Method and system for manufacturing a composite tube node
US10328642B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 14, 2015 |
| Grant date | Jun 25, 2019 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 8, 2036 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB29L2031/3091
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A process includes disposing a mandrel assembly within a mold cavity bounded by mold forming surfaces. The mold is closed, first portions of the mandrel assembly seal against mold forming surfaces, and a continuous volume shaped as a node element is defined between second portions of the mandrel and the mold forming surfaces. A composite material is injected into the mold cavity filling the continuous volume, and cured forming the node element. The mandrel assembly is removed in sections exposing a node element opening. Tube-skeletons are inserted one each into openings of the node element, each tube-skeleton comprises foam core supported glass or carbon fabric materials. A resin material is injected into the mold cavity, such that the resin material permeates through the fabric material into a node element interior via the openings. The injected resin material is cured, thereby forming tube elements joined to the node element.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.