Composite ply placement system and method

US11654641B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• The Boeing Company · US

Inventors

• Long Ly · Renton, US
• Scott Krajca · Seattle, US
• Darrell D. Jones · Mill Creek, US
• Chace Wilcoxson · Kent, US
• Mark Bunker · Orlando, US
• Joel Crain · Renton, US
• Keegan Chamberlain · Seattle, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Nov 1, 2021
• Grant date: May 23, 2023
• Expiry date: Nov 1, 2041

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B65H2701/1938
• WIPO field: Handling
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A system for placing a composite ply includes a transfer end effector that is movable relative to a carrier transfer device, configured to convey a ply carrier that supports the composite ply, and a placement end effector that is movable relative to the transfer end effector and to a forming tool. The transfer end effector is configured to remove the ply carrier, supporting the composite ply, from the carrier transfer device and to position the ply carrier for removal by the placement end effector. The placement end effector is configured to remove the ply carrier from the transfer end effector and to apply the composite ply to the forming tool.