Systems and methods for duct protection
AssigneeThe Boeing Company
InventorsJean-Michel I. Fouard, Michael Strasik
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Methods and systems for protecting a duct joint are provided. An assembly for protecting a joint formed between a first duct and an adjacent second duct includes a first blanket member coupled about the first duct and a second blanket member coupled about the second duct, wherein the second blanket member extends from the first blanket member. The assembly also includes a continuous strap coupled to the first blanket member and to the second blanket member. The strap is configured to couple the first blanket member to the second blanket member such that a load path is provided from the second blanket member to the first blanket member during a duct burst event.
Claims19
A blanket assembly for protecting a joint formed between a first duct and a second duct, said blanket assembly comprising:
- a first blanket member configured to be coupled about the first duct, wherein said first blanket member includes a first side, an opposing second side, and a pair of reinforcing seams extending between said first and said second sides;
- a second blanket member configured to be coupled about the second duct, wherein said second blanket member extends from said first blanket member;
- and
- a strap coupled to said first blanket member and to said second blanket member, wherein said strap includes opposing ends and said strap is continuous between said opposing ends, and wherein said strap is configured to couple said first blanket member to said second blanket member such that a load path is provided from said second blanket member to said first blanket member during a duct burst event.
A method of maintaining integrity of a duct joint, said method comprising:
- applying a compressive force to a first duct via a first blanket member;
- applying a compressive force to a second duct coupled to the first duct at a joint via a second blanket member, wherein the compressive forces are applied using a strap that is continuous between opposing ends thereof and that is coupled to the first blanket member and to the second blanket member;
- and
- directing a load path from the second duct to the first duct via the strap to maintain joint integrity of the first duct and the second duct.
A vehicle comprising:
- a joint protection assembly comprising:
- a first blanket member coupled about a first duct;
- a second blanket member coupled about a second duct, the first and second ducts are coupled to form a joint therebetween, wherein said second blanket member extends from said first blanket member;
- and;
- a strap coupled to said first blanket member and to said second blanket member, wherein said strap includes opposing ends and said strap is continuous between said opposing ends, and wherein said strap is configured to couple said first blanket member to said second blanket member such that a load path is provided from said second blanket member to said first blanket member during a duct burst event.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.