Clamping system for holding a composite charge during forming over a forming mandrel
US10703055B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignees
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 14, 2017 |
| Grant date | Jul 7, 2020 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 18, 2038 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB64C3/182
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A clamping system for securing a composite charge in position relative to a forming mandrel includes an upstream hinge clamp and a downstream hinge clamp for clamping opposing ends of the composite charge in respective position relative to a mandrel upstream end and a mandrel downstream end during forming of the composite charge onto the forming mandrel. Each one of the hinge clamps is configured to fold a corresponding end of the composite charge from a generally approximately flat configuration to an angled configuration during forming of the composite charge onto the forming mandrel. At least one of the hinge axes is oriented approximately parallel to a folding axis located proximate an intersection of a mandrel top portion with at least one of opposing mandrel side surfaces.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.