Metal and composite leading edge assemblies
AssigneeITT Manufacturing Enterprises, Inc.
InventorA. David Sandiford
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Various components and methods related to a leading edge assembly are disclosed. The leading edge assembly can include an outer strike shell and a foam core. The foam core can be located inside the outer strike shell. The leading edge assembly can include a heating element with a plurality of sensors and wires. A method of manufacturing a leading edge assembly can include forming a composite layer, applying a metallic layer to the composite layer, installing an electronic device, and inserting a foam core into a cavity bounded by the composite layer and/or the electronic device.
Claims19
A leading edge assembly comprising:
- a foam core comprising a channel configured to receive a portion of a leading edge of an air inlet device;
- an outer strike shell on a portion of the exterior of the foam core, the outer strike shell comprising:
- an outer metallic layer;
- and
- an inner composite layer;
- and
- a heating element configured to provide thermal energy to the outer metallic layer, wherein the heating element is located between the foam core and the outer strike shell.
A leading edge assembly comprising:
- a foam core comprising a channel configured to receive a portion of a leading edge of an air inlet device;
- an outer strike shell on a portion of the exterior of the foam core, the outer strike shell comprising:
- an outer metallic layer;
- and
- an inner composite layer;
- and
- a heating element configured to provide thermal energy to the outer metallic layer, wherein the heating element is embedded within the foam core.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.