Automated manufacture of complex contoured composite parts

US11034100B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• The Boeing Company · US

Inventors

• Michael K. Louie · Renton, US
• Jeron D. Moore · Lynnwood, US
• Gagandeep Saini · Snohomish, US
• Luis A. Perla · Sammamish, US
• Brice A. Johnson · Redmond, US
• Stewart James Ibbotson · Bothell, US
• Timothy D. Jackson · Everett, US
• Robert G. Meyer · Renton, US
• Robert G. Albers · Bellevue, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jun 20, 2018
• Grant date: Jun 15, 2021
• Expiry date: Apr 17, 2039

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B29L2031/3076
• WIPO field: Other special machines
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A method and apparatus for forming a composite object. A first plurality of tows is laid up over a tool according to a first path. A second plurality of tows is laid up over the tool according to a second path. A first portion of the first plurality of tows runs non-parallel to a second portion of the second plurality of tows. First ends of the first portion of the first plurality of tows and second ends of the second portion of the second plurality of tows meet at a merge zone along the tool to form a ply of a composite laminate.