Expandable media with flexible skin as tooling for composite parts
US11787914B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 16, 2021 |
| Grant date | Oct 17, 2023 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 20, 2041 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC C)Chemistry; Metallurgy
- CPC primaryC08J2483/04
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A system for curing a composite part, includes a mandrel configured to receive and support the uncured composite part; a plurality of expandable pellets disposed on the uncured composite part; and a mold configured to hold the mandrel, the uncured composite part, and the plurality of expandable pellets, wherein the plurality of expandable pellets are configured to expand and apply a positive pressure to the uncured composite part according to a change in condition or triggering event, and wherein each of the plurality of expandable pellets includes a blowing agent, a polymer matrix configured to hold the blowing agent, and a flexible skin configured to encapsulate the polymer matrix and the blowing agent, wherein the flexible skin is at least partially permeable with respect to the blowing agent or a gas released by the blowing agent.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.