Patent · US Expired

Method of resin transfer molding and components for use therewith

US7544055B2 · kind B2 · utility

1Cited by
15References
18Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateOct 30, 2003
Grant dateJun 9, 2009
Priority date
Expiry dateAug 5, 2025

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY10S425/224
  • WIPO fieldOther special machines
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A method of resin transfer molding uses an open base mold filled with fiberglass material and a soft tool sealed over the base mold. A vacuum is applied to a vacuum chamber that surrounds the mold and communicates with the fiberglass material through vacuum conduits. Resin is injected into the closed mold and is drawn through the fiberglass material to the edge of the mold with the assistance of the vacuum. The soft tool is preferably a flexible sheet having an edge seal to connect to the base mold and a vacuum channel with a vacuum port that surrounds the mold. The injection head releasably connects to the soft tool and preferably uses a solenoid actuated injector to supply resin to the mold. The injection head can include a self sealing device to seal the injection port and a self cleaning mechanism for flushing resin from the interior chamber of the head.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.