Forming systems and methods for forming an elongate charge of composite material
US11931975B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 21, 2022 |
| Grant date | Mar 19, 2024 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 18, 2042 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB29L2031/3076
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Forming systems and methods for forming an elongate charge of composite material are disclosed herein. The forming systems include an elongate forming tool having an elongate forming surface with a forming surface shape that corresponds to a predetermined material shape for the elongate charge of composite material. The forming systems also include an elongate end effector, which is configured to tension the elongate charge of composite material across the forming surface. The elongate end effector includes an elongate vacuum distribution manifold, a porous elongate vacuum region, and an elongate friction surface. The methods include methods of tensioning an elongate charge of composite material across an elongate forming surface of an elongate forming tool utilizing an elongate end effector.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.