Systems and Methods of Constructing Composite Assemblies
AssigneeBell Helicopter Textron Inc.
InventorsRonald J. Measom, James R. Stamper, JR., Robert Self, Paul Sherrill, Paul Oldroyd, Neil Edward Morrow, Russell Cole
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A method of constructing a cured composite assembly includes positioning a composite assembly within a bonding tool, wherein the composite assembly comprises an uncured composite spar and a skin and performing a curing cycle on the composite assembly to simultaneously cure the uncured composite spar and bond the skin to the cured composite spar.
Claims20
A method of constructing a cured composite assembly, comprising:
- positioning a composite assembly within a bonding tool, wherein the composite assembly comprises an uncured composite spar and a skin;
- and
- performing a curing cycle on the composite assembly to simultaneously cure the uncured composite spar and bond the skin to the cured composite spar.
A composite assembly having a leading edge and a trailing edge, comprising:
- an upper skin assembly extending between the leading edge and the trailing edge and comprising an upper spar key;
- a lower skin assembly extending between the leading edge and the trailing edge and comprising a lower spar key;
- a spar disposed between the upper skin assembly and the lower skin assembly;
- and
- a core disposed between the upper skin assembly and the lower skin assembly and aft of the spar;
- wherein the spar key of the upper skin assembly comprises a flanged portion that extends towards the lower skin assembly and is disposed aft of the spar and fore of the core.
A composite assembly having a leading edge and a trailing edge, comprising:
- an upper skin assembly extending between the leading edge and the trailing edge;
- a lower skin assembly extending between the leading edge and the trailing edge;
- a spar disposed between the upper skin assembly and the lower skin assembly;
- and
- a core disposed between the upper skin assembly and the lower skin assembly, wherein the core has a fore end distal the trailing edge, an aft end proximal the trailing edge and a chord line extending between the fore and aft ends;
- wherein the core comprises a support layer extending between the fore and aft ends of the core along the chord line.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.