Company Filing History:
Years Active: 2017-2025
James P. Dobberfuhl: The Aeronautical Engineer Revolutionizing Aircraft Wings
Meet James P. Dobberfuhl, an aeronautical engineer and inventor who has four patents to his name and works for none other than the world-renowned company, Boeing. Dobberfuhl is based in Clinton, WA, and his latest inventions are changing the way aircraft wings are built.
One of Dobberfuhl's recent patents is for a composite spar used in aircraft wings. A composite spar is a structural support beam that runs from the wing root to the wingtip in an aircraft wing. The unique design of Dobberfuhl's composite spar includes a double-flanged spar cap, a single-flanged spar cap, a spar web connecting the double-flanged spar cap and the single-flanged spar cap, and a tear strap. This design enables the composite spar to have greater strength and durability than traditional spar designs. The inward-facing flange and the first outward-facing flange are integrated with the first skin during a co-curing process, resulting in fewer parts and a simplified manufacturing process.
Dobberfuhl's other patent is for a wingtip torque box that is produced using friction stir welding. The wingtip torque box is an important component of an aircraft wing because it attaches to the wingtip, where there is a lot of stress during flight. Using monolithic clamshells that are friction stir welded together, Dobberfuhl's design simplifies the fabrication process and yields a robust wingtip torque box that can be bolted on to or otherwise attached to the aircraft wing.
Dobberfuhl's coworkers, Kim A. Linton and Jaime E. Baraja, have also made significant contributions to Boeing's aeronautical engineering. Together, the team is revolutionizing the way aircraft wings are designed and constructed, ensuring that they are stronger, safer, and more efficient.
It's clear that James P. Dobberfuhl's inventions and innovations have already made a significant impact in the aeronautical engineering industry. His designs have the potential to bring forth a new era of aircraft wings that are lighter, stronger, and more cost-effective for manufacturers. We are excited to see what Dobberfuhl and his team come up with next.
Inventor’s Patent Attorneys refers to legal professionals with specialized expertise in representing inventors throughout the patent process. These attorneys assist inventors in navigating the complexities of patent law, including filing patent applications, conducting patent searches, and protecting intellectual property rights. They play a crucial role in helping inventors secure patents for their innovative creations.