Articulated forming caul for composite blank vacuum forming
US11845234B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 24, 2020 |
| Grant date | Dec 19, 2023 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 4, 2040 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB29C2043/3655
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A vacuum bag system (VBS) for forming pre-consolidated composite blanks has a blank enclosure for sealing around a periphery of the blank, while leaving a second side of the blank exposed, an articulated forming caul (AFC) with at least two facets, each facet effectively jointedly coupled to an adjacent facet, and having a respective, independently controlled, heater integrated with, or coupled to the facet. The VBS further has a forming enclosure for sealing around a periphery of a tool. The blank enclosure brings the blank and the facets into uniform thermal contact resistance and mechanical contact; and permits the articulated AFC to distribute thermal and mechanical load across the blank during forming, even as the facets move to align to faces of the mold.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.