Forming apparatus, method, and system

US11964442B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• The Boeing Company · US

Inventors

• Scott Krajca · Seattle, US
• Long Ly · Renton, US
• Chace Wilcoxson · Kent, US
• Darrell D. Jones · Mill Creek, US
• Kurtis S. Willden · Kent, US
• Michael A. Lee · Kent, US
• Josiah Brubaker · Bellingham, US
• Michael Karas · Hattersheim, DE
• Joseph Warren · Maple Valley, US
• Pavel Lesovoy · Fife, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Oct 27, 2021
• Grant date: Apr 23, 2024
• Expiry date: Oct 27, 2041

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B64C2001/0072
• WIPO field: Other special machines
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

The disclosed forming apparatus includes a frame. The frame defines a vertical axis, a horizontal axis, and a longitudinal axis. A carriage is movably connected to the frame. A first stomp foot is movably connected to the carriage such that it may move along the vertical axis. A first end effector is movably connected to the carriage. The first end effector is controlled by an actuator. The disclosed method for forming a composite part includes applying at least one ply of composite material over a forming surface of a forming tool and deforming the at least one ply of composite material over the forming surface of the forming tool with a forming apparatus.