Aircraft joint and bonding lead
US8305727B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 8, 2010 |
| Grant date | Nov 6, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 11, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02T50/40
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A joint on an aircraft, the joint comprising: a first component; a second component joined to the first component; and a bonding lead which forms an electrical connection between the components with a resistance between 100 kΩ and 10 MΩ. Surprisingly, it has been found that a bonding lead with a relatively high resistance can be used without seriously compromising the static discharge performance of the bonding lead, and that the resulting comparatively low flow of current reduces the risk of sparking in the event of an lightning strike. Bonding leads may be provided as a kit of parts in which at least two of the bonding leads have different lengths and the longer lead is formed from a material having a higher bulk conductivity than the shorter lead. Thus the bonding leads can be made with approximately similar resistances regardless of their lengths.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.