Apparatus and method for automated layup of composite structures

US10086596B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• The Boeing Company · US

Inventors

• Matthew Ray DesJardien · Kenmore, US
• Blake Rafferty · Seattle, US
• Michael Karas · Hattersheim, DE
• Mark Bunker · Orlando, US
• Erik Lund · Bellevue, US
• Garrett C. Hanson · Everett, US
• Stephen G. Holley · Gig Harbor, US
• Benjamin Bowen Lee · Tacoma, US
• John O'Connell · Plainsboro, US
• John D. Morris · Seattle, US
• Derek John Flolid · Bothell, US
• Bruce S. Howard · Bellevue, US
• Mark Boberg · Issaquah, US
• Eric Walker · Dublin, US
• Silas Lawton Studley · Seattle, US
• Derek Willis · Edmonds, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 12, 2015
• Grant date: Oct 2, 2018
• Expiry date: Nov 9, 2036

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B32B2309/16
• WIPO field: Other special machines
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

An apparatus for forming a material layer onto a form tool may include at least one nosepiece configured to laterally sweep a ply carrier onto a form tool contour. The apparatus may include a pair of tension arms configured to support opposing lateral sides of a ply carrier having a material layer mounted to a lower surface thereof. The apparatus may include one or more actuators configured to position the tension arms during forming of the ply carrier to the form tool contour. The one or more actuators may be configured to sense and control lateral tension in the ply carrier during forming of the ply carrier to the form tool contour.