Systems and methods for in situ manufacturing of minimally tooled stringers
US10974850B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 2, 2017 |
| Grant date | Apr 13, 2021 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 7, 2038 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S901/41
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Provided are systems and apparatuses for manufacturing aircraft support structures. An example robotic end effector comprises a rotatable reel with a flat strip of material wound around the reel. The end effector further includes a forming shoe including a forming surface contacting the strip of material. A first end of the forming surface corresponds to a start shape and a second end of the forming surface corresponds to an end shape. As the strip of material passes from the first end of the forming surface to the second end of the forming surface, the strip of material transitions from the first shape to the end shape and is deposited as a formed stringer ply onto an application surface. The forming shoe may further include a vacuum system to suction air through a plurality of ports along the forming surface to urge the strip of material against the forming surface.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.