Patent ID: 9656735
Date: 2017-05-23
CPC Classifications: B64C,B64D

Claim:
1. An aircraft comprising: a structural assembly comprising a first rigid element and a second rigid element, the first and second rigid elements separated from each other longitudinally by a void; a skin disposed proximate to the structural assembly and adjacent to the void such that the skin would deflect inward into the void in response to an impact force received by the skin; and a snubber disposed in the void and extending longitudinally between the first and second rigid elements and positioned such that, when the skin deflects inwardly in response to the impact force, the skin contacts the snubber and the snubber reduces further deflection of the skin into the void; wherein prior to the impact force, the first rigid element is not between the second rigid element and the skin and the second rigid element is not between the first rigid element and the skin.