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US 2004/0000613 A1Published application
Preforms for acute structural edges
AssigneeLockheed Martin Corporation
InventorWilliam A. Thomas JR.
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AssigneeLockheed Martin Corporation
InventorWilliam A. Thomas JR.
Estimating the term…
A preform is joined to converging surfaces of a structure, such as an airfoil, to form a structural edge. The preform has a body having an acute-angle edge at one end and connecting areas extending from the opposing end for connecting the preform to converging planar elements of a wing or other similar structure. In several embodiments, the acute angle of the preform generally matches the angle relative to converging ends of the planar elements, the preform forming the outer end of smooth, continuous outer surfaces after assembly. The connecting areas may be connected to interior or exterior surfaces of the elements, depending on the orientation of the preform and elements. In another embodiment, the entire preform is placed between the outer ends of the elements for aligning and supporting the elements at the desired location and angle relative to each other.
A member for forming an edge of a structure having two converging surfaces that converge toward each other at a converging angle, the member comprising:
An-edge structure, comprising:
An edge structure, comprising:
An edge structure, comprising:
An edge structure, comprising:
A method of forming an edge structure, the method comprising:
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.