Co-molding of non-crimped fabric and SMC
US12240192B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 13, 2021 |
| Grant date | Mar 4, 2025 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 1, 2042 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB62D29/043
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Co-molding of non-crimped fabric and sheet molding composition. The pre-preg of non-crimped fabric is dried to achieve suitable stiffness for molding. The pre-preg allows the pre-formed non-crimped fabric feature to retain its shape during molding. A plurality of thorns is provided in the molding tooling to further prevent movement of pre-preg during molding. The method of co-molding includes, drying of the pre-preg to achieve suitable stiffness for molding, pre-forming of the pre-preg, and incorporating a plurality of stand-off features or thorns in the molding tool to prevent movement of pre-preg during co-molding so that predetermined full coverage of non-crimped fabric is maintained in predetermined area(s) of the molded part and the continuous fibers of the non-crimped fabric are not distorted.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.