Manufacturing fiber-reinforced composite structures
US10987833B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 5, 2017 |
| Grant date | Apr 27, 2021 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 5, 2037 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E60/10
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The invention relates to a method of manufacturing a three dimensional structure having an internal space, the method comprising the following steps: (a) arranging a preform of fibre reinforced material in a first configuration in which the preform is supported by a support structure; (b) selectively curing the preform when laid out on the support structure to produce an intermediate preform, the intermediate preform comprising at least two selectively cured portions interconnected by at least one non-selectively cured portion; and (c) moving the two selectively cured portions with respect to one another to form the three dimensional composite structure in which the two portions at least partially surround the internal space of the structure. A preform of fibre reinforced material for use in a method of manufacturing a three dimensional structure having an internal space also forms part of the invention. The invention also relates to a device and intermediate preforms for the manufacture of a fibre-reinforced composite structure.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.