Demolding of large composite parts for aircraft

US11724421B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• The Boeing Company · US

Inventors

• Darrell D. Jones · Mill Creek, US
• Daniel R. Smith · Woodinville, US
• Patrick B. Stone · Monroe, US
• David Raines · Chicago, US
• Byron James Autry · Charleston, US
• Matthew B. Moore · Salem, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Nov 10, 2021
• Grant date: Aug 15, 2023
• Expiry date: Nov 10, 2041

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B64C2001/0072
• WIPO field: Other special machines
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

Systems and methods are provided for demolding a composite part from a mandrel. The method includes mechanically coupling a first arm of an extraction tool to a first arcuate portion of a composite part that has been hardened onto a mandrel, mechanically coupling a second arm of an extraction tool to a second arcuate portion of the composite part, and separating the composite part from the mandrel by iteratively performing the following operations until the composite part no longer contacts the mandrel: elastically straining the first arcuate portion of the composite part via the first arm, and elastically straining the second arcuate portion of the composite part via the second arm.