Joints formed by joining structures
AssigneeThe Boeing Company
InventorsDouglas L. Grose, Steven P. Wanthal, Joseph L. Sweetin, Christopher B. Mathiesen, Randy A. Southmayd
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A joint is formed by joining two structures using a joint element. The joint element has a base and at least two legs extending from the base, the legs defining a slot having opposing sides and a bottom. The joint element is attached to the first structure. A second structure is positioned in the slot. An adhesive is disposed in the slot joining the second structure to the joint element. A cavity is formed between the bottom of the slot and the second structure. The cavity being substantially free of adhesive.
Claims19
A product of manufacture comprising:
- a first structure;
- a joint element attached to the first structure, the joint element having a base and at least two legs extending from the base, the legs defining a slot having opposing sides and a bottom;
- a second structure positioned in the slot;
- an adhesive disposed in the slot joining the second structure to the joint element;
- a cavity formed between the bottom of the slot and the second structure, the cavity being substantially free of adhesive;
- and
- a foam core positioned in the cavity.
An apparatus comprising:
- a first body;
- a joint coupled to the first body, the joint having a recess;
- a second body that is situated in the recess;
- an adhesive disposed in the recess joining the second body to the joint;
- a cavity defined between a bottom of the recess and the second body, the cavity being substantially free of adhesive;
- and
- a foam core positioned in the cavity.
A product of manufacture comprising:
- a first structure;
- a joint element attached to the first structure, the joint element having a base and at least two legs extending from the base, the legs defining a slot having opposing sides and a bottom;
- a second structure positioned in the slot;
- an adhesive disposed in the slot joining the second structure to the joint element;
- a cavity formed between the bottom of the slot and the second structure, wherein the cavity is substantially filled with a core,
- wherein the adhesive fills substantially all of the slot not occupied by the second structure except the cavity.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.