Aeronautics and astronautics – Aircraft structure – Airfoil construction
Reexamination Certificate
2003-02-27
2004-05-25
Carone, Michael J. (Department: 3641)
Aeronautics and astronautics
Aircraft structure
Airfoil construction
C244S124000, C244S11700R
Reexamination Certificate
active
06739553
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to aircraft wing construction. In particular, the present invention relates to a method and apparatus for a bonded wing construction.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART
Traditionally, aircraft wing structures were constructed by fastening C-shaped channel spars to the ends of ribs and by mechanically fastening I-beam-stiffened skins to angle clips disposed in channels in the wing ribs. These systems rely purely on mechanical assembly for spar to skin and skin to rib interfaces.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
There is a need for a bonded wing construction which does not rely purely upon mechanical assembly to establish the necessary spar to skin and rib to skin interfaces without compromising the stiffness of the wing.
Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a method and apparatus for bonded wing construction that does not rely purely upon mechanical assembly to effectuate the skin to rib interface and the spar to rib interface, and which does not sacrifice wing stiffness.
The above objects are achieved by providing a method and apparatus of bonded wing construction in which skins having generally rhombus shaped protrusions are bonded to rib members having correspondingly shaped intrusions. The skins may also include triangular shaped protrusions which are bonded to K-shaped spars having correspondingly shaped intrusions.
The present invention has significant advantages, including: (1) only about 5% mechanical assembly; (2) less complex assembly; (3) a reduction in part counts, detail fabrication, assembly fastener installation, and associated assembly recurring costs; (4) a reduction in the complexity of assembly tool design and non-recurring tool procurement costs; and (5) reduction in skin manufacturing costs and cycle time.
The above objects and advantages, as well as others, will be evident from the following detailed description of the present invention.
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Fila Josef A.
Nunn, Jr. Kenneth E.
Bell Helicopter Textrom, Inc.
Carone Michael J.
Semunegus L.
Walton James E.
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