Structurally integrated wire and associated fabrication method

摘要

A wire integrated with a structural member, a structural member having an integrated wire, and a method of manufacturing an integrated wire are provided. The wire is formed of a plurality of nonlinear tows that are disposed on the structural member in a generally longitudinal direction. The tows can be interlaced, for example, in a braided or woven configuration. Each tow is formed of fibers that can be coated with an electrically conductive metal, and strands of electrically conductive metal can also be interlaced with the fibers or tows so that the wire provides electrical communication for transmitting electrical signals or power. A structural material is disposed between the tows and joins the tows to the structural member. #4565814v1