Methods and apparatuses for forming composite parts from multi-ply prepreg composite charges
US12275201B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 23, 2021 |
| Grant date | Apr 15, 2025 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 2, 2043 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB29L2031/3076
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method of forming a composite part from a mufti-ply prepreg composite charge comprises reducing pressure inside a bladder, located in a chamber that is at atmospheric pressure, below the atmospheric pressure. The method also comprises placing the multi-ply prepreg composite charge, having a first shape, in the chamber and reducing pressure inside the chamber below the atmospheric pressure. The method additionally comprises, while maintaining pressure inside the chamber below the atmospheric pressure, expanding the bladder within the chamber by increasing pressure inside the bladder to the atmospheric pressure, so that the multi-ply prepreg composite charge is compressed between the bladder and a forming tool, which is located inside the chamber, and the multi-ply prepreg composite charge is configured by the forming tool to a second shape, different from the first shape. The method also comprises curing the multi-ply prepreg composite charge, having the second shape.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.