Method of punching a composite plate
US6266865A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 17, 1999 |
| Grant date | Jul 31, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 17, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T83/4786
- WIPO fieldMachine tools
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A novel method is provided for forming a clear hole through a composite plate. At least two plates can be joined together to form a wall of a trailer. The following steps are taken to perform the method: A punching apparatus is advanced through an extension skin of a first composite plate and a first skin of a second composite plate, thereby compressing the core material of the second composite plate and forming a first slug. The apparatus is withdrawn therefrom. The composite plates are flipped over. The apparatus is advanced through a second skin of the second composite plate, forming a second slug. The apparatus is further advanced through the core material of the second composite plate, thereby ejecting the first slug, a portion of the core material of the second composite plate and the second slug to form a hole through the extension skin and the second composite plate. The apparatus is then withdrawn from the second composite plate. The hole is then re-punched and re-withdrawn in order to remove any excess core material which may have expanded into the hole. A rivet can be easily placed through the hole to join the plates together. The re-punching and re-withdrawing step can …
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.