Method and apparatus for making composite parts
US6723271B2 · kind B2 · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 1, 2001 |
| Grant date | Apr 20, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 26, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB29C70/443
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method of making a composite part includes the steps of placing a first section of a fibrous pre-form in a mold and infusing the first section of the fibrous pre-form with a resin so as to produce a resin-infused portion and a non-resin-infused portion. Next, the method includes coupling the non-resin-infused portion to a second section of the fibrous pre-form to create a coupled non-resin-infused portion. Then, the coupled non-resin-infused portion is infused with resin to create a second resin-infused portion and a second non-resin-infused portion. These steps are repeated to separately infuse different sections of the part until the part is complete. The corresponding apparatus preferably employs a rigid mold having a shape defining only a portion of the composite part to be made. And, the method is particularly adapted to making both cored and non-cored structures that are large or unconventionally shaped.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.