IP Library Granted Patent US 8,808,823
Granted Patent B2
US 8,808,823 · App. 13/437,665 · Granted Aug 19, 2014

Device and method for repairing structural components

Inventors: Denver Whitworth (North Richland Hills, TX); Brian French (Roanoke, TX); Vance Cribb (Grapevine, TX)
Assignee: Textron Innovatons Inc.
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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 8,808,823
App. No.
13/437,665
Granted
Aug 19, 2014
Kind
B2
Abstract

A device and method to repair a structural component. The device includes a plug that bonds to the structural component. The plug includes a flange and a solid shank extending from the flange, the solid shank being disposable in an opening of the structural component. The device further includes disc that bonds to the structural component such that, when bonded, the disc covers the solid shank of the plug. The method includes bonding the plug to the structural component such that the solid shank of the plug is disposed in the opening of the structural component. The method further includes bonding the disc to the structural component.

Claims (10)

1. A repaired structural component, comprising:

a structural component defining an opening;

a plug bonded to the structural component and having a flange and a solid shank extending from the flange, the solid shank being disposed in the opening of the structural component and sealing the opening of the structural component; and

a disc bonded to the structural component covering the opening of the structural component, the disc also being bonded to the solid shank;

wherein the disc and the flange form a new opening extending through a thickness of the flange, the disc, and the structural component; and

wherein the solid shank passes through the opening of the structural component and the new opening is positioned adjacent to the opening of the structural component.

2. The repaired structural component, according to claim 1 , wherein the structural component defines a recess for receiving one of the flange of the plug and the disc.

3. The repaired structural component, according to claim 1 , further comprising:

a cover ply bonded to the structural component and at least one of the flange of the plug and the disc.

4. The repaired structural component, according to claim 1 , wherein at least one surface of the plug and the disc is textured.

Assignments (3)
CORRECTIVE ASSIGNMENT TO CORRECT THE THE ORIGINAL ASSIGNMENT PREVIOUSLY RECORDED AT REEL: 030891 FRAME: 0135. ASSIGNOR(S) HEREBY CONFIRMS THE ASSIGNMENT. Recorded Jul 16, 2021
From: BELL HELICOPTER TEXTRON INC.
To: TEXTRON INNOVATIONS INC.
Reel/Frame 056893/0946 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Jul 28, 2013
From: BELL HELICOPTER TEXTRON INC.
To: TEXTRON INNOVATIONS INC.
Reel/Frame 030891/0135 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Jan 29, 2013
From: WHITWORTH, DENVER; FRENCH, BRIAN; CRIBB, VANCE, III
To: BELL HELICOPTER TEXTRON INC.
Reel/Frame 029715/0782 →
Continuity (2)
Division 12300052
Related Publication 20120189807A1 · Jul 26, 2012