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US 12,351,305 B2Granted
Thermoplastic composite structure and methods for forming
AssigneeRohr, Inc.
InventorsShyan Bob Shen, Michael van Tooren, Daniel O. Ursenbach, Jeffrey D. Woods
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A method is provided during which a thermoplastic rib is arranged with a thermoplastic spar. A first flange of the thermoplastic rib is abutted against the thermoplastic spar. The first flange of the thermoplastic rib is ultrasonic welded to the thermoplastic spar using a tilted ultrasonic horn. A centerline of the tilted ultrasonic horn is angularly offset from the first flange of the thermoplastic rib by an acute angle during the ultrasonic welding.
Claims14
A method, comprising:
- arranging a thermoplastic rib with a thermoplastic spar, a first flange of the thermoplastic rib abutted against the thermoplastic spar;
- and
- ultrasonic welding the first flange of the thermoplastic rib to the thermoplastic spar using a tilted ultrasonic horn, a centerline of the tilted ultrasonic horn angularly offset from the first flange of the thermoplastic rib by an acute angle during the ultrasonic welding;
- wherein the first flange of the thermoplastic rib is abutted against an exterior surface of the thermoplastic spar.
1 more element
An aircraft structure, comprising:
- a frame including a first thermoplastic spar, a second thermoplastic spar and a plurality of thermoplastic ribs arranged laterally between and longitudinally along the first thermoplastic spar and the second thermoplastic spar, each of the plurality of thermoplastic ribs welded to the first thermoplastic spar and the second thermoplastic spar;
- a first thermoplastic skin welded to the frame at a first side of the frame;
- and
- a second thermoplastic skin welded to the frame at a second side of the frame which is opposite the first side of the frame;
- wherein a flange of each of the plurality of thermoplastic ribs is abutted against an exterior surface of the second thermoplastic spar, and the flange is ultrasonic welded to the second thermoplastic spar.
2 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.