System and method for fabricating a composite structure

US11685128B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• The Boeing Company · US

Inventors

• Scott Krajca · Seattle, US
• Long Ly · Renton, US
• Chace Wilcoxson · Kent, US
• Darrell D. Jones · Mill Creek, US
• Kurtis S. Willden · Kent, US
• Gregory R. Klempel · Seattle, US
• Jeremy Evan Justice · Mill Creek, US
• Daniel R. Smith · Woodinville, US
• Marko Oviir · Seattle, US
• Mark Bunker · Orlando, US
• Erik Lund · Bellevue, US
• Wade Matthew Morris · Auburn, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Nov 1, 2021
• Grant date: Jun 27, 2023
• Expiry date: Nov 1, 2041

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B29L2031/3082
• WIPO field: Other special machines
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A system for fabricating a composite structure includes a ply carrier including a ply support surface configured to support at least one composite ply. The system includes a carrier transfer device configured to convey the ply carrier. The system includes a lamination system configured to selectively apply the at least one composite ply to the ply support surface of the ply carrier. The system includes a transfer system configured to remove the ply carrier from the carrier transfer device and to apply the at least one composite ply to at least a portion of a forming surface of a forming tool. The system includes a forming system configured to form the at least one composite ply over the at least a portion of the forming surface of the forming tool.