AIRCRAFT BONDING NETWORK

• US 20140002947A1
• Filed: 03/09/2012
• Published: 01/02/2014
• Est. Priority Date: 03/16/2011
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Airbus Operations Limited (Airbus SE)
• Original Assignee: Airbus Operations Limited (Airbus SE)
• Inventors: Quayle, Alan, Wilson, James, Hadley, Paul, Mcalinden, Jon
• Granted Patent: US 9,533,770 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 361/218
• CPC Class Codes: B64D 45/02 Lightning protectors; Static dischargers in general H01T

Abstract

An aircraft assembly comprising a plurality of structural components and an electrically conductive bonding network, wherein at least one of the structural components is formed of material of low electrical conductivity, and the bonding network includes either:

• • at least one substantially planar strip of highly electrically conductive material attached to at least the one structural component, and wherein the strip includes a substantially omega-shaped loop extending out of the plane of the strip; or
  • at least one strip of highly electrically conductive material attached to at least the one structural component, wherein the strip comprises first and second planar attachment portions for attaching the strip to the structural component(s) and an intermediate portion extending between the first and second attachment portions, and wherein the intermediate portion includes a loop which extends outwards from the plane of the first attachment portion.

Claims

1. An aircraft assembly comprising a plurality of structural components and an electrically conductive bonding network, wherein at least one of the structural components is formed of material of low electrical conductivity, and the bonding network includes at least one substantially planar strip of highly electrically conductive material attached to at least the one structural component, and wherein the strip includes a substantially omega-shaped loop extending out of the plane of the strip.

2. An assembly according to claim 1, wherein the loop is formed adjacent one or both ends of the strip.

3. An assembly according to claim 1 wherein the strip comprises first and second attachment portions for attaching the strip to the structural component(s) and an intermediate portion extending between the two attachment portions.

6. An assembly according to claim 3 further comprising a positioning feature attached to the structural component(s), and wherein the intermediate portion of the strip includes a feature which is adapted to engage with the positioning feature.

7. An assembly according to claim 6, wherein the positioning feature comprises a stud bonded to the structural component(s).

8. An assembly according to claim 6, wherein the positioning feature includes a spacer element to hold the strip spaced from the structural component(s).

9. An assembly according to claim 1, further comprising one or more clamps for attaching the strip(s) of the bonding network to the structural component(s).

10. An assembly according to claim 9, wherein each clamp includes a spacer element to hold the strip spaced from the structural component(s).

11. An assembly according to claim 1, wherein the bonding network is adapted to protect the structural component(s) against damage due to electrical loads, e.g. from lightning strike and static discharge.

12. An assembly according to claim 1, wherein the bonding network includes a plurality of the strips disposed adjacent one another so as to provide redundant paths within the network.

13. An assembly according to claim 1, wherein the structural component material of low electrical conductivity includes composite or thermoplastics material.

14. An assembly according to claim 1, wherein the or each strip is formed of metallic material.

15. An assembly according to claim 1, wherein the strip includes one or more fastener holes for fastening the strip to the structural component(s).

16. An assembly according to claim 15, wherein the fastener hole receives a structural fastener used to fasten two or more of the structural components together.

17. An assembly according to claim 1, wherein the strip is integrally formed with one or more plate-like elements for electrically connecting the bonding network to aircraft systems.

18. An assembly according to claim 1, wherein one or more of the strips extend and electrically connect between metallic structural components.

19. An assembly according to claim 1, wherein the structural components include a wing box structure.

20. An assembly according to claim 19, wherein the one structural component is a spar.

21. An assembly according to claim 20, wherein the spar forms part of a fuel tank boundary and the or each strip of the bonding network is disposed on the side of the spar opposite the fuel tank.

22. An assembly according to claim 19, wherein the structural components include a plurality of metallic ribs, and one or more of the strips extend and electrically connect between adjacent metallic ribs.

23. An assembly according to claim 19, wherein the bonding network electrically connects between a wing tip and a fuselage of the aircraft.

4. An aircraft assembly comprising a plurality of structural components and an electrically conductive bonding network, wherein at least one of the structural components is formed of material of low electrical conductivity, and the bonding network includes at least one strip of highly electrically conductive material attached to at least the one structural component, wherein the strip comprises first and second planar attachment portions for attaching the strip to the structural component(s) and an intermediate portion extending between the first and second attachment portions, and wherein the intermediate portion includes a loop which extends outwards from the plane of the first attachment portion.

5. An assembly according to claim 4 wherein the loop extends the entire width between the first attachment portion to the second attachment portion.