Tooling for vibration assisted processing of viscous thermoplastics
US6033203A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 15, 1997 |
| Grant date | Mar 7, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 15, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB29C2791/008
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Cure and consolidation of a viscous thermoplastic resin, especially one that softens and melts at a high temperature, is improved by assisting autoclave pressurized momentum transport for compaction of the composite using high frequency, low amplitude acoustic vibration within the resin. The vibration induces shear thinning in the resin which promotes resin flow, achieves filling or collapse of voids, and assists consolidation of the composite preform. The vibration is produced with a "shaker table" formed from metal plates sandwiching piezoelectrical transducers. The "shaker table" is coupled to the layup mandrel. The vibration might also be produced as a transducer pad that overlies the preform on the mandrel.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.