Abstract: A heated composite structure and a method for forming a heated composite structure. The structure includes carbon fibers embedded within a thermoplastic matrix. The carbon fibers are connected with first and second electrodes that are configured to be connected with an electric source such that applying current to the electrodes causes current to flow through the embedded carbon fibers to provide resistive heating sufficient to heat the composite structure to impede formation of ice on the composite structure.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
February 9, 2023
Date of Patent:
April 9, 2024
Assignee:
QARBON AEROSPACE (FOUNDATION), LLC
Inventors:
Kyle B. Hardman, Mark A. Calder, Ian C. Derx
Abstract: A heated composite structure and a method for forming a heated composite structure. The structure includes carbon fibers embedded within a thermoplastic matrix. The carbon fibers are connected with first and second electrodes that are configured to be connected with an electric source such that applying current to the electrodes causes current to flow through the embedded carbon fibers to provide resistive heating sufficient to heat the composite structure to impede formation of ice on the composite structure.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
September 9, 2019
Date of Patent:
February 14, 2023
Assignee:
QARBON AEROSPACE (FOUNDATION), LLC
Inventors:
Kyle B. Hardman, Mark A. Calder, Ian C. Derx
Abstract: A composite wingbox structure formed of reinforced thermoplastic. The composite includes carbon fiber reinforcement and a plurality of insulation elements to localize the heat formed during the process of manufacturing the structure. The process of manufacturing the wingbox includes the steps of interleaving a series of insulations elements within a plurality of laminae and consolidating the insulation elements and laminae to form a laminate. The laminate is then aligned with a support structure such that the insulation elements overlie the supports structure. The laminate is then fused to the support structure using a non-contact heating process, such as inductive welding.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
August 30, 2019
Date of Patent:
September 13, 2022
Assignee:
QARBON AEROSPACE (FOUNDATION), LLC
Inventors:
Mark A. Calder, John F. Ellis, William David Dennison, Martin A. Wimmer, Earl L. Stone, III