US 11,685,502 B2
Modular hybrid airframe structure for battery thermal event protection and repair
Joseph Richard Carpenter, Jr., Burleson, TX (US); Timothy Brian Carr, Fort Worth, TX (US); Nicholas Hou, Arlington, TX (US); and William Anthony Amante, Grapevine, TX (US)
Assigned to TEXTRON INNOVATIONS INC., Providence, RI (US)
Filed by Bell Textron Inc., Fort Worth, TX (US)
Filed on Jun. 30, 2020, as Appl. No. 16/916,732.
Prior Publication US 2021/0403136 A1, Dec. 30, 2021
Int. Cl. B64C 1/06 (2006.01); B64C 1/40 (2006.01); B64C 1/00 (2006.01)
CPC B64C 1/061 (2013.01) [B64C 1/40 (2013.01); B64C 2001/0081 (2013.01)] 16 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. An aircraft frame comprising:
a plurality of structural members fabricated from a first type of material, wherein each of the structural members comprises a web frame and a web portion within the web frame;
a plurality of web members fabricated from sheets of a second type of material, wherein each of the web members is fastened to the web frame of a respective structural member of the plurality of structural members to comprise the web portion of the structural member, wherein each of the web members includes a flange along at least one edge thereof; and
a plurality of fasteners for securing the flange of a first one of the web members to the flange of a second one of the web members to create an airgap to accommodate the fasteners, the airgap further providing thermal protection for a joint between the structural members to which the first and second ones of the web members are attached;
wherein the second type of material is stronger than the first type of material such that one of the sheets of the second type of material is lighter weight than a sheet of equal strength of the first type of material; and
wherein the second type of material is more heat-resistant than the first material.