Edge seals for composite structure fuel tanks
US8900496B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 13, 2006 |
| Grant date | Dec 2, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 28, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T156/1034
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The cut laminate edges of aircraft fuel tanks formed of carbon fiber reinforced polymers are sealed to prevent the exposure of carbon fibers to combustible fuel. The edge seal is produced from a prepreg form using a thermosetting resin matched to the characteristics of the resin used in the laminate. The prepreg form can be applied to the cut laminate edges either before or after the laminate is cured. The edge seal acts as a dielectric layer that both electrically insulates the cut laminate edges from the fuel and mechanically contains energetic particles produced at the edges due to lightning strikes or other sources of electrical charges.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.