Process and system for improving surface quality of composite structures

US11020913B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• The Boeing Company · US

Inventors

• Michael K. Louie · Renton, US
• Robert G. Albers · Bellevue, US
• Jeron D. Moore · Lynnwood, US
• Luis A. Perla · Sammamish, US
• Gagandeep Saini · Snohomish, US
• Brice A. Johnson · Redmond, US
• Marcin A. Rabiega · Kent, US

Key dates

• Filing date: May 11, 2018
• Grant date: Jun 1, 2021
• Expiry date: Mar 30, 2039

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y02T50/40
• WIPO field: Other special machines
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A process and system for improving surface quality of composite structures, including laying up a first set of composite plies including a first outer ply of a first composite structure. A first intermediate surface of the first outer ply is measured to form a first set of measurements. A laydown surface for a tool path of a composite placement machine is modified to form a modified tool path, wherein modifying the laydown surface comprises modifying the laydown surface such that a laydown surface of the modified tool path matches the first set of measurements. A composite ply is laid down using the composite placement machine and the modified tool path.