Method for the joining of wings or control surfaces to an airplane fuselage
US9856011B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 6, 2015 |
| Grant date | Jan 2, 2018 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 10, 2035 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02T50/40
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Methods of joining a first aerostructure part with a second aerostructure part are disclosed, for example, methods of joining an airplane wing or control surface to an airplane fuselage or joining fins to a rocket body. The method comprises aligning a plurality of connection elements in a linear array within the second aerostructure part, wherein the connection elements comprise a plurality of flexible connection elements and at least one rigid connection element, and attaching the first aerostructure part to the second aerostructure part at a plurality of connection points with the plurality of connection elements. The second aerostructure part expands linearly at a greater rate when exposed to heat than the first aerostructure part resulting in a difference in linear distance between the first aerostructure part and the second aerostructure part and the flexible connection elements are configured to flex to accommodate for this linear distance difference.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.