Lockheed Martin has been granted a patent for a bond fixture designed to facilitate the bonding of a de-ice fairing to a rotor blade. The fixture features adjustable frames that apply consistent pressure to ensure proper adhesion between the fairing and the rotor blade’s surface. GlobalData’s report on Lockheed Martin gives a 360-degree view of the company including its patenting strategy. Buy the report here.
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According to GlobalData’s company profile on Lockheed Martin, Hydrogen fuel cells was a key innovation area identified from patents. Lockheed Martin's grant share as of July 2024 was 69%. Grant share is based on the ratio of number of grants to total number of patents.
Bond fixture for attaching de-ice fairing to rotor blade
The patent US12071229B2 outlines a method for bonding a de-ice fairing to a rotor blade, which includes several key steps to ensure effective attachment. The process begins with the installation of the de-ice fairing onto the rotor blade, which features a blade cuff. A bond fixture is then positioned around the rotor blade, consisting of a first frame and a second frame. The first frame has two arms connected by a member, while the second frame includes a support. The method involves rotating the second frame to align it parallel to the connecting member, allowing it to contact the blade cuff's surface. Subsequently, adjustments are made to a supporting assembly to apply pressure to both the rotor blade and the de-ice fairing, followed by the application of localized and constant pressure to secure the fairing.
Further claims detail additional features of the bonding method. For instance, the bond fixture can accommodate the leading edge of the rotor blade within a chamber defined by the first frame. A locking mechanism may be employed to maintain the second frame's position during the bonding process. The supporting assembly can include pads that adjust pressure by changing their position relative to the rotor blade. The method also specifies that the bond fixture should remain in place for at least 24 hours, and heat may be applied to enhance the bonding process. The de-ice fairing is typically bonded to the root end of the rotor blade, with the supporting assembly designed to ensure proper contact with the blade cuff's surface. Overall, the claims provide a comprehensive approach to effectively bonding a de-ice fairing to rotor blades in a manner that promotes durability and performance.
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