Machine configured to form a composite structure

US11911977B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• The Boeing Company · US

Inventors

• Michael K. Louie · Renton, US
• Robert G. Albers · Bellevue, US
• Jeron D. Moore · Lynnwood, US
• Luis A. Perla · Sammamish, US
• Gagandeep Saini · Snohomish, US
• Brice A. Johnson · Redmond, US
• Marcin A. Rabiega · Kent, US

Key dates

• Filing date: May 6, 2021
• Grant date: Feb 27, 2024
• Expiry date: Apr 28, 2042

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y02T50/40
• WIPO field: Other special machines
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

An illustrative example of the present disclosure provides a machine configured to form a composite structure. The machine includes a composite placement machine, measuring equipment, a tool path generator, and compaction equipment. The composite placement machine lays up composite plies. The measuring equipment measures surfaces of the composite plies to form measurements during layup of the composite plies. A computer includes a model of the composite plies for a structure. The tool path generator forms a modified tool path based upon a difference between the measurements and expected measurements for the composite plies in the model.