Roller device with tailorable compliance for automated fiber placement
US10926491B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 24, 2018 |
| Grant date | Feb 23, 2021 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 30, 2038 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB29C70/388
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A roller device for use in an automated fiber placement process for creating composite parts on a contoured tool. A helical spring provides a bendable axle, and a roller cover fits over the spring axle. A tension mechanism is arranged through the spring axle along a centerline axis, and is adjustable to control a bendability of the spring axle so as to more closely conform to particular contours of the tool. The tension mechanism may include a cable extending through the spring axle, a threaded portion at an end of the cable, and a screw received within the threaded portion and turnable to adjust a length of the tension mechanism and thereby adjust the bendability of the spring axle. The tension mechanism may be adjustable manually, semi-manually with a motor controlled by a user, or automatically with a motor controlled by an electronic controller.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.