Apparatus and method for use in molding a composite structure
US6565792B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | May 11, 2001 |
| Grant date | May 20, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 11, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB29C33/0061
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An apparatus for molding a composite structure which includes an insert that is pervious to a flowable resin, and a mold having a cavity defining contiguous upper and lower portions. The upper portion is adapted to receive a fibrous pre-form, and the lower portion is adapted to receive the insert. The insert defines a volume to accommodate a pool of the flowable resin. Also, the insert preferably includes a plurality of fluid transferable elements. The fluid transferable elements preferably include a generally planar plate and an expanded metal pre-form, wherein the plate and the expanded metal pre-form are configured to facilitate resin flow in a direction generally orthogonal to a bottom surface of the mold to distribute the resin uniformly across the mold cavity. In addition, a method of vacuum assisted resin transfer molding includes the steps of providing a rigid mold having a shape corresponding to the part to be formed, and then positioning an insert in the mold to define a reservoir for containing a pool of resin, the insert including a plurality of mutually spaced openings. Next, the method includes positioning a fibrous pre-form on the insert, and then injecting resin thr…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.