Multi-segment mandrel for processing a composite part and method for fabricating a composite part
US11964410B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 3, 2022 |
| Grant date | Apr 23, 2024 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 23, 2042 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB29L2031/757
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An example mandrel for processing a part is described including a plurality of elastomeric components aligned end to end and spaced apart linearly to form a segmented mandrel body, and compressible interconnections positioned within spacing between adjacent elastomeric components and abutting the adjacent elastomeric components. The compressible interconnections allow the plurality of elastomeric components to expand axially due to thermal expansion resulting in a distribution of pressure. An example method for fabricating a composite part is also described including placing a base composite layer into a cavity of a tooling surface, inserting a mandrel into the cavity of the tooling surface such that the base composite layer is between the mandrel and the tooling surface, applying a skin to the mandrel and the base composite layer forming a package, enclosing the package in a vacuum bag and curing, and removing the mandrel from the cavity of the tooling surface.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.