IP Library Granted Patent US 8,016,234
Granted Patent B2
US 8,016,234 · App. 11/891,755 · Granted Sep 13, 2011

Airframe structure of an aircraft or spacecraft

View Patent ↗
Loading inventors, assignments & file history…
Monitor This Case
Get email alerts when status or documents change.
Order Certified Copies
Most orders are placed with the USPTO same day — all within 24 business hours.
Order via The Patent Place →
Pre-filled with this patent's details
Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 8,016,234
App. No.
11/891,755
Granted
Sep 13, 2011
Kind
B2
Abstract

The present invention provides an airframe structure of an aircraft or spacecraft, with: a hollow body section which can be subjected to an internal pressure; a membrane arrangement which has at least one single-part, multi-curved membrane component for sealing off the internal pressure from an external pressure which acts on the hollow body section and differs from the internal pressure; and a joining structure for a pressure tight joining of the membrane arrangement to a region of the hollow body section; wherein the membrane arrangement forms a receiving well which is accessible from outside the hollow body section, extends at least partially into the hollow body section and is for receiving a component of the aircraft or spacecraft.

Claims (25)

1. An airframe structure of an aircraft or spacecraft, with:

a hollow body section which can be subjected to an internal pressure;

a membrane arrangement which has at least one single-part, multi-curved membrane component for sealing off the internal pressure from an external pressure which acts on the hollow body section and differs from the internal pressure; and

a joining structure for a pressure tight joining of the membrane arrangement to a region of the hollow body section;

wherein the at least one membrane component bulges into the hollow body section and forms a part of a receiving well which is accessible from outside the hollow body section, extends at least partially into the hollow body section and is for receiving a component of the aircraft or spacecraft.

2. The airframe structure according to claim 1 , wherein the at least one membrane component is stiffened by means of at least one brace to provide directed load paths.

3. The airframe structure according to claim 2 , wherein the at least one brace is formed integrally with the membrane component.

4. The airframe structure according to claim 2 , wherein the at least one brace has a T-, Ω-, U-, L-, C-, or Z-shaped cross section at least in some sections.

5. The airframe structure according to claim 2 , wherein the at least one brace is curved at least in some sections.

6. The airframe structure according to claim 2 , wherein the at least one brace includes multiple curves.

7. The airframe structure according to claim 2 , wherein the at least one brace is adapted for joining adjacent components or equipment components to the membrane arrangement.

8. The airframe structure according to claim 1 , wherein the membrane arrangement or at least one brace is connected to a stabilizing framework and/or to at least one supporting strut.

9. The airframe structure according to claim 1 , wherein the membrane arrangement or at least one brace is connected to seat rails, to cross members and/or to longitudinal members in some sections or over its/their entire length.

10. The airframe structure according to claim 1 , wherein a plurality of membrane components are provided which are connected to one another in connecting regions in order to form the membrane arrangement.

11. The airframe structure according to claim 10 , wherein the connecting regions include at least one brace.

12. The airframe structure according to claim 10 , wherein the connecting regions between the plurality of membrane components are provided with passages.

13. The airframe structure according to claim 10 , wherein the connecting regions are designed at least in some sections as planar surfaces.

14. The airframe structure according to claim 12 , wherein the passages are designed for the passage of electric, pneumatic, hydraulic or optical systems.

15. The airframe structure according to claim 1 , wherein the at least one membrane component or at least one brace comprises a fibre composite material, plastic, metal and/or ceramic.

16. The airframe structure according to claim 1 , wherein the component is an adjustable, raiseable or retractable peripheral part.

17. The airframe structure according to claim 1 , wherein the component is a landing gear.

18. The airframe structure according to claim 1 , wherein the joining structure includes rivets, screws or an adhesive, and/or in that the joining structure is integral with the hollow body section and/or the membrane arrangement.

19. The airframe structure according to claim 1 , wherein the hollow body section is a fuselage segment or wing segment.

20. The airframe structure according to claim 1 , wherein the at least one membrane component has a saddle-shaped design.

21. The airframe structure according to claim 1 , wherein the joining structure lies in more than one plane.

Assignments (1)
CHANGE OF NAME Recorded May 31, 2011
From: AIRBUS DEUTSCHLAND GMBH
To: AIRBUS OPERATIONS GMBH
Reel/Frame 026360/0849 →