge. The preform has a body having an acute-angle edge at one end and connecting areas extending from the opposing end for connecting the preform to converging planar elements of a wing or other similar structure. In several embodiments, the acute angle of the preform generally matches the angle relative to converging ends of the planar elements, the preform forming the outer end of smooth, continuous outer surfaces after assembly. The connecting areas may be connected to interior or exterior surfaces of the elements, depending on the orientation of the preform and elements. In another embodiment, the entire preform is placed between the outer ends of the elements for aligning and supporting the elements at the desired location and angle relative to each other.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.