Abstract: A method of assembly of a carbon fiber space frame structure eliminates the need for gusset plates at the joints of the space frame structure. The elimination of the gusset plates at the joints of the space frame structure reduces the weight of the space frame structure and eliminates stresses that occur at the joints due to gusset plates attached at the joints.

Abstract: A method of assembly of a carbon fiber space frame structure eliminates the need for gusset plates at the j oints of the space frame structure. The elimination of the gusset plates at the j oints of the space frame structure reduces the weight of the space frame structure and eliminates stresses that occur at the j oints due to gusset plates attached at the j oints.

Abstract: Aircraft wings have an interior volume that incorporates a space frame as a primary supporting structure of the wing, and enables securement of an aircraft fuselage to the wing. The space frame includes carbon fiber rods arranged to handle tensile and compression loads otherwise carried by conventional wing spars, ribs, and stringers normally connected to heavy structural metal wing box joints at the sides of a fuselage for attachment of left and right wings. The space frame also includes sleeve and shaft connectors secured to the carbon fiber rods, the connectors arranged in truss-like configurations for preventing buckling of the carbon fiber rods. The space frame is designed to extend at least midspan between wings, so that traditional wing box joints on a fuselage can be eliminated. Finally, wing skin panels secured to the space frame are designed to support only aerodynamic loads of flight.

Abstract: An aircraft that includes an outer skin having an opening formed therein, and a cargo compartment including a plurality of side walls that define an interior of the cargo compartment. The plurality of side walls are positioned such that the interior is in flow communication with the opening. The aircraft further includes a hinged panel coupled to the outer skin. The hinged panel is operable between a closed position for covering the opening and an open position for exposing the interior to an ambient environment outside the aircraft. A release device is configured to retain the hinged panel in the closed position, and configured to release the hinged panel for movement into the open position when an unexpected combustion event forms in the interior.

Abstract: Aircraft wings have an interior volume that incorporates a space frame as a primary supporting structure of the wing, and enables securement of an aircraft fuselage to the wing. The space frame includes carbon fiber rods arranged to handle tensile and compression loads otherwise carried by conventional wing spars, ribs, and stringers normally connected to heavy structural metal wing box joints at the sides of a fuselage for attachment of left and right wings. The space frame also includes sleeve and shaft connectors secured to the carbon fiber rods, the connectors arranged in truss-like configurations for preventing buckling of the carbon fiber rods. The space frame may be designed to extend at least midspan between wings, so that traditional wing box joints on a fuselage can be eliminated. Finally, wing skin panels secured to the space frame can be designed to support only aerodynamic loads of flight.

Abstract: An aircraft that includes an outer skin having an opening formed therein, and a cargo compartment including a plurality of side walls that define an interior of the cargo compartment. The plurality of side walls are positioned such that the interior is in flow communication with the opening. The aircraft further includes a hinged panel coupled to the outer skin. The hinged panel is operable between a closed position for covering the opening and an open position for exposing the interior to an ambient environment outside the aircraft. A release device is configured to retain the hinged panel in the closed position, and configured to release the hinged panel for movement into the open position when an unexpected combustion event forms in the interior.