Forming apparatus, method, and system

US12194693B2 · 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
• Paul Lesovoy · Fife, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Oct 20, 2021
• Grant date: Jan 14, 2025
• Expiry date: Nov 4, 2042

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B29L2031/3076
• WIPO field: Other special machines
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A forming apparatus comprises 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 second stomp foot is movably connected to the carriage such that it may move along the vertical axis. A first swing arm is movably connected to the carriage and a second swing arm, movably connected to the carriage, is laterally opposed from the first swing arm relative to the longitudinal axis. A method 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 the forming apparatus.