Consolidation of complex contoured thermoplastic structures
US10029398B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 27, 2015 |
| Grant date | Jul 24, 2018 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 4, 2036 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB29K2905/00
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method and apparatus for forming a stiffened thermoplastic panel is presented. The method may comprise placing a number of forming tools within a number of concave areas of a thermoplastic preform. The method may also place the thermoplastic preform with the number of forming tools within the number of concave areas on a thermoplastic lay-up to form a workpiece. The method may also position the workpiece within a tool. The tool may have a number of die liners configured to generate heat in response to a magnetic field. The method may also consolidate the workpiece to form the stiffened thermoplastic panel. Consolidating may comprise applying a magnetic field to the number of die liners to heat the workpiece to a consolidation temperature.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.