Composite caul sheet with integral seal used in the fabrication of lightweight airfoils and method of making
US6431850B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 11, 2000 |
| Grant date | Aug 13, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 29, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S425/044
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A flexible tool that fits over the pressure or concave side of a metallic airfoil that includes a lightweight material component for a gas turbine engine during the fabrication of the airfoil. The metallic fan airfoil includes pockets or cavities that have been machined into the airfoil in order to reduce the weight of the airfoil. The tool is a flexible body manufactured from sheets of composite material and includes an integral elastomeric seal. The tool is placed over the airfoil and forms a seal against the pressure side of the airfoil so that lightweight resin can be injected into the pockets and retained in position during curing. The flexible tool is formed by laying up thin sheets of composite material that includes fiber over a metallic master tool after partially cured elastomeric material is placed inside a marking corresponding to the airfoil perimeter. The metallic master tool also includes slot positions corresponding to preselected positions, that form integral projections which allow the flexible tool to be correctly assembled and sealed against the airfoil.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.