Patent ID: 8947847
Filing Date: 2015-02-03
Classification: B29C,B64C,B64D,Y02T,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A method for forming a structure having lightning strike protection, the method comprising: receiving at least one structural layer; receiving at least one lightning strike protection strip disposed on at least one reinforcement layer comprising a unidirectional fiber reinforced composite tape, the at least one lightning strike protection strip comprising a first material, and the at least one reinforcement layer comprising a second material different from the first material; automatically applying, using at least one of a fiber placement apparatus, a tape laying apparatus, and a similar automated manufacturing means, the at least one lightning strike protection strip disposed on the at least one reinforcement layer onto the at least one structural layer, the at least one reinforcement layer supporting the at least one lightning strike protection strip and ensuring that tensile stresses are borne by the at least one reinforcement layer to minimize stresses on the at least one lightning strike protection strip during the automatically applying of the at least one lightning strike protection strip disposed on the at least one reinforcement layer to avoid damage to the at least one lightning strike protection strip; and forming the at least one structural layer, the at least one lightning strike protection strip, and the at least one reinforcement layer, into the structure.