Forming apparatus and method for forming highly contoured composite structures
US12036754B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 15, 2021 |
| Grant date | Jul 16, 2024 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 15, 2041 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB29L2031/3085
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
There is provided a forming apparatus for constraining a composite charge and forming the composite charge into a highly contoured composite structure. The forming apparatus includes a first die and a second die between which the composite charge is formed. The first die has pairs of first die portions spaced apart to define a die cavity into which the composite charge is formed into a contoured hat section having a cap. The forming apparatus includes a constraining assembly having a constraining device positioned in the die cavity. The constraining device is designed to constrain a cap portion, and to apply an upward resistive force against the cap portion, and against a downward compressive force applied by the second die, to provide wrinkle prevention in the cap as the contoured hat section is formed. The constraining assembly has a retaining element to retain the constraining device.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.