Fastenerless internal support for hollow structures
AssigneeThe Boeing Company
InventorsDouglas R. Ludin, Pierre J. Minguet
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A reinforced structural member having a tubular member and a support structure. The tubular member has a sidewall that defines a hollow interior portion. The support structure is formed from a composite material and bonded to the sidewall in at least two predetermined locations. The support structure is positioned within the tubular member and configured to transmit force between the predetermined locations so as to prevent the tubular member from being crushed in response to the application of a force of a predetermined magnitude to the tubular member. A method for forming a reinforced structural member is also provided.
Claims22
A method for fabricating a structural member, the method comprising the steps of:
- providing a tubular member having a sidewall that defines a hollow interior portion;
- providing a plurality of support inserts formed from a composite material, the plurality of support inserts being configured to fit within the hollow interior and contact the sidewall in at least two predetermined locations;
- positioning the plurality of support inserts within the hollow interior at a predetermined location;
- and
- bonding the plurality of support inserts directly to the tubular member such that the plurality of support inserts are operable for transmitting a load between predetermined locations.
A method for fabricating structural members, the method comprising the steps of:
- supplying a unitary tubular member having a sidewall that defines a hollow interior portion;
- configuring a plurality of support inserts formed from a composite material to fit within the hollow interior portion and contact the sidewall in at least two predetermined locations;
- positioning the plurality of support inserts within the hollow interior portion at a predetermined location;
- and
- securing the plurality of support inserts directly to the tubular member such that the support insert is operable for transmitting a load between predetermined locations.
A reinforced structural member comprising:
- a tubular member having a sidewall that defines a hollow interior portion;
- and
- a plurality of support structures formed from a composite material and bonded directly to the sidewall in at least two predetermined locations, the plurality of support structures being positioned within the tubular member and configured to transmit force between the predetermined locations so as to prevent the tubular member from being crushed in response to the application of a force of a predetermined magnitude to the tubular member.
A reinforced structural member comprising:
- a unitary tubular member having a sidewall that defines a hollow interior portion;
- and
- a plurality of support structures formed from a composite material and bonded directly to the sidewall in at least two predetermined locations, the plurality of support structures being positioned within the tubular member and configured to transmit force between the predetermined locations so as to prevent the tubular member from being crushed in response to the application of a force of a predetermined magnitude to the tubular member.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.