In-situ monitoring of thermoformable composites
US11529774B2 · kind B2 · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 1, 2020 |
| Grant date | Dec 20, 2022 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 20, 2040 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01N2021/8472
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A method and system for determining the quality and configuration of a structure that is constructed from a thermoformable material, such as a thermoplastic or thermoset material, and in particular thermoplastic composite tapes, where heat is applied to cure the thermoformable material. The quality of the build is monitored during the construction of the structure by determining the differential heat flux in the material as it cools from its elevated temperature. The system and method also may determine the location of defects in a structure being constructed so that remedial measures may be taken or production operations halted to address the defect. A transient thermal effect is applied to the structure being monitored, such as the thermoformable material being applied, which may be implemented from the applied heating of the thermoformable construction application process or additional heating.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.