Automated removal apparatus, system, and method for selectively removing trimmed portions of a laminated ply in a ply-by-ply fabrication process
US11919261B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 2, 2021 |
| Grant date | Mar 5, 2024 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 13, 2042 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB65H2406/3661
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
There is provided an automated removal apparatus for selectively removing one or more trimmed portions of a laminated ply in a ply-by-ply fabrication process. The automated removal apparatus includes a rotatable reel having a plurality of retractable vacuum panels attached around the rotatable reel. Each retractable vacuum panel has one or more retractable vacuum pad assemblies, and each retractable vacuum pad assembly has a vacuum pad with a vacuum port and a self-sealing valve. The automated removal apparatus further includes actuator assemblies attached to the plurality of retractable vacuum panels, friction reducing elements attached around the rotatable reel, a drive assembly attached to the rotatable reel, and a pneumatic system attached to the rotatable reel and including a valve manifold operable to control an air flow to the actuator assemblies and to one or more vacuum generators to generate a vacuum flow.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.