Heated composite tool and method for building and use
US11633881B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 19, 2019 |
| Grant date | Apr 25, 2023 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 2, 2040 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB29K2105/167
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A heated composite tool, useful for forming, debulking, and/or curing prepreg materials, including a composite build structure having a shape of a composite part that is to be produced, configured to receive and support prepreg materials during lay-up, and including a heating structure physically coupled to the composite build structure, and comprising at least one heating element, including a carbon nanotube structured layer defining a current path having first and second ends and first and second electrical terminals electrically coupled to the first and second ends and a first isolation ply disposed between the composite build structure and the at least one heating element, the first isolation ply forming an electrical insulating gap between the at least one heating element and the composite build structure, wherein the carbon nanotube structured layer is responsive to an electromotive force applied across the first and second electrical terminals to heat the tool.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.