Method for manufacturing composite parts
US6666942B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 10, 2002 |
| Grant date | Dec 23, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 10, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T156/1062
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method for manufacturing composite parts includes positioning a plurality of composite layers on an application surface formed by a plurality of tooling members and filler members on a mandrel. A part formation aid is disposed on the composite layers above each tooling member. The filler members are then removed, and the composite layers slit over the recesses. The mandrel, the tooling members, the composite layers, and the part formation aids are placed in a vacuum bag. As the bag is evacuated, each part formation aid forces the side edge of the composite layers formed by the slit around the respective tooling member, thereby forming a composite part with a desired shape, thickness, and density. In an alternate embodiment, a flanged composite panel is formed around a rectangular mandrel after positioning composite layers on an outer surface of the mandrel and an outer surface of a filler member disposed on one end of the mandrel. After removing the filler member, the flanged panel is formed and partially cured by vacuum bagging. A plurality of tooling members and filler members are then placed on the flanged panel to form an application surface. Composite layers are positioned o…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.