Method of using a shape memory material as a mandrel for composite part manufacturing
US7422714B1 · kind B1 · utility
47Cited by
32References
2Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 8, 2005 |
| Grant date | Sep 9, 2008 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 1, 2026 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB29C33/3857
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method of fabricating and using a removable, inflatable mandrel of shape memory polymer for use in manufacturing composite parts including the steps of providing a processed pre-form of shape memory polymer, replicating a mold with the shape memory polymer, using the mold as a mandrel in the creation of composite parts, and removing the shape memory mandrel quickly and easily from the part without damage to the finished part.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.